Career prospects

When you graduate, your skills and qualifications in economics and mathematics will enable you to work in a variety of demanding areas. Typical work areas include:

• Financial sector, e.g. banking, insurance
• Financial departments of industrial enterprises
• Consulting companies

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Graduate studies

To qualify further the University of Konstanz offers:

• Economics (M.Sc.)
• Mathematical Finance (M.Sc.)
• Political Economy (M.Sc.)
• Social and Economic Data Science (M.Sc.)

Start of study

Winter semester

Study structure

The study programme is divided into a basic and an advanced study period, each lasting three semesters. During the basic study period you acquire basic knowledge in economics and gain skills in mathematical methods. During the advanced study period you expand your knowledge of business and macroeconomics in finance management. At the same time you will deepen your knowledge of stochastics, statistics and numerics, so that you will be able to analyse and assess modern finance instruments.

In addition to this, you will select a variety of compulsory elective courses from the fields of economics, mathematics, statistics, law, politics and public administration, or computer and information science, depending on your interests and career aims. You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.

You will find detailed information about the individual course contents on the websites of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics as well as Economics.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

• Module guide
• Examination regulation

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

• GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
• Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
• Language courses at the Language Institute
• Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

• Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
• Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
• qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz

• Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
• Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
• Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service

Internship

You must complete an internship of at least 3 weeks during the semester break. The Department of Economics and the staff of the university’s Career Service are here to help you find a suitable placement.

Stay abroad

A period of study abroad is always highly recommended. You can spend semesters abroad at numerous European and non-European universities. The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes.

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

• Former students report - Samantha Färber, Financial Mathematics
• Former students report - Steffen Schaarschmidt, Financial Mathematics
• Three Questions to Phillip, M.Sc. Financial Mathematics
• Three Questions to Jeaninne, M.Sc. Financial Mathematics
• Three Questions to Linus, B.Sc. Financial Mathematics
• Consultation with Prof. Dr. Almuth Scholl, Economical Sciences
• Consultation with Prof. Dr. Guido Schwerdt, Economical Sciences

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

• Information page about the study of economical sciences
• Information on the master course Financial Mathematics
• Lecture Recordings (Economical Sciences)

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

Documentation Orientation Test
When applying for admission at universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg, you have to take an orientation test. The Baden-Württemberg orientation test is the most widely used test. Please send in your certificate of participation together with your application papers.

Further information can be found in the admission regulations.

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Foreign language skills
You do not have to proof any foreign language skills. However, as large parts of the research literature are written in English, good English skills are highly recommended.

German language skills
International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4. Alternatively, other language tests or school certificates recognized as equivalent can be used as proof of the required German language skills. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.

The language mainly used in class is German. Courses may also be held in English.

• An interest in economic issues
• Good knowledge of mathematics
• Good English skills
• An interest in analytical thinking

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

• your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
• documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
• any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
• any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.09.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services.

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Karin Czaja
Contact person room F 260
Phone: +49 7531 88-3452
Email: studienberatung.fima@uni.kn