HTW Berlin, the largest University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, runs an 18-month, full-time Master of Arts programme taught entirely in English. The course is aimed at students who want to deepen their knowledge of the economic issues that shape development outcomes and international economic relations. It equips graduates to pursue careers related to global economic affairs and development policy.
The programme welcomes applicants from developing and transition countries as well as from Europe and other developed countries who have a strong interest in the economic challenges faced by developing economies. It is intended for students with an undergraduate degree in economics or business administration, or those from other social science backgrounds who concentrated on economics during their first degree.
Curriculum emphasis includes development economics and the broader international economic context in which socio-economic progress occurs. Particular attention is paid to financial institutions, environmental concerns, and public enterprises—areas that are especially relevant for policy and project work in developing countries. Courses combine core theoretical debates with concrete, contemporary examples of strategies, policies and development projects so students can understand both the concepts and the practical challenges of formulating development policy.
Key facts and entry requirements
This three-semester Master’s programme is built around 14 taught modules plus a six-month project and dissertation phase. The curriculum combines a set of core (compulsory) modules with electives and supplementary courses to give a broad but practice-oriented grounding in international and development economics. Teaching mixes theory (micro- and macroeconomic approaches to development), applied quantitative methods, policy-focused modules, and hands-on project work that culminates in a 13-week master’s thesis supported by a thesis seminar.
Core content in the first two semesters covers foundations (microeconomics and macroeconomics for development), international economics, theories of development, institutions and social progress, and applied tools such as research methods, econometrics and advanced applied research methods. Policy and practice topics include development policies and research colloquia, public finance for development, social protection, environmental and resource economics, development cooperation and project planning, monitoring & evaluation. The second-semester elective pool also features courses on central banking, financial system development, regional integration and topical contemporary issues, allowing students to tailor the degree toward research, policy, or practice.
Learning outcomes focus on: the ability to analyse development problems using micro- and macroeconomic frameworks; competence in quantitative and qualitative research methods (including econometrics and applied research techniques); skills to design, assess and manage development policies and projects (M&E, public finance, social protection); and the capacity to produce independent, policy-relevant research demonstrated in the master’s thesis.
Further information, module descriptions and downloadable PDF: https://mide.htw-berlin.de
You must hold an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a three‑year German Bachelor's (180 ECTS) and show proficiency in English. The program distinguishes between different lengths of prior study: applicants whose first degree corresponds to 180 ECTS have additional options to meet the entry standard, while those with longer study programs may be exempt from extra requirements.
If your prior studies total the equivalent of 180 ECTS, you must either take an extra 30 ECTS at the university or demonstrate at least six months of professional employment or training completed after graduation. Applicants whose first degree equals three and a half years or more (210 ECTS) do not need to provide professional experience or take additional modules.
Applicants applying for a DAAD scholarship must be nationals of a developing country, have at least two years of professional experience after graduation, and must not have graduated more than six years prior to application.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
The application deadline is 30 September (31 August for applications with DAAD scholarship) each year for the programme starting in April of the following year.
Summer Semester (International)
30 September 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
30 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in international economic affairs and development, including positions at development agencies, international organisations, NGOs, governmental public institutions, financial institutions and consultancies. The programme’s emphasis on development policy, public finance, environmental economics, econometrics and monitoring & evaluation equips students to work on policy design, project appraisal, and programme implementation in developing and transition countries.
The applied curriculum and research training also make graduates suitable for research and analyst roles in think tanks and development research institutes, as well as for advisory positions in regional integration and sectoral development projects. DAAD EPOS alumni pathways often include roles requiring cross‑cultural competence and project management experience in international development contexts.