International Political Economy (MSc Double Degree)

Overview The MSc programme is a two-year, English-language, international and interdisciplinary course that merges the analytical rigour of economics with comparative and global perspectives from political science. It is delivered jointly by the University of Texas at Dallas and Philipps‑Universität Marburg as a double/dual degree: graduates receive a master’s from both institutions and are required to spend one academic year at each university.

Curriculum and learning outcomes Students receive training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and are exposed to current theories, critiques and recent advances in the field. Course work is organised in modular form with a mix of required and elective modules—most modules contain a selection of courses from which students can choose. Instruction covers general and specialised topics in economics and politics, with an emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to analyse real‑world problems within an economic framework. The master’s thesis is completed under professor supervision over a four‑month period.

Organisation and student pathway The programme awards a total of 120 ECTS; credits earned at Dallas are converted to ECTS (and vice versa) so the two universities’ systems are aligned. Students who entered with an economics background begin the programme in Marburg for the first two semesters and then move to Dallas for the final year. Students with a political science background start in Dallas and complete their later semesters in Marburg. Course offerings may vary by year and semester, and students select electives subject to availability.

Key facts and requirements

• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Credits: 120 ECTS (US credits converted as required)
• Language of instruction: English
• Degree: Double/dual Master’s degree awarded by both partner universities
• Mobility: One academic year at each partner university (students must spend at least one year at the other institution)
• Target applicants: Holders of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in economics or a related field, or in political science or a related field
• Admission handling: Applicants with an economics background are admitted via Marburg; applicants with a political science background are admitted via Dallas
• Curriculum: Modular structure with required and elective modules in economics, international politics, and research methods
• Thesis: Independent master’s thesis completed over four months under professor supervision
• Notes: Not all courses run every semester; students choose from available courses within each module

Program structure

This interdisciplinary Master's follows the Bologna framework: students are expected to complete 30 ECTS each semester, with the full programme totaling 120 ECTS. The curriculum combines rigorous methodological training with substantive courses in both political science and economics, culminating in an independent research thesis supervised by faculty.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Research Methods (24 ECTS): intensive training in quantitative and qualitative analytical tools used in political economy. This module equips students to design and carry out empirical research and prepares them to write the Master's thesis and other academic papers.
• International Politics (20 ECTS) and International Economics (12 ECTS): core courses that build a solid foundation in global political dynamics and economic interactions, enabling students to analyse cross-border policy issues and economic governance.
• Electives (36 ECTS in Economics; 10 ECTS in Political Science): flexible options to deepen subject-matter expertise or pursue interdisciplinary interests within political economy. Electives let students tailor their programme toward theoretical, policy, or applied approaches.
• Master's Thesis (18 ECTS): a supervised research project in either economics or political science. Students apply the programme’s methods and substantive knowledge to a focused topic, conducting theory-driven or policy-oriented research using appropriate methodologies under faculty guidance.

Curriculum at a glance (requirements and credits)

• Total programme credit load: 120 ECTS (30 ECTS per semester)
• Research Methods: 24 ECTS — methodological competence and thesis preparation
• International Politics: 20 ECTS — core political analysis of global governance and institutions
• International Economics: 12 ECTS — core economic theory and international economic policy
• Economics Electives: 36 ECTS — in-depth economic specialization options
• Political Science Electives: 10 ECTS — targeted political science topics
• Master's Thesis: 18 ECTS — independent, supervised research in economics or political science

This structure ensures graduates leave with strong empirical skills, cross-disciplinary knowledge of international political and economic systems, and the ability to carry out independent research relevant to academic or policy careers.

Graduates leave with interdisciplinary analytical skills applicable to international policy, economic analysis and research. The programme's combination of economics and political science prepares students for roles in government, international organisations, think tanks, consultancy and private-sector positions that require policy and data-driven analysis.

The strong research-methods component and the supervised Master's thesis also provide a foundation for those who wish to pursue further academic study or doctoral research in political economy, economics or related social sciences.