Economics
| Degree | Bachelor of Science |
| Application | 100 %: not required |
| 50 %: mandatory | |
| 25 %: mandatory | |
| Course commences | winter semester only |
| Standard course duration | 6 semesters |
| Focus options | 100%; 50% (with Teaching Degree option); 25% |
| Format options | full-time / part-time |
| Language requirements | none |
| Language of instruction | German and English |
Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences
Note for prospective students interested in coming to Heidelberg University to take the Teaching Degree course qualifying its graduates to teach at higher secondary (grammar) schools (Gymnasien) in Germany:
In accordance with the statutory provisions laid down by the State of Baden-Württemberg, students wishing to embark as of winter semester 2015/2016 on a Teaching Degree qualifying them to teach at higher secondary (grammar) schools (Gymnasien) in Germany can only do so by enrolling in two-tier courses with a Bachelor/Master structure (polyvalent two-subject (50%) Bachelor programme with a Teaching Degree option; Master of Education course scheduled to start in winter semester 2018/2019).
As of winter semester 2015/2016, the subject described on this page can be studied in a polyvalent two-subject (50%) Bachelor course with a Teaching Degree option. It has to be combined with another 50% subject of relevance for secondary-school education.
For more information, go to https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/studium/zlb/
Note for students already enrolled in a Teaching Degree course in the framework of the Examination Regulations for Teachers at Higher Secondary Schools (GymPO I):
In the winter semester 2015/2016 and later, students enrolled by 31 July 2015 in a Teaching Degree course regulated by the provisions of GymPO I (2009) are entitled to switch to a different main subject under the conditions set out in said GymPO provided that the change is in accordance with the statutory provisions.
In this case, the following transitional regulations apply: http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/md/studium/zlb/beratung/150515_gympo-uebergangsregelungen_final.pdf
For more information, go to https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/studium/zlb/
Course outline
Economic issues are part and parcel of our daily lives. In the media, economic growth, unequal pay and unemployment are just as hardy perennials as financial crises, emissions trading or the effects of globalisation. In our professional and private lives, we make a large number of economic decisions, ranging from buying a car to donations to charity. How can we achieve a better understanding of “economic life” with all its different facets?
The B.Sc. course in Economics at Heidelberg University acquaints its students with modern methodologies and concepts with which they can successfully analyse processes taking place in the business world and society and also have a hand in shaping them. To this end, acquisition of the theoretical tools and empirical techniques employed in economics is a crucial prerequisite, as is familiarity with explanatory approaches generated by neighbouring social-science disciplines like political science or sociology.
Accordingly, the course combines a strong economic core area with a variety of interdisciplinary links. The Heidelberg Department of Economics (Alfred Weber Institute, AWI) thus offers a B.Sc. programme with an innovative slant both in content and methodology that marks it off from other B.Sc. economics courses.
The economic core area referred to above encompasses both compulsory modules in various sectors of economics as well as opportunities for in-depth study that take the form of elective-compulsory modules in which students can familiarise themselves with many sectors of economics. Major interests in research and teaching at AWI are
- environmental and resource economics
- game and decision theory
- experimental economics and behavioural economics
- labour and human resources
- international and development economics
Most of the classes in the B.Sc. degree course on Economics are held in German. In the elective areas, some are also held in English.
Course structure
The B.Sc. in Economics is an innovative, interdisciplinary and professionally organised course geared to international standards. Its main aim is to familiarise students with current academic methods and equip them with the relevant skills enabling them to obtain the initial qualifications required for their future careers and to come up with solutions of their own for economic problems.
At Heidelberg University, Economics at the B.Sc. level can be studied as a 100% main subject, a 50% main subject (with Teaching Degree option, see below) or as a subsidiary subject (25%).
After successful completion of the course, graduates are awarded the academic title Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).The B.Sc. degree course takes six semesters, including the time required for the B.Sc. thesis.
Teaching extends over these six semesters. Students are expected to tackle their B.Sc. thesis between the fifth and sixth semester. For the 100% main course, a total of 180 CPs is required for the compulsory and elective modules taken. The course is modular in structure. Of the 180 CPs, 148 are accounted for by course-related economics and interdisciplinary classes, 12 by the B.Sc. thesis and 20 by cross-disciplinary skills like key skills, professional qualifications, economic/business English, internships, etc.
