Overview This English‑taught MSc focuses on how deeply interconnected economies confront risks that cross borders — from financial crises and climate change to geopolitical conflict and pandemics. Courses are delivered by research‑active faculty and blend economic theory with hands‑on applications. From early on you engage in research projects that tackle concrete, real‑world risk scenarios, preparing you to analyse and respond to complex, systemic threats affecting households, firms and policymakers worldwide.
What you will gain The programme builds strong quantitative and economic analysis skills while integrating perspectives from related fields such as international politics, development studies and international law. It is designed to develop professionals who can navigate uncertainty in the global economy and pursue careers in government, NGOs, multinational companies or research institutions. Teaching goes beyond lectures and seminars to emphasize applied research and interdisciplinary problem solving.
Structure and collaboration The core curriculum is rooted in Economics, with the option to take additional courses from neighbouring disciplines — business studies, political science, law and agricultural sciences. The programme is delivered in cooperation with several university units, including the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies, the Faculty for Agricultural Studies, and the Center for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), enabling interdisciplinary supervision and course choices.
Key requirements and expectations
Program structure and focus
The programme is governed by a study and examination regulation that specifies module contents, learning objectives, assessment types, credit values and the required workload. The Master’s comprises 120 ECTS of compulsory coursework, with an option to take up to 18 ECTS of additional courses. Teaching and assessment are spread across three study blocks made up of modules, followed by a final thesis semester; you have up to eight semesters in total to complete the degree, giving flexibility in pacing.
Core study plan and specialisation
During the first three semesters you typically take five modules per semester (each 6 ECTS), while the fourth semester is reserved for the Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). The Major (60 ECTS) includes seven compulsory modules and three compulsory-elective modules. Key core modules include Trade Policy and Global Supply Chains, Risk and Open Economy, and Advanced Econometrics. The Major also requires two research projects and two seminars within the Economics of Global Risk area: seminars cover current, programme‑relevant topics, while research projects may involve participating in active research or acquiring specialist software skills. The compulsory‑elective choices (three modules) let you tailor your profile toward particular career or research directions.
Minor, electives and thesis
The Minor (30 ECTS) allows you to draw from the Major’s elective list, other business/economics modules, or take up to 12 ECTS of Master’s modules from other disciplines. Alternatively, you can complete an internship equivalent to 6 ECTS or select cross‑cutting modules such as Gender & Diversity or Business English; within that 12 ECTS window ungraded achievements are permitted. The final thesis (30 ECTS) demonstrates your ability to address a clearly defined research question independently. To register for the thesis you must have completed at least 60 ECTS and a seminar module. Theses are written under the supervision of a professorship in the Economics of Global Risk area, may be carried out as practical work with prior approval, and are completed within a six‑month period.
Key learning outcomes (summary)
Concise requirements and facts
This master’s programme requires applicants to hold a university bachelor’s degree that provides a professional qualification. Eligible degrees include a German Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign Bachelor’s degree in economics or business studies. Applicants with a Bachelor’s in another subject can also be considered if their prior studies include sufficient economics and quantitative coursework.
The programme’s credit requirements are expressed in ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). If your degree was awarded under a different credit system, convert or document the equivalent credits on your transcript. In addition to the academic background, all applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English according to the programme’s specified language requirements — check the programme webpage for accepted tests and minimum scores.
Admission requirements (summary)
Tips for international applicants
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles that require both economic expertise and quantitative analysis of global risks. Typical employers include government ministries and agencies, international organisations and NGOs, multinational firms concerned with supply-chain and financial risks, and research institutes.
Career paths may include positions such as policy analyst, risk analyst or consultant, economic researcher, or roles in international development and environmental policy where interdisciplinary knowledge of economics, law and political context is valuable.