Module Description MScE4a Master's Thesis

In the Master’s thesis students prove their ability to independently apply scientific methods of Economics and to write an original piece of research in coordination with the respective supervisor. 

This concluding scientific work should be an independently written research thesis in any field of Economics (in the analytical track) or in the respective field of Economics (in the other tracks).

Students build up detailed knowledge in the planning, realisation and evaluation of a special issue in Economics. By the end of the module students: 

• are able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the research topic of the thesis,
• define a feasible research project allowing for time and resource constraints,
• develop an adequate research methodology and be able to formulate and test concepts and hypotheses,
• apply concepts and methods of Economics to the formulated research question,
• make effective use of library resources,
• access databases, understand their uses and limitations, and extract relevant data,
• independently apply concepts and methods of Economics to the formulated research question.

Only in the M3EP Track European Environmental Economics and Policy, the module consists of the Master‘s Thesis (27 CP, graded) and the joint thesis and employment workshop (3 CP, ungraded). For all other tracks, the module is completed by only the Master‘s Thesis for 30 ECTS.

• Discuss the formal details of your work (layout, citation style, etc.) with your supervisor. You will also find rules on this in the information sheet on Master's theses based on the examination regulations.

When can I start writing my thesis?

Once you have completed at least 70 ECTS, you may start your thesis. 

I want to start my Master's thesis but need to complete x additional credits. Can I take classes while writing my thesis?

Yes, as long as you have completed at least 70 ECTS, you may start with your thesis. While doing so, you are also allowed to take additional classes simultaneously. 

How long do I have to hand in my thesis?

You have 4 months to complete your thesis. Extension due to sickness may be granted if necessary, please contact the examination office, if you have any problem.

Do I have to be enrolled when handing in my thesis?

Yes, you must be enrolled when handing in your thesis. However, you don't need to stay enrolled until it is graded (if you expect to pass it). Please contact the examination office, if you have any questions.

1. Before contacting potential supervisors, you should consider which direction you would like to take thematically: perhaps you touched on an exciting topic in a seminar or lecture in your area of specialization that you would like to explore in more detail? Or maybe you read an interesting article?
2. Think about which research question you would like to work on and, if necessary, start looking for literature.
3. Use the overview of chairs, professors, and postdocs to see who might be suitable as a supervisor. Please note, however, that not all postdocs supervise theses. In some cases, you will also find documents on the websites of the individual chairs under the Teaching section that can provide you with further information on theses at the respective chair.
4. Contact the people who could supervise you. Arrange office hours or send an email. Prepare your desired topic.
5. Everything else will become clear during the conversation: Is the topic suitable for a thesis? Is there literature available? You may need to develop a specific topic proposal and discuss it again before you “really” get started.
6. Once you have agreed on a topic/title, your supervisor will notify the Examination Office and thus register your Master's thesis.
7. The Examination Office will then inform you of your exact deadline (4 Monthas).
8. Your supervisor will be available to answer any questions you may have during the writing process.
9. Submit your thesis to the Examination Office in the required form within the deadline.
10. Once your thesis has been corrected, your supervisor will write an assessment, which you will be able to view.