5 reasons to master economics at the University of Copenhagen
Promoted by University of Copenhagen

5 reasons to master economics at the University of Copenhagen

The universal nature of economics is what drew Rhitam Das to pursue a Master of Science (MSc) in Economics at the University of Copenhagen. “I was explaining ‘break-even point’ to a friend back in high school, in the first year of studying economics, when my interest in the subject was born,” explains Das, MSc in Economics

Hailing from India, Das has a strong interest in the domain of macroeconomics and international macroeconomics, and is now specialising in these areas at the University of Copenhagen. “I aspire to work in the field and help avoid and solve debt crises in the world, which is reflected by my specialisation and supported by the education attained here in Copenhagen,” says Das.

University of Copenhagen is the best university in Denmark, according to Times Higher Education. For economic research in particular, the university ranks tenth in Europe, sixth in continental Europe and first in Scandinavia. To add to its list of accolades, there are 10 Nobel Laureates, 37 prime ministers and even 34 Olympic medals associated with the world-class research university. 

For students interested in pursuing an MSc in Economics, here are five more good reasons why you should choose the University of Copenhagen

Students exchange ideas and work together in small classes alongside their teachers and professors. Source: University of Copenhagen

A beautiful city

The university is located in the buzzing capital of Denmark. Whether it’s your first visit or just one of many, Copenhagen has many sights to explore, with years of rich history in every corner. The city was named one of the best places to travel in 2023 and continues to draw in tourists for its design, food, and dedication to sustainability.

For students, Copenhagen is an even greater city. It’s filled with student-friendly cafés, efficient local transportation and a safe environment — factors loved by both local and international students. Das enjoys taking a break from his coursework by relaxing at Kongens Have (the King’s Garden), a green lung perfect for picnicking and sunbathing in the city centre. 

“I am equally drawn to sitting by the canals near Nyhavn,” says Das. Nyhavn, a former commercial port with colourful houses, is one of the most iconic spots in Copenhagen. “This beautiful city exudes a strongly salient peace of life.”

An MSc in Economics student working on equations. Source: University of Copenhagen

A lot of flexibility

The university prides itself on flexibility when it comes to its master’s degrees, and its MSc in Economics is no exception. The programme mostly consists of elective courses, and there is a long menu of advanced electives available. Almost all these programmes are taught in English, which is a great option for international students.

“The diversity of topics is large,” says student Alejandra Prada Mora. “Since I am more interested in researching social issues, I attended courses in education, gender, and development, and even found a new interest in behavioural economics.”

Teachers and professors often guide their students personally, ensuring that they fully understand the programme’s courses. Source: University of Copenhagen

A flat hierarchy, dynamic learning

This may come as a culture shock to some students – especially ones hailing from Asian countries – but there’s little student-teacher hierarchy here. Relationships are casual. They engage with each other informally, using first names to refer to each other in classes and speaking to each other as equals. 

Casual exchanges like this is extremely valuable in small classes such as electives, where it is also easier to participate and have a closer relationship with teachers and peers. More importantly, it helps teachers facilitate learning on a more personal basis, encouraging students to think and learn independently. 

Real-world expertise

The MSc in Economics is filled with top-tier researchers and professors, and there is no shortage of academic excellence within the programme. The university often introduces more brilliant minds to the mix, bringing in industry experts as guest lecturers or hosting talks and seminars to share their knowledge and experience.

Das remembers a seminar he attended when the war in Ukraine erupted. This was when Europe suffered an energy crisis, which led the city to reduce temperatures in public buildings during his first winter in Copenhagen. 

“The university brought in the Chief Economist of Danske Bank to conduct a seminar on said crisis, where he went through the details of the cause, effects and plans to recover from this scenario,” Das says . “Whilst a misty concept to me at first, the seminar enabled me to understand the issue clearly.”

Excellent career prospects

Graduates are highly employable due to the varied subjects in the programme. Many secure good roles in a diverse range of sectors – 59% of students opt to work in the private sector, while 41% are in public services. 

It also goes without saying that graduates are qualified to earn generous salaries. Djoefbladet, a trade and news portal in Denmark, ranks the MSc in Economics programme as one that produces graduates earning the sixth highest salary in the country. This result takes into account similar business, economics, law and social science programmes in Denmark.

Follow the University of Copenhagen on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube.