Master in Economics

Master in Economics is one of 6 English-taught Economics programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 3 institutions. 6 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from EUR 5,000 to EUR 16,300; this programme lists EUR 6,700 a year. 6 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students. The same programme title is offered at 3 institutions, so compare the content, campus and requirements before you choose.

The MSc in Economics at the University of Copenhagen is a two-year programme taught in English. It takes the tools you already have from a bachelor's in economics and puts them to work on the problems the source page names: inflation, the green transition, energy supply and international trade.

What you study

The programme is built on three compulsory courses in the first semester: Microeconomics III, Macroeconomics III and Econometrics II. If you have already passed equivalent courses as part of your admission qualifications, you take elective courses in their place.

After that, the menu is broad. The page lists examples such as Advanced Microeconometrics, Advanced Macroeconometrics, Behavioral Economics, Development Economics, Monetary Policy, Health Economics and Environmental Economics, and says there are many others. You can keep a general profile or narrow your focus to one area.

There is also a Finance Track. To complete it you must take at least 45 ECTS of F-marked finance courses, complete at least one F-marked seminar, and write your master's thesis within finance. The specialisation then appears on your diploma. If you want it there, you must contact the study administration no later than the day after you receive your last grade.

How the programme is organised

The degree is 120 ECTS over two years. It has four modules: compulsory courses, seminars, electives and the thesis. Teaching comes in two forms. Courses are classes of around 50 students with a professor presenting the curriculum. Seminars are more practical, with assignments, class presentations and discussions. The thesis is written in the second year.

The page gives a recommended plan. In year one, semester one holds the three compulsory courses plus an elective. Semester two has an economic seminar and three electives. Year two, semester one is electives, and semester two is the thesis. The page recommends taking the two seminars in the second and third semesters. At least 20 ECTS of your electives must be graded, or more if you were exempted from the compulsory courses.

The department brings in industry experts for some courses, and the teaching builds on its research.

Who it suits

This is for someone with a strong analytical mind and an interest in maths and social issues. You need a bachelor's in Economics or a related degree with significant economics content. The page is direct about the demands: mathematical theory and calculus, hard-core statistical tools such as SAS, and an intuitive feel for macro and microeconomics.

If you want to understand how economies work and take part in decisions at the macro and micro level, this is the programme. The flexibility in course choice is meant to let you shape your own profile, whether general or specialised.

Admission, language and next steps

Some degrees meet the academic requirements automatically, provided you also meet the English B language requirement. From the University of Copenhagen: Economics, Computer Science-Economics and Mathematics-Economics. From the University of Southern Denmark: Economics, the Socioeconomic Line. From Aarhus University: Economics and Mathematics-Economics. From Aalborg University: Economics.

Other Danish or international degrees are assessed individually. You need at least 15 ECTS in microeconomics, 15 ECTS in macroeconomics, 15 ECTS in econometrics or statistics, and 10 ECTS in mathematics at the level of the UCPH bachelor's, plus English at B level. As of September 2024, no professional bachelor programmes qualify for admission; this is reviewed each year.

You apply through the application portal, not optagelse.dk, and there is no pre-assessment. The documents include transcripts, course descriptions, a self-assessment form, a description of academic relevance, proof of language proficiency, a CV and a copy of your passport or national ID. If places are limited, applicants are ranked on grades from the qualifying bachelor's, especially in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, and on relevant academic experience including work experience.

Applicants from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland must pay an application fee and tuition. Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland study free of charge. The intake starts 1 September 2027, with a deadline of 15 January 2027 for applicants from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland.

Master’s applications go straight to University of Copenhagen, not through optagelse.dk, and the institution sets its own deadline. The register shows 15 January 2027 as the next deadline for this programme. Intake, as the register states it: Starts 1 September 2027 (apply by 15 January 2027). Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, residence permits and housing.