Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - International Office

Contens of this page:

1. Program Structure
2. Language of tuition
3. Fast track
4. Changing to the new study regulations (for "older" Intakes)
5. Old study regulations

The Master's Program in Economics and Management Science is designed to give students the knowledge, skills and methods necessary for a critical and successful future involvement in the worlds of Economics and of Business. In particular, the international orientation should give students the understanding necessary for engagement on an international level.

This Program, offered by the School of Business and Economics, draws on numerous international contacts and on the knowledge and experience of the distinguished German and foreign academics constituting the School's teaching staff.

The primary emphasis of the Program is on imparting rigorous and quantitative methods of economic analysis, which are applied to Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Game Theory, Industrial Organization, Public Economics and Macroeconomics, International Finance Markets, International Business Management and Marketing, as well as the study of Quantitative Methods in their own right.

Please note that this is not an MBA Program! The content of our Program and our expectations of the Program participants are appropriate to the academic demands of a Master of Science qualification.

The main language of tuition is English although the course selection is obviously larger when both German and English are considered. It is possible to complete the entire program in English, but in order to obtain the maximum benefit from the program, participants are encouraged to learn German.

The program has an extremely international selection of students—in 2016, 81% of MEMS students were non-german—and each year 55 students are accepted into the program. The program should be completed, including examinations, within four semesters, provided the student has a sufficient background in mathematics.

After passing all examinations, students earn the degree, Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Economics and Management Science and an official diploma supplement, according to the rules of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The Master's Program is designed according to the rules of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), a European standard set up to ensure smooth transfer of credits earned at different participating colleges and universities throughout Europe. You can view our accreditation information here.

Program Structure

The HU just published new Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen (study regulations), which make studying MEMS more flexible and more customized for your individual preferences. You can find the official text at the page of the Prüfungsbüro: www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/studium/pa/ordnungen (in German only), this page is just an explanation of the study regulations and does not create legal entitlements.

For additional information on the courses offered at our faculty, click here: 

Language of Tuition

The main language of tuition is English and the program can be completed entirely in English! Even though German is not necessary for admission, knowing German will make your stay in Berlin more fun. That is why we strongly suggest that you learn German before coming to Germany. Some courses will only be held in German, however, the program is designed in a way that you can succeed without prior knowledge of the German language. German courses are offered every semester through the HU Sprachenzentrum.

Fast Track

Additionally, MEMS students have the opportunity to follow a special track oriented towards a PhD degree. Please note that students interested in completing this PhD program must apply separately to the Berlin Doctoral Program in Economics Management Science (BDPEMS). Further details can be found on their website https://bdpems.wiwi.hu-berlin.de

Changing to the new study regulations for students starting before 2016

Starting in 2016, MEMS has new Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen (study regulations). The structure of the program will slightly change, allowing students to specialize in one area while keeping the flexible and student-friendly choice of courses. Furthermore, students will also have the option to obtain up to 10 credits for language classes.

The Intake 2016 will be automatically studying under the new study regulations. "Older" students will have the option to change into the new study regulations.

• If you'd like to change, just fill in the form and hand it in to the "Prüfungsbüro": www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/studium/pa/ordnungen/formularma.pdf
• There are a couple of transistional rules. They can be found here: www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/studium/pa/ordnungen/uebergangmems.pdf

Please note, that the change is irrevocalbe. There is no deadline for the change, the only thing is that you'd have to have at least one credit left to do. You may find a FAQ to the change here: www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/studium/pa/ordnungen/faq_201216.pdf

The documents are available in German only, just visit the MEMS office if you have questions.

Program Structure until 2015

Students must complete a total of 120 credit points in modules (lectures and seminars) of which 18 credit points are contributed by the Master thesis. 1 credit point is usually equivalent to 30 hours work load (school and at home, 1 SWS (weekly hour at school) is usually equivalent to 1,5 credit points.

The courses at the School of Business and Economics are all part of a module system. When working through your degree, it is of vast importance that you pay close attention to the modules. Modules can consist of just one course, but may also include multiple courses. To check this you need to read the Modulübersicht (module overview) of your program.

There you can find which courses belong to which module and how many credit points each module will give you. Notice also that some modules are flexible and do not have a set number of credits assigned to them but rather a range. You can then choose a course combination inside this range. Modules are opened by passing the first course in that module. All modules must be closed to graduate, i.e. be aware that you may be forced to take other courses besides the one you chose first to close a module. If you are confused right now, don’t worry. All this will be explained in orientation weeks and it will get a lot clearer from there. For a description of the modules, please refer to the document "Module" at the webpage of the Registrar's Office:

MEMS Modules (as of 19.08.2015)

For an updated version please check:
www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/studium/pa/ordnungen

For more detailed information, please download and carefully read the following legal documents:

• Study Regulations: Studien- und Prüfungsordung (in German)
• Zulassungsbestimmungen (in German)