This is a two‑year, research‑oriented Master's leading to a Master of Arts in Global Political Economy and Development. The curriculum examines the institutions, actors and processes that shape global capitalism, North–South relations and development cooperation. While emphasising global dynamics, the programme also compares regional and national settings. Its distinguishing feature is a North–South framing that draws on development theory and practice as well as postcolonial perspectives.
Teaching is interdisciplinary — faculty come from political science, sociology, economics and related fields — and the programme adopts a pluralist approach to political economy, covering both mainstream and critical traditions. Students learn to combine empirical research with theoretical and methodological reflection. A practical element is built into the course: students are required to complete a two‑month internship with NGOs, international organisations, research centres or similar institutions.
The student body is highly international (around 75% of students are from outside Germany), and guest lecturers from partner universities worldwide regularly contribute to teaching. Fieldwork for the MA thesis can be partially supported through a limited number of research grants; further details are available from the Global Partnership Network (GPN).
The programme addresses how globalisation reshapes political and economic authority and the imaginaries of development. It prepares students to analyse transnational economic and political processes and to work collaboratively across cultures. Graduates are well placed for jobs in international organisations, NGOs, consultancies, journalism and academia, and the strong emphasis on theory and empirical methods also provides solid preparation for PhD study.
Key facts and requirements (concise)
Curriculum overview
This MA combines foundational theory, historical perspective and applied analysis to examine how politics, economics and society interact on a global scale. Core teaching in the first semester establishes the programme’s foundations and situates contemporary global political economy within long-term processes (“From Colonialism to Globalisation”) as well as in the institutional landscape of trade, finance and development (“Governance of the World Market: Institutions and Actors in Trade, Finance and Development”). Advanced theoretical and methodological training continues across the second and third semesters with courses on Theories of Global Political Economy and Development and Research Methods, preparing you to design and conduct independent research.
The fourth semester is dedicated to completing a research-based master’s thesis, accompanied by a thesis colloquium. Throughout the programme you can tailor your studies via optional specialization courses that allow in-depth focus on thematic areas such as labour, finance, gender and race, environmental politics, migration, urban and agrarian change, postcolonial/decolonial theory, and the roles of state and civil society. This structure gives you both broad conceptual grounding and the specific analytical skills needed for careers in research, policy, international organisations, NGOs, and advocacy, or for further academic study.
Key modules (core)
Optional specialisation fields (examples of elective courses)
Learning outcomes
This program seeks applicants with a solid foundation in social sciences and demonstrable academic and practical engagement in socio-political issues. You should hold a completed Bachelor's degree of sufficient length and subject relevance, meet the program's academic grade threshold, and be proficient in English at the advanced (C1) level. In addition, one year of socio-political involvement and a detailed motivation letter are required to assess your fit and readiness for the MA.
For international applicants, make sure your Bachelor’s degree and transcripts clearly show relevant coursework or competencies in political science, economics, or related social sciences. The selection also places weight on practical experience in socio-political settings and a reflective motivation letter that links your background, commitments, and future aims to a concrete issue in global political economy or development.
Admission requirements (concise):
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), consultancies, journalism, and academia, where critical understanding of global political and economic dynamics and cross-cultural collaboration are valued. The programme’s mix of theory, empirical research training and a compulsory internship equips students for roles in policy analysis, development practice, research institutions, and advocacy organisations.
For students aiming for further academic research, the MA provides rigorous methodological and theoretical grounding that facilitates progression to PhD programmes. The programme’s international orientation and practical experience also enhance employability in transnational and interdisciplinary roles related to globalisation and development.
Philipps-Universität Marburg — Marburg
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — Berlin
Hertie School — Berlin
Trier University — Trier