M.Sc. Economics - European Social Security and Health Systems

Program Content

The major in European Social Security and Health Systems is directed towards students who are interested in the economic aspects of the social state. The main objective of a welfare social is to protect the people against the most severe economic risks like poverty and sickness. The economic analysis of government interventions regarding the income distribution, the alleviation of poverty, the pension scheme and health care system are therefore in the center of this program.

Specialization Modules and Program Structure

The first of the two compulsory modules of this major (see the structure below) is the module Ökonomik des Wohlfahrtsstaates (lecture in German). This module has three aims. First, it gives an overview of the different kinds of regulation and of the areas in which the welfare state intervenes with the market. Secondly, it presents both efficiency-based (like market failure) and equity-based justifications for these interventions. Thirdly, it lays the methodological foundations for the analysis of government interventions.

These issues are developed further in the second compulsory module, Gesundheitsökonomik (Health Economics).

Registration of additional modules

As listed in the appendix of the examination regulations (Link), it is generally possible to choose modules with a maximum scope of 20 CP as "additional modules". This means that successfully completed modules are listed on the transcript after graduation, but the grades are not included in the calculation of the overall final grade. The examination office must be informed via e-mail about the participation in an examination as part of such an additional module prior to examination registration via Porta. As soon as the examination office confirms the assignment of the examination as an additional module, participation in this context is possible. Note: Once an examination has been taken in another module, it cannot be subsequently converted into an additional module.

Professional Outlook

A degree in Economics with a major in European Welfare States offers job perspectives in a large number of national and international public institutions like the Social Insurance Authority, the Department of Health, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care or the WHO, or in the private sector, for example with health care providers or health insurers.

The master degree also provides an excellent foundation for subsequent doctoral studies and an academic career at a university or research institution