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Branch of study

Economics

Bachelor’s Program

Business, Economics and Social Sciences, BSc (WU)

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There are no simple answers to complex questions.

As an economics student, you have a multidimensional mindset. You will investigate multi-layered problems such as inflation and learn from the insights gained, deriving policy recommendations for tackling complex issues. In this way, your work will provide a foundation to inform the choices of decision-makers in politics and business.

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Klaus Prettner

Divisional director VW

The Economics major

How are the economy and society connected with one another?

How can economic policy combat unemployment, curb inflation, or launch effective climate action?

In the Economics major, you will learn theoretical and empirical research methods to answer questions like these. You’ll be looking into complex topics in labor market economics, international economics, digitalization, and inequality, and you’ll develop an understanding of how everything is connected. This will allow you to understand complex economic problems at different levels and address them from a sound academic basis.

Methodological skills and specializations

Depending on your interests, you can choose between two specializations. The Economics focus concentrates on issues related to macroeconomics and empirical research methods. The Socioeconomics focus provides a broad knowledge base in history, politics, geography, law, and communication theory, supplemented by theoretical and methodological knowledge.

As you advance in your studies, you will learn to develop evidence-based economic policy recommendations. This will allow you to deliver work that can form the basis for landmark decisions shaping the course of the economy, politics, and society.

Contents of the major Applicationguide

Complex issues

require multidimensional thinking.

You’re an analytical mind and interested in seeing the big picture? Then the Economics major is the right choice for you. Your interdisciplinary education will focus on complex economic policy issues and applied research using state-of-the-art methods. You’ll also gain insights into business administration, law, and socioeconomics to complement and broaden your expertise. This will give you an ideal foundation for starting a successful career in the private sector, the public sector, or in economic research.

Five reasons for choosing the Economics major:

  1. Top education for economists

  2. Excellent methodological skills

  3. Looking at questions that concern the economy as a whole

  4. International experience: You can complete a semester abroad, International Short Programs (ISPs), or online initiatives

  5. Expertise in economic policy consulting

    6.  

Custom-tailor your main program phase

In the Economics major, you get to deepen your academic expertise by choosing three advanced courses worth 8 ECTS each. In addition, you have a block of 20 ECTS where you can choose between a complementary subject, courses abroad, or an additional advanced economics subject.

1. year of study 2. year + 3. year of study

 

STEOP
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Common Body of Knowledge

 
Study branch
Economics
Economics Empirical methods 3 specializations
Bachelorthesis
1. year of study

 

STEOP
+
Common Body of Knowledge

 
2. year + 3. year of study
Study branch
Economics
Economics
Empirical methods
3 specializations
Bachelorthesis
Advanced Economics

In the Economics major, you get to deepen your academic expertise by choosing three advanced courses worth 8 ECTS each. In addition, you have a block of 20 ECTS where you can choose between a complementary subject, courses abroad, or an additional advanced economics subject.

Complementary subjects

A complementary subject is a subject that may not be directly related to the main subject but opens up interesting new perspectives.

For an overview of the available complementary subjects, please click here.

Courses Abroad

What does this mean?
The Courses Abroad subject gives you the opportunity to earn 20 ECTS as part of international academic exchange programs. Combined with the free electives, you can earn even more ECTS in this format. This gives you a great deal of flexibility when selecting your courses and guarantees easy credit transfer.


What international academic exchange options are available?
You can choose between a semester abroad, International Short Programs (ISPs), and online initiatives. 
Please note that you cannot select your home country when you opt for one of the formats that require students to go abroad and study in a different country.


Support and further information: 
The International Office team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding international academic exchange and studying abroad. Advisory sessions are available with or without prior appointment.


Please note that you have to complete the Cross-Cultural Competence course (3 ECTS) if you choose the Courses Abroad subject. This course is available as part of the free electives.

Free electives

Are you interested in topics that go beyond business and economics? As part your free electives, you can take courses in any subject area you like. This allows you to custom-tailor your studies even more, following your personal interests.

For further information, please clickhere.

Download VW course table

Career perspectives

With an Economics major degree, you can decide whether you want to continue your studies or enter the job market right away.

Your expertise will make you a great fit for jobs that involve analyses and forecasting. Many of our economics graduates work in economic research or political consulting, for example, but also at banks, central banks, insurance companies, government ministries, EU institutions, and UN organizations.

If you would like to continue your studies, WU has you covered with a range of postgraduate master’s programs. You also have excellent chances of being accepted into an international MSc program abroad. Some economists go on to complete a doctoral program on top of that and start working as economics researchers at a university themselves.

You can find more informations about the WU master's programs here.

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[Translate to English:] .
Anna Steinhauser
Student of the VW major

“The Economics major has given me a solid understanding of economic and political contexts.”

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.
Gabriel Felbermayr
Director of the WIFO

“In this major, you’ll learn how political decisions influence the economy.”

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.
Margit Reischer
Asst. Prof., Georgetown University

“This is a practice-oriented and state-of-the-art education.”

read more
[Translate to English:] .
Thomas Zörner
Research Economist at the OeNB

“The concepts and methods I learned during my studies are the bread and butter of my daily work.”

read more
.
Verena Gradinger
Student of the VW major

“At WU, I can expand my knowledge beyond the curriculum.”

read more
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All majors of the BSc Business, Economics and Social Sciences

The following majors are available in the BSc Business, Economics and Social Sciences:

bw

Business Administration

ibw

Internationale Betriebswirtschaft

vw

Volkswirtschaft

wupol

Wirtschaft - Umwelt - Politik

winf

Wirtschaftsinformatik

Bachelorbroschure Wiso
Bachelorbroschure Wiso
download (pdf, 2.68 MB)
Curriculum
Curriculum
download (pdf, 1.06 MB)
Course table
Course table
download (pdf, 194 KB)

Frequently asked questions

How much mathematics/statistics do I need for the Economics major?
What is meant by “Advanced Economics,” and where can I find out more about these courses?
Does the Economics major also offer a portfolio of courses in English?
Does the Economics major have its own student community at WU?

We are here for you

Send us your questions via the onlineformula or via Email to: studieninfo@wu.ac.at.

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