This research-oriented, interdisciplinary Master's programme brings together philosophy, law, economics and social science to study ethical questions at the intersection of politics, markets and legal frameworks. Taught in English, the curriculum combines the normative focus of philosophy with the theoretical and empirical methods of the socio-scientific disciplines to address contemporary moral and policy problems.
Teaching and research are organised around six core themes — each studied both normatively and descriptively/analytically: Globalisation and Justice; Markets and Morality; Climate Change and Responsibility; Welfare and Dignity; Migration and Rights; and Digitalisation and Self-Determination. The programme equips students with knowledge of legal and political contexts, economic tools, and capacities for normative reflection so they can engage with issues such as financial crises, global poverty, migration and climate change.
Students build foundational knowledge in the programme’s first year and pursue their own applied or research projects in the second year. Applied projects can be combined with an internship abroad; research projects may be conducted at international partner institutes. The programme is aimed at excellent bachelor’s degree holders and early-career professionals who plan to work on major policy and economic challenges or to pursue advanced, future-oriented research.
Requirements / key facts
Overview
This two-year, project-focused Master's programme is designed to bridge normatively oriented practical philosophy with empirically grounded social science. It trains students to carry out independent normative reflection and rigorous analytical reasoning about contemporary ethical and policy questions. The curriculum centres on six interdisciplinary thematic areas: Globalisation and Justice, Market and Morality, Climate Change and Responsibility, Welfare and Dignity, Migration and Rights, and Digitalisation and Self‑Determination.
Structure and learning outcomes
The first year builds core, discipline-specific knowledge in ethics, economics, law and political science; the second year allows students to pursue individual practical or research projects that culminate in a Master’s thesis in the fourth semester. Applied projects are typically combined with a 4–6 month internship (for example with partner corporations), while research projects link directly to faculty research and may include study or research abroad — there is a double‑degree option with the University of Graz (MA Political, Legal and Economic Philosophy). Across the programme students acquire methodological skills in interdisciplinary research, deepen expertise in practical philosophy and applied ethics, develop domain knowledge in at least two of the social science areas (economics, law, political science), and gain experience in designing and completing applied or research projects and communicating results.
Requirements (at a glance)
This programme requires a relevant first university degree and an admissions essay that demonstrates your readiness for interdisciplinary study. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s (or equivalent such as a licentiate degree or state examination) in one of the following fields: philosophy, economics, law or political science. If your Bachelor’s programme comprised two subjects, you must have earned at least 65 ECTS credits in one subject that is directly relevant to this MA.
The admission essay (maximum six pages) is the central component used to assess special aptitude for the EELP programme. It must combine a content-focused analysis with a concise motivation statement and should show that you can formulate an original problem, connect normative and analytic-descriptive perspectives, structure an accessible academic text, and support claims with appropriate citations. Check the programme’s official application guidance for any language, formatting, or submission requirements.
Admission requirements (concise)
Note: For details on essay language, citation style, file format, and submission deadlines, consult the programme’s official admissions information.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers where ethical, legal and economic expertise intersect: public policy, governmental and regulatory bodies, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, and corporate compliance or ethics advisory roles. The programme’s emphasis on applied projects and internships also suits consulting or management positions that require interdisciplinary analysis of social problems.
For those aiming at research or academia, the MA provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies in ethics, political philosophy, political science, law or related social sciences, supported by opportunities to work with international partner institutes.
Trier University of Applied Sciences — Birkenfeld
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
University of Siegen — Siegen