This consecutive, research-oriented Master's builds on a completed Bachelor's (or comparable first) degree and is aimed at students who want to analyse major economic problems facing societies worldwide. The course is taught in English and has a strong international and interdisciplinary focus, linking contemporary economic research with broader social science perspectives.
You will study "global challenges"—the socially, ecologically and economically relevant problems framed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—using economic tools while drawing on insights from other fields such as anthropology, psychology, sociology and evolutionary biology. The programme trains you to examine crises and complex problems from multiple angles and to develop rigorous, analytical solutions.
Graduates leave with a broad set of economic and interdisciplinary skills that prepare them either for immediate professional work or for continuing with doctoral studies to deepen their economics research. The emphasis on analytic depth and cross-disciplinary perspectives is designed to equip students to approach real-world global challenges with methodological rigor and contextual understanding.
Requirements
This Master’s curriculum begins by strengthening your core economic foundations in the first year: advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics are deepened while modules introduce major societal and environmental influences on economic processes, such as development and behavioural factors. Core first‑year courses include subjects that cover innovation, economic policy, advanced theory and quantitative methods, giving you a solid analytical toolbox to understand and evaluate policy and market dynamics.
In the second year the programme shifts toward applying theory to contemporary global challenges. The third semester emphasizes current trends — digitisation, sustainability and pluralist approaches to economics — and students carry out substantial applied work. The degree is completed with a research project and an individually written Master’s thesis, which together consolidate your ability to design and conduct independent economic research on real‑world problems.
Teaching is predominantly seminar‑based, so sessions prioritize active student participation over passive lectures. The research project and seminar work require you to apply acquired theory and methods to case studies and subject‑specific problems, often in group and individual formats. Overall learning outcomes include advanced quantitative and empirical skills, capacity for independent research, experience in collaborative project work, and the ability to analyse policy and economic questions related to digitisation, sustainability and development.
Key modules and structure (credit points shown as CP)
This master’s programme expects applicants to hold a completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a solid quantitative and social-science background. Eligible degree fields include Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Business Studies, Law, Business Informatics, Industrial Engineering, or closely related programmes. The bachelor must comprise at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits.
Applicants must meet both a minimum overall grade and specific subject-matter prerequisites from their prior studies. The programme requires an overall grade of at least 2.7 according to the German grading scale, plus evidence of substantive coursework in economics and statistical/econometric methods. Credit-point requirements refer to university credit units (ECTS/CP) attained during your bachelor’s studies.
International applicants whose degree, grading scale or credit system differs from the German standard should submit full transcripts (and course descriptions where possible) so the admissions office can assess equivalence. You will also need to document your English language ability with an appropriate certificate or other recognised proof of proficiency.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates leave prepared either to enter the labour market or to continue in doctoral studies. The programme equips students with advanced theoretical and empirical tools that are valuable for roles in policy analysis, international organisations, NGOs, research institutes, think tanks, and consultancy or private-sector strategy teams. Employers will value the programme’s combination of strong quantitative skills, interdisciplinary perspective on global challenges, and hands-on research experience.
For students aiming at academia, the degree provides a solid foundation for PhD programmes in economics or related social sciences, given the emphasis on econometrics, research projects and an independent master’s thesis.