Master of Science in International Economics and Public Policy

Overview

This two-year, English-taught Master's programme examines how global political, economic, and social environments influence the choices of individuals, firms, and policymaking institutions. The curriculum combines contemporary economic theory with applied tools from statistics and data science, enabling students to analyse real-world policy and business problems. An interdisciplinary perspective is encouraged through connections with other social sciences, and students are trained to engage critically with modern academic literature.

The programme has an international orientation in content, structure, and student composition—students come from around the world, which supports the development of intercultural skills and a diverse learning experience. Faculty members are actively involved in both academic research and public debates, and the programme emphasises close interaction between staff and students. The university campus provides strong research and teaching facilities and a vibrant campus life to support study and collaboration.

Admissions / Requirements (concise)

• Instruction language: English
• Programme length: 2 years
• The programme has an international student body and outreach—applicants from all countries are welcome
• For specific entry requirements, application documents, and deadlines, consult the official programme admissions page or contact the admissions office directly

Program structure

This degree is built around three linked elements: mandatory core modules, a set of elective modules, and a Master’s thesis accompanied by a research colloquium (a formal presentation). Students who begin in the winter semester normally take the core modules first, which consolidate and extend foundational ideas in international trade, development economics, public economics, and macroeconomics. In their second and third semesters they select electives from a broad catalogue to develop specializations of interest. Students who start in the summer semester follow the reverse order: they take electives in their first semester and move on to the core modules in their second semester. The final semester is reserved for writing the Master’s thesis and preparing and delivering the research colloquium.

Key modules and learning outcomes

Core coursework focuses on the four central areas of the programme—international trade, development economics, public economics, and macroeconomics—with the goal of reviewing and deepening students’ grasp of the essential theories and policy-relevant concepts in each field. Electives allow you to tailor your studies across a wide range of subjects, enabling deeper specialization or interdisciplinary combinations. The Master’s thesis and research colloquium require independent, in-depth analysis of a specific research question and the ability to present and communicate findings clearly to an academic audience.

Program requirements (concise)

• Mandatory core modules covering international trade, development economics, public economics, and macroeconomics
• Elective modules chosen from a wide range of subjects (to be taken in semesters 2–3 for winter entrants; semester 1 for summer entrants)
• Master’s thesis completed in the final semester
• Research colloquium: formal presentation of the thesis research as part of the final assessment
• Semester sequencing differs by entry term: winter entrants start with core modules; summer entrants start with electives and take core modules in semester 2

Graduates are prepared for roles in economic research, policy analysis, and consultancy—within government agencies, international organisations, think tanks, and private-sector firms—where they apply quantitative methods to policy and business questions. The programme’s emphasis on statistics and data-science methods also supports transitions into data-analyst and research positions in finance, consulting, and industry.

International partnerships and double-degree options further enhance opportunities for careers abroad, while the programme’s ties to the Rhine-Main labour market and encouragement of internships facilitate practical experience and entry into regional public institutions and private employers.