The 50% Economics course is polyvalent in nature. It can be studied as a straight Subject Option, e.g. with a view to qualifying for the M.Sc. course in Economics at Heidelberg University. This requires the certification of at least 74 ECTS credit points in Economics (incl. Mathematics, Statistics and Econometrics). Normally this can be done by exclusively selecting economics classes in the elective-module sector and completing a B.Sc. thesis on an economics subject. Additional economics credits can also be acquired.
The 50% Economics course can also be taken with the Teaching Degree option with a view to qualifying for the relevant Master of Education course at Heidelberg University. In the Teaching Degree option, the modules Preparatory Professional Qualifications (10 ECTS CP) and Cross-Disciplinary Skills in the other main subject (10 ECTS CP) are replaced by educational, didactic and practical subject matter totalling 20 ECTS CP to enable students to acquire teaching-related qualifications during the B.Sc. course itself. In the Teaching Degree option (unlike the Subject Option) it is also possible to select the module Fundamentals of Business Management to replace the Corporate Governance module.
B.Sc. students are also given the opportunity to combine the skills they have acquired in the economics modules with the wide variety of modules offered by other Faculties of Heidelberg University. The close interrelations between the Department of Economics and the neighbouring disciplines Political Science and Sociology are demonstrated in practice by innovative cooperation in the methodological training provided to enable students to engage in empirical economic and social research.
The study guides provide a clear survey of the modules required:
Study guide subsidiary course 25%
Formal requirements
Admission
Bachelor 100 %
Admission to the course is not restricted. Click here for information on enrolment.
Bachelor 50 %
Admission to the course is restricted. The current Selection Regulations are available here. Applications must be submitted online.
Bachelor 25 %:
Admission to the course is restricted. The current Selection Regulations are available here. Applications must be submitted online.
International applicants
There are special regulations for international applicants. For more information, apply to the International Relations Office of Heidelberg University (Seminarstraße 2). Every summer semester, international applicants are offered a preliminary course lasting one semester.
Study and examination regulations
Examination regulations B.Sc. (7 August 2006, amended 15 May 2015)
Examination regulations B.Sc. (7 August 2006, amended 13 November 2017)
Module Handbook
Please click here to find the latest Module Handbook.
Examinations board
Issues arising in connection with examinations, credit transfer and academic credential recognition are dealt with by the relevant examinations board/office. For more information, consult the academic advisor(s) indicated below.
Fees
Tuition fees at Heidelberg University are payable at the beginning of each semester.
M.Sc. course
Heidelberg University offers a consecutive M.Sc. degree course in Economics.
Academic advisors
Marcus Padberg
Alfred Weber Institute of Economics
Bergheimerstr. 58
69115 Heidelberg
Office 00.018
Office hours: Tuesdays 1-3 pm, Thursdays 10:30 - 12:30 am
phone: +49 (0)6221 542904
fax: +49 (0)6221 542914
e-mail: marcus.padberg@awi.uni-heidelberg.de
Fabian Pohl, B.Sc.
Alfred Weber Institute of Economics
Bergheimerstr. 58
69115 Heidelberg
Office 00.018b
office hours: Mondays 1 – 2 p.m. and Wednesdays 9 – 10 a.m.
phone: +49 (0)6221 542902
e-mail: fabian.pohl@awi.uni-heidelberg.de
Any inapplicable office hours are to be released here.
Contact
Alfred Weber Institute of Economics
Bergheimerstr. 58
69115 Heidelberg
Administration
Marcus Padberg
phone: +49 (0)6221 542904
fax: +49 (0)6221 542914
e-mail: marcus.padberg@awi.uni-heidelberg.de
Internet: www.awi.uni-heidelberg.de/
Student representation
Fachschaft VWL (Economics) Heidelberg
Alfred Weber Institute
Office 014
Bergheimer Straße 58
69117 Heidelberg
phone: +49 (0)6221 542900
e-mail: fs@vwl-heidelberg.de
Internet: www.vwl-heidelberg.de/
