This programme trains you to investigate pressing questions in the global economy—for example, whether international trade increases inequality, how tariffs influence employment, or how climate change alters national competitiveness. You will read and engage with current academic literature, design your own research questions, and apply empirical methods to develop practical policy and business solutions. Courses allow you to deepen methodological skills and to specialise in one of four research-led fields: International Trade and Production; Development Economics; Behavioural and Institutional Economics; or Quantitative Methods of Economic Analysis. Elective modules let you tailor your profile further to match your career goals.
The degree places strong emphasis on language and intercultural competence to prepare you for international work environments. A semester abroad at one of the programme’s partner universities is compulsory, and the programme actively supports internships with international companies and organisations to give hands-on professional experience. Graduates leave with advanced analytical and empirical skills plus language and cross-cultural abilities, opening doors to careers at international and European organisations (e.g. IMF, World Bank, OECD, WTO, European Central Bank, European Commission), research institutes, development agencies, associations, management consultancies, the financial sector, and internationally oriented firms.
There is also a double degree pathway with the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Over four semesters you can earn two master’s degrees—the MSc from this programme and the MSc in Economic Development and Globalisation from Groningen—by spending two semesters at each institution and writing your master’s thesis in Groningen during the fourth semester.
Key requirements and compulsory components
This two-year (four-semester) MSc program is worth 120 ECTS and combines taught coursework with an independent research thesis (24 ECTS). In the opening phase you take a set of core modules that build the analytical foundations needed to understand and evaluate contemporary issues in the global economy. Across the program you will also tailor your profile through a substantial specialisation block, free electives (including options from other faculties), and opportunities for practical experience or study abroad.
Graduates will be able to conduct independent economic analysis of international problems, apply quantitative and empirical methods to real data, and communicate policy-relevant findings. The program prepares you for roles in research, international organisations, public policy, consulting, and firms with an international focus, while study-abroad and elective options deepen language ability and cross-cultural experience.
Requirements and key facts (concise)
Admissions are competitive and based on how closely your prior studies match the programme’s subject matter. Applicants must hold (or be completing) a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in Economics or a closely related field, earned over at least six semesters and amounting to 180 ECTS (or comparable credits).
You must have completed the bulk of your Bachelor’s studies before applying: at least 150 of the 180 ECTS must be finished at the time you submit your application. Applications that do not meet this minimum completion requirement cannot be considered. International applicants should ensure their degree and credit system are clearly documented and, where necessary, recognized as equivalent.
Academic preparation in economics and quantitative methods is required. Specifically, you will need substantial coursework in Economics (at least 60 ECTS), including focused studies in Economic Theory, Public Economics, and International Trade (a total of 30 ECTS). Of those 30 ECTS, at least 18 ECTS must be at intermediate or advanced course level. Additionally, you must have completed at least 12 ECTS in Mathematics, Statistics, or Econometrics. Make sure your transcripts clearly show course titles, ECTS/credit values and course levels to facilitate assessment.
Proof of sufficient English language ability is also required. For the list of accepted documents demonstrating English proficiency, consult the required application documents page: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/425268.html
Requirements (bullet summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 November 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 November 2026
Graduates leave with solid methodological and empirical skills combined with language and intercultural competence, preparing them for roles in international and European organisations (e.g. IMF, World Bank, OECD, WTO, ECB, European Commission), research institutes, and development agencies. The degree also opens opportunities in the private sector—particularly in management consultancies, finance, trade associations and internationally oriented companies.
The programme’s combination of applied empirical training, specialisation tracks and mandatory international experience makes alumni attractive for policy-oriented analysis roles, consultancy assignments, and doctoral research paths.