Bachelor of Science (BSc) Management and Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Ulm

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Management and Economics at University of Ulm is a flexible, future-focused program that blends solid economics foundations with digitalization and data science, perfect for students passionate about business, economics, or tech-driven careers. It suits motivated learners who thrive in small groups with personal support, offering unique perks like audit exams for the Wirtschaftsprüferexamen (public auditor qualification)—available only here in Germany—and a double degree option with Fudan University in Shanghai.

Curriculum Structure
Years 1-3 (Foundation Phase): In your first three semesters, you'll build a strong base in core economics and management principles, diving into topics like microeconomics, macroeconomics, and introductory business administration through small, interactive classes that emphasize modern teaching and real-world relevance. Courses such as Data Science project work let you tackle economic questions with real data early on, while Mathematics for Economists sharpens your analytical skills for a digital economy—all supported by mentor programs and entry-phase resources like the "Fit in Mathematics" camp to ease your transition.

Year 2 (Building Expertise): As you progress into the second year, the curriculum ramps up with quantitative methods and specialized economics, including courses like Behavioral Economics and Information Economics, where you'll explore human decision-making and market dynamics using empirical data analysis and machine learning techniques. This phase introduces competitive strategy and prepares you for deeper research, fostering connections with faculty and companies through seminars on topics like energy economics.

Years 3-4 (Specialization from Semester 4): From the fourth semester onward, you gain freedom to customize your path—focusing on economics, digital expertise, or a mix—via electives in areas like Environmental Economics or Sports Economics, often involving hands-on seminars with academic literature, EU antitrust analysis, or even computer tournaments. You'll integrate advanced modules in business management, law, and data science, culminating in your thesis, potentially using R programming for interactive economic problem sets, all while prepping for auditing exams or international opportunities.

Focus areas: Tailor your studies from semester 4 in economics (e.g., behavioral, information, energy economics), digitalization & data science (e.g., machine learning, real-data projects), business management & law, or interdisciplinary mixes—plus unique options like public auditor quals or a double degree in Shanghai.

Learning outcomes: Graduates emerge with versatile skills in economic analysis, data-driven decision-making, and digital tools, ready to shape tomorrow's economy; you'll gain research contacts, practical experience via projects/seminars, and a competitive edge in auditing or global business.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The program aligns with high-demand fields like auditing (exclusive Wirtschaftsprüferexamen prep in a BSc), economics research, and data science roles; it's a full-time, unrestricted-admission BSc (180 ECTS, 6 semesters) taught in German/English, ensuring German proficiency for enrollment.

Reputation (employability rankings): Ulm's program shines in CHE rankings (top group for study entry support, 14/16 points), with students praising practical orientation, career prep, and the "Economics for the 21st Century" realignment—featuring data science and mentor programs for a strong job market launch.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Why Management and Economics at Ulm University Gives You Real-World Skills

The Management and Economics programme at Ulm University is built on the principle that learning happens best when you're actively doing—not just listening to lectures. From your first semester, you'll work with real data, tackle actual business problems, and develop the digital expertise that employers actually want.

How You'll Learn by Doing

The programme integrates hands-on problem-solving from day one. Starting in your third semester, you'll take a project course where you apply economics and data science concepts directly to real challenges from companies and academic research. You're not hypothetically analyzing problems—you're solving them. The curriculum places significant emphasis on digitalization and data science, meaning you'll work with modern tools that businesses use daily.

What really sets this programme apart is the faculty's commitment to small group learning. You won't be one of hundreds in a lecture hall; instead, you'll have personal support that actually develops your potential. This matters because it means professors know your strengths and can guide you toward opportunities that fit your interests.

Here's what you'll have access to:

- R programming and data analysis tools: Courses like "Empirical Economics with R" teach you statistical analysis using industry-standard software that economists and data scientists rely on.
- Interactive problem sets and research bridges: You can create thesis projects that directly connect academic research to real applications, often in collaboration with actual companies.
- Seminars in specialized fields: The Institute of Economics offers focused seminars where you'll analyze real cases—from EU antitrust proceedings to sports economics—and even compete in computer tournaments.
- Computer laboratory (ULESS): The institute conducts experimental research on human decision-making, giving you exposure to cutting-edge research methods.
- Project-based coursework: From semester three onward, you'll work on practical projects that bridge classroom theory and real-world application.
- Institute of Economics: A dedicated research institute that offers a broad portfolio of courses ranging from behavioral economics and information economics to applied fields like energy economics and environmental economics.
- Audit qualification opportunity: Uniquely in Germany, you can earn additional qualification for the Wirtschaftsprüferexamen (public auditor certification) during your bachelor's degree—giving you a professional credential before you graduate.
- Double degree option: If you're interested in international experience, you can pursue a double degree programme with Fudan University in Shanghai, China.
- Individual thesis supervision: Your bachelor's thesis is completed with individual mentorship, often developed in partnership with companies, ensuring your final project has real relevance.

The combination of small groups, modern digital tools, project-based learning, and direct access to research facilities means you're building a portfolio of practical skills—not just collecting grades.

For more details on facilities and resources available to you, visit the university's official programme information pages.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Ulm's Bachelor of Science in Management and Economics, you'll dive into hands-on experiential learning that builds real-world skills right from the start, blending economics, business administration, and cutting-edge data science. From your third semester, you'll apply what you've learned in a dedicated project course tackling practical and research-based challenges in economics and data science, working in small groups for that personal touch. You'll also sharpen your research abilities through two seminars focused on scientific methods, often diving into current topics like EU antitrust cases or sports economics, and cap it off with a bachelor's thesis—many done in collaboration with companies for that direct industry link.

This setup gives you access to top-notch tools and facilities tailored to the program:
- Project course in Economic Data Science: Hands-on group projects using programming like R for empirical analysis, machine learning, and data-driven economic problem-solving—listed as "Project Economic Data Science" in English options.
- Seminars with real-world application: Small-group work analyzing academic literature on niche topics like sports economics, energy economics, or competing in computer tournaments to build analytical skills.
- Institute of Economics facilities: Collaborate in the ULESS computer laboratory for experimental research on human decision-making, plus theoretical work in contracts, auctions, and behavioral economics.
- Software and digital tools: Specialized courses like Empirical Economics with R for data analysis, linear regression, and optimization—perfect for digitalization and data science integration.
- Bachelor's thesis opportunities: Individual supervision, often partnering with companies or research, bridging academia and practice; advanced students can even create interactive R-based problem sets.
- Thesis topics across disciplines: Draw from business administration, economics, computer science, and math for interdisciplinary projects.

While formal internships aren't explicitly listed in the program regs, the company-linked theses and project courses create strong pathways to professional experience, and our small groups mean professors connect you to networks early. Imagine finishing your degree not just with a BSc, but with a portfolio of projects using tools employers crave—ready to lead in auditing (with our unique Wirtschaftsprüferexamen prep), data roles, or econ research.