M.SC. ECONOMICS - INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY

Program Content

International Political Economy

The major International Political Economy is directed towards students who want to deepen their knowledge of the economic aspects of European Integration and the design of economic policy in the European Union (EU) and its  Member States. Central aspects include:

  • identification of the institutional features of the EU and its Member States,
  • analysis of the agents involved in European economic policy-making,
  • assessment of the design and results of governmental interventions at the European and Member State level,
  • examination of the interrelation between European and national as well as European and international economic and trade policy.

Obligatory modules

Apart from the general obligatory modules for M.Sc. Economics, the following specialization modules need to be chosen for the major in International Political Economy:

  • International Trade (offered every summer semester): This course covers the theory of international trade, trade protection and trade liberalisation at the national, bilateral and multilateral policy level.
  • Political Economics (offered every winter semester): After an introduction to the history and functioning of the European Union, this course covers the analysis of scenarios in which political intervention makes sense from a welfare economic perspective as well as the influence of political institutions on economic policy decisions.
  • Specialization Modules M.Sc. 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 International Political Economy offers job perspectives in a large number of national and international public institutions, such as the German Central Bank or the European Commission.

Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for qualified economists in private institutions, parties, foundations, and associations. Companies in commerce, finance, and manufacturing with an international focus also have a strong demand for skilled economists.

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