Bachelor of Science Volkswirtschaftslehre
B.Sc. VWL: Data and facts
Academic degree | Bachelor of Science |
Start of study | Winter term |
ECTS-Points | 180 ECTS |
Standard period of study | 6 semester |
Areas of Study | Economic theory, economic policy, finance, business administration, quantitative methods, business informatics, non-subject modules, professional competencies |
Event language |
German as a rule. Very good knowledge of German is therefore required. Good reading skills in English are required. English language teaching materials may be used. English course language in the compulsory module "Fachsprache" (English for Students of Economics). English-language elective modules are possible in the advanced study program. |
Overview of the B.Sc. VWL
In the basic studies, students learn the fundamental problems, methods and expertise of all core areas of economics as well as business administration and business information systems. They acquire the basic professional competencies to understand, analyze and assess market interaction processes and results, state regulatory and process policies as well as macroeconomic phenomena in modern societies in a theoretically sound manner. They acquire knowledge of the basic functions and processes in companies and enterprises as well as of the economically relevant parts of private law. In addition to these specialized competencies, they acquire methodological competencies in the confident use of the mathematical, statistical-empirical and business informatics methods of economics.
The in-depth studies serve to deepen and specialize the students' knowledge. Depending on individual interests, students can either specialize in one or two areas or receive a broad education in several areas of economics, business administration and business informatics. At the same time, the major allows room for study abroad, which can be organized through exchange programs of the Faculty of Economics and Behavioral Sciences, the International Office of the University of Freiburg or independently. The Bachelor's degree is completed with the Bachelor's thesis.
- Recommended study plan (graphical, according to examination regulations 2011)
The Bachelor of Science in Economics provides a very solid and broad education in economics. The study program includes both the content-oriented areas of economic theory, economic policy, finance and business administration, as well as the methodological areas of quantitative methods and business informatics, as well as elective modules unrelated to the subject. Parallel to this economic education, students attend workshops, seminars and courses on career-oriented skills, e.g. scientific work, foreign languages, effective communication and the use of new media.
After completion of the B.Sc. VWL, a transition into the profession or, with above-average exams, a master's degree is possible. The career opportunities for economists are very good and very diverse. Typical areas of employment are in specialist departments of large companies, banks and insurance companies, in a wide variety of national and international organizations, ministries, research institutes, but also in management consultancies and in management positions.
Design of free spaces and semesters abroad
The first four semesters serve to build up basic knowledge and qualifications in central areas of economics for all students. Accordingly, the modules to be completed are compulsory modules. Elective modules are completed in the fifth and sixth semesters and can be chosen freely from the seven subject areas of the program (economic theory, economic policy, finance, business administration, quantitative methods, business informatics, interdisciplinary modules).
Semesters abroad can be integrated into the bachelor's program. In particular, the fifth and/or sixth semester, for which elective modules are provided, are ideally suited for a semester or year abroad. Modules successfully completed abroad will be recognized if equivalent.
Students can benefit from the international connections of the Freiburg School of Economics and the University of Freiburg. The department maintains exchange partnerships with economics faculties of renowned universities within the framework of the European ERASMUS program (e.g. in Bologna, Geneva, Helsinki, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Madrid, Warsaw) as well as in the USA, Brazil and Japan. Through cooperation of the University of Freiburg, staying in further target countries worldwide is possible. Alternatively, students can organize their stay at a host university independently as "free movers". In any case, the International Office VWL offers comprehensive advice and assistance for students who would like to spend a semester abroad.
Within the framework of the EUCOR network of the five Upper Rhine universities Freiburg, Basel, Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Karlsruhe, students can easily benefit from the courses offered by the other universities and complete specific modules for their studies in Freiburg and have them recognized.
Online Study Selection Assistant (OSA) for the B.Sc. VWL
The Online Study Selection Assistant (OSA) for the B.Sc. VWL gives you a realistic preview of the contents, workflows and requirements of the VWL Bachelor program at the University of Freiburg. The free service also offers interviews with Freiburg students, self-tests on interests and expectations, and sample tasks from the introductory study phase. Individual feedback is designed to help you find out whether the B.Sc. VWL at the University of Freiburg is really right for you.
Application and admission to B.Sc. VWL
- Entry into the first semester of the B.Sc. in Economics is only possible in the winter semester. On the basis of recognized achievements from a previous study program, higher semesters can also be entered in the summer semester.
- The B.Sc. VWL is free of admission.
- Info-Sheet for application and admission to B.Sc. VWL
- Online-Application
Links and documents for B.Sc. VWL:
- Orientation aids for first-year students
- Examination regulations, study plan and module manual:
- Professional field oriented competencies in B.Sc. VWL (BOK)
- According to examination regulations 2011: Info sheet: The BOK area in B.Sc. VWL
- Conditions of participation internal BOK area in B.Sc. VWL
- The "Fachsprache: Englisch für Wirtschaftswissenschaftler" (BOK2) requires English language skills on level B1 according to the European Framework of Reference. For this purpose, the Language Teaching Institute of the University of Freiburg offers a voluntary placement test as well as general language courses. You can find more information here.
- Internal BOK section: Course Catalogue Economics
- External BOK area: Events of the Center for Key Qualifications (ZfS)
Please also note the informationen of the ZfS for first-year students
as well as the audio-presentation of the ZfS about the BOK area for Bachelor of Science freshmen
- Bachelor thesis
- Internships/Vocational Orientation
- Internship exchange for economists of the economics student council
- Internship plus – Competence training and career orientation of the ZfS
- (My) perspectives after graduation - entrepreneurs present entry paths and occupational fields (ZfS)
- Course Catalogue
- Further Links
- Recognition of examination results from a previous study program(by the Examination Office for Economics)
- Recognition of examination results from studies abroad (by the International Business Office)
- Free trial regulation
- Slides for the introduction to the B.Sc. VWL 2019 (at the beginning of each winter semester; target group: first-year students
- Slides for the information event for advanced students in B.Sc. VWL (at the beginning of each summer semester; target group: advanced B.Sc. students approx. in the 4th B.Sc. semester)
- Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald for information about studying and various counseling services
- FAQ about the bachelor study