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Ideal Profile for the Master's Distance Learning Course in Economics
The Master's degree in Economics at FernUniversität Hagen is aimed at graduates of bachelor's programmes in economics who wish to deepen their expertise in a targeted manner. The course is particularly suitable for working professionals seeking flexible, location-independent further education, as well as for individuals aiming to qualify for responsible positions in companies, public institutions, or research. Career changers from related fields with an economic focus will also find a suitable master’s programme here.
Formal Admission Requirements for the Master's in Economics
To be admitted to the Master's programme in Economics at FernUniversität Hagen, you must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or an equivalent higher education qualification with a predominantly economic orientation (at least 180 ECTS credits)
- The previous studies should include a comprehensive share of economic, business administration, or economics modules
- If applicable, it will be examined on a case-by-case basis whether individual modules or qualifications are sufficient – this is done by the Faculty of Economics
- Admission is possible for the summer or winter semester (application deadlines: 1 December to 31 January or 1 June to 31 July)
In addition to the formal criteria, the following personal requirements will support your study success:
- Self-discipline and motivation for independent distance learning
- Excellent time management and organisational skills to balance work, study and possibly family
- Analytical thinking and interest in business and economic issues
- Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics, as quantitative methods are part of the curriculum
- Initiative and willingness to actively shape your learning focus
- Openness to digital learning formats as well as independent work with study materials and in online environments
What content does the Master's degree in Economics at FernUni Hagen teach you?
In the Master's degree in Economics, you deepen your knowledge from a previous economics-related degree and develop new competencies in central areas of business administration and economics. The curriculum includes a compulsory part in which you expand your knowledge of economic mathematics, statistics, and accounting. In the elective area, you can create your individual focus from a wide range of business administration, economics, and quantitative modules. Possible specialisations include Management and Controlling, Accounting, Finance and Taxation, or Quantitative Methods and Modelling – these can be indicated on your final certificate depending on your choice of modules.
- Advanced topics such as Controlling, Marketing, Risk Management, Taxation, Environmental Economics, International Finance, and Stability Policy
- Selection from numerous legal and quantitative modules
- Promotion of methodological competence, reflective ability as well as media and social skills
- Tackling current economic issues, analysing complex problems and applying scientific methods
How is the course at FernUni Hagen structured and organised?
The Master's programme is a classic distance learning course with a standard period of study of four semesters in full-time mode or six semesters in part-time mode. You can decide for yourself how many modules you take per semester and flexibly adapt your learning pace to your personal situation. The start of studies is each time in the summer semester (1 April) or winter semester (1 October); enrolment is possible in accordance with the semester deadlines.
- The course comprises 120 ECTS and is divided into eight elective modules, one seminar and the Master's thesis
- It is compulsory to choose at least one module from each of the areas of Business Administration (BWL), Economics (VWL), and Quantitative Methods
- You receive teaching materials as printed study letters and digitally, complemented by online lectures, webinars and e-learning via Moodle
- Examinations take place in the form of written exams (partly open-book), term papers and oral exams. Exams can be taken at numerous examination centres nationwide or as digital examinations
- Additional support through mentoring programmes, online consultation hours and regional campus locations
- Occasional short on-site seminars are possible but not continuously mandatory
- The Master's thesis forms the conclusion – processing time: 12 weeks (full-time) or 18 weeks (part-time)
What career paths does the Master's degree in Economics open up for you?
As a graduate of the Master's degree in Economics, you have a wide range of professional perspectives. You qualify for responsible specialist and management positions in various industries and functions.
- Fields of activity in procurement, production, logistics, controlling, accounting, finance and taxation
- Jobs in auditing, marketing, sales, organisation, human resources management and innovation
- Employment opportunities in large and medium-sized companies, auditing and tax consulting firms, credit institutions, authorities as well as international associations
- The degree also entitles you to pursue a doctorate and enables entry into research and teaching at universities
What costs should you expect for the Master's degree in Economics at FernUni Hagen?
Studying at FernUniversität Hagen is significantly cheaper than at private providers. For the regular period of study (4 semesters full-time), the total costs amount to approximately 1,200 euros. In part-time studies, the total costs increase depending on the duration of study (an additional 60 euros basic fee per additional semester). The fees consist of a basic fee per semester and a registration fee per ECTS.
- Total costs for the Master's degree: approx. 1,200 euros (full-time)
- Semester fee: approx. 215 euros (varies depending on the chosen module scope)
- Additional costs for optional on-site appointments, examination trips or additional specialised literature possible
- Fee reductions in cases of hardship or special circumstances can be applied for
- The costs are tax-deductible as business expenses; funding and educational loans are available
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