This master's programme blends institutional economics with business administration to examine the economic realities of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on electives from multiple fields so you can appreciate the region's social, political and economic complexity rather than viewing problems through a single lens.
Coursework addresses current, high-impact topics across many MENA countries — for example the political economy of Islam, the economics of natural resources, corruption, violent conflict and the use of economic sanctions. Those themes are taught alongside analytical and applied tools so you can tackle policy and business problems grounded in regional realities.
You also choose a specialisation track to shape your professional profile: options allow you to develop problem-solving skills tailored to economics, finance and accounting, or management. Practical, region-specific experience is encouraged — students may spend a semester abroad at one of the programme’s partner universities in the MENA region to strengthen language, cultural and field knowledge.
Key facts and requirements
This MSc is delivered over four semesters (each 30 ECTS) and culminates in a 30‑ECTS master’s thesis. The curriculum is organised around three pillars: a region-focused introductory module on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), recurring economics analysis coursework that builds quantitative and theoretical skills, and a set of MENA‑specific economics modules that examine regional markets, institutions, and policy. Electives and a specialisation component let students deepen knowledge in particular topics or methodology, while the thesis develops independent research capacity.
The programme is offered with two intake patterns (winter or summer), so the sequence of core and elective modules changes depending on the start term. Either way, students will complete 120 ECTS in total across the four semesters, progressing from foundational regional and analytical courses to specialised coursework and a substantial research project. The structure supports both broad regional competence and focused expertise through specialisation tracks and elective choices.
Key modules and learning outcomes are emphasised throughout: students gain a thorough introduction to the MENA region’s political, social and economic context; repeated Economics Analysis modules reinforce quantitative and model‑based tools; MENA Economics modules apply those tools to regional issues; and specialisation electives allow mastery of a chosen subfield. By the end of the programme graduates will be able to analyse MENA economic problems using advanced economic methods, design and carry out independent research, and communicate policy‑relevant findings.
Programme structure — winter start (October to March / April to September)
Programme structure — summer start (April to September / October to March)
Key modules (highlights)
Learning outcomes
Programme requirements (summary)
Admission requirements — what they mean for you
To be eligible you must hold a Bachelor's degree (or an officially recognised equivalent). In addition to the degree, your previous studies should include a solid foundation in economics and business administration: specifically, coursework adding up to at least 60 ECTS credits in these subjects.
That 60‑ECTS requirement must include subject-specific components:
Practical tips for international applicants: ensure your transcript clearly shows the number of credits and the content of relevant courses. If your institution uses a different credit system, provide official documentation or course descriptions so the admissions office can assess equivalence, and contact the programme office if you are unsure whether your prior modules meet the stated ECTS breakdown.
Admission requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for roles that require both economic analysis and region-specific expertise. Typical career paths include positions as regional economists, policy analysts, consultants, risk analysts, or advisors in government agencies, international organisations, NGOs, financial institutions, and consulting firms.
The programme equips students with quantitative and theoretical tools, applied knowledge of MENA economic institutions and policies, and optional language skills — all of which support employment in research institutes, think tanks, development and humanitarian organisations, banks and corporate functions dealing with the MENA region.