MA International Economics and Public Policy (MA IEPP)

This English-taught Master's blends political science and economics through a joint programme run by Trier University’s Political Science and Economics departments. It combines applied coursework with research-oriented modules so students develop both practical skills and a solid grounding in academic inquiry at the graduate level.

The curriculum emphasizes advanced social science methods — both qualitative and quantitative — to enable in-depth analysis of comparative and international political economy. Students are trained to engage with current research and to apply rigorous methods to real-world policy questions.

You can tailor your studies across a broad set of topics, for example international economic challenges, European Union governance, or contemporary political and economic developments in Asia. The programme is well suited to those seeking methodological training for research or careers in policy analysis, international organisations, or academia.

Requirements

• Exact admission criteria and required documents are determined by Trier University — please consult the programme webpage or the admissions office for up-to-date entry requirements and application procedures.

Key facts

• Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
• Field: Political Science (interdisciplinary with Economics)
• Language of instruction: English
• Programme focus: comparative and international political economy; advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods; range of regional and topical specialisations (e.g., EU governance, Asia, international economics)

This two-year, full-time master’s programme is structured around a clear ECTS-based curriculum that balances core training in economics and political science with options for focused study. The degree comprises five mandatory 10‑ECTS modules that build the programme’s core knowledge, plus four 10‑ECTS elective modules that let you specialise. Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures and seminars provided by both the Political Science and Economics departments, ensuring an interdisciplinary learning environment. The course finishes with a substantial 30‑ECTS concluding module that integrates your learning across the programme.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Core (compulsory) modules give you a shared foundation in the central theories and methods from both political science and economics, preparing you to analyse international economic issues from a policy perspective.
• Compulsory elective modules enable targeted specialisation: you can deepen analytical and applied skills in one of three areas—economic foundations, international economics, or economic governance and policies—depending on your interests and career aims.
• The concluding 30‑ECTS module provides an opportunity to synthesise theory and empirical work, demonstrating your ability to apply interdisciplinary tools to real-world international economic and public policy problems. Overall, graduates will gain strong analytical and policy-oriented competencies suitable for careers in research, public administration, international organisations, or advisory roles.

Program at-a-glance (requirements)

• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Total workload: 120 ECTS (sum of all modules)
• Compulsory modules: 5 modules × 10 ECTS each (50 ECTS)
• Compulsory elective modules: 4 modules × 10 ECTS each (40 ECTS); choose from:
  • Economic foundations
  • International economics
  • Economic governance and policies
• Concluding module: 30 ECTS
• Teaching formats: seminars and lectures contributed by both the Political Science and Economics departments

Graduates are prepared for roles in international organisations, public administrations, EU institutions, think tanks, NGOs, and private-sector consultancies dealing with international economics and policy. The combination of political science and economics, together with applied research training, suits positions in policy analysis, economic governance, and advisory functions.

The programme’s strong methodological focus (qualitative and quantitative) also provides a solid foundation for academic research and further study (PhD). Alumni can pursue careers in research institutes, policy units of government or international bodies, or advisory roles in economic and political consultancy firms.