This master’s programme examines economic policy in an interconnected world, emphasising how national decisions and international dynamics influence one another. You will gain tools to interpret economic situations and to formulate evidence-based policy recommendations that take cross-border linkages into account. The curriculum trains you to think critically about the way local and global forces interact when shaping economic outcomes.
The programme focuses on analysing urgent global challenges — for example, climate change, financial crises, disruptions in commodity markets and widening income inequality — and on designing practical responses. Through applied economic analysis and policy-oriented training you will learn to diagnose problems, evaluate policy options and propose solutions that consider both domestic constraints and international effects.
Taught in English, this degree is suited to students who want to work in policy-making, international organisations, think tanks, NGOs, the private sector or continue to research at doctoral level. For specific application rules, deadlines and document lists consult the official programme webpage or contact the admissions office.
Typical admission requirements (confirm exact criteria on the programme website):
Curriculum overview
This two-year (four-semester) MSc programme is worth 120 credit points in total. The first semester (30 CP) builds your methodological foundations and provides the contextual knowledge needed for advanced study. Semesters two and three are devoted to applied and policy-oriented topics in an international setting — covering areas such as the social welfare state, fiscal policy, international financial markets, migration, and development economics. The degree finishes in the fourth semester with a research-focused phase that includes a supervised research seminar and the Master’s thesis.
Key modules and learning outcomes
Requirements (credit points)
For detailed module descriptions, course sequences and assessment formats, consult the programme’s official website.
To be eligible you must hold a first university degree in economics or a closely related discipline that is recognised in Germany. Degrees from state or state-recognised universities of cooperative education in economics are also accepted. International applicants should ensure their diploma and institution are comparable to German qualifications or are recognised by the relevant German authorities.
You must also demonstrate specific academic aptitude for the programme through your coursework. This is shown by completed credit points in both core economics subjects and quantitative methods. Quantitative courses can include mathematics, statistics or econometrics. Check your transcripts carefully and, if your credits use a different system, convert them to ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) to confirm you meet the required totals.
For exact procedures, calculation details and evidence requirements, consult the PIE Aptitude Assessment website.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers that require rigorous economic analysis of public and international policy issues. Typical roles include policy analyst or advisor in governments, international organisations, NGOs, and think tanks, as well as positions in consultancy firms, central banks, and financial institutions.
The programme’s emphasis on empirical methods and a research-led thesis also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies or research roles in academia and applied research institutes.