Master of Science in International Economics and Business

This master's programme delivers advanced training in micro- and macroeconomic theory, empirical methods, and research techniques with particular emphasis on the global economy, international trade and finance, and governance, institutions and development. While its methodological core is rooted in economic analysis, the curriculum is supplemented with targeted business-administration content and econometrics so you gain both theoretical depth and practical analytical skills. The balance of theory and applied work prepares students for research roles or practice-oriented careers in policy, consulting, finance, and international organisations.

Teaching is fully in English and strongly research-driven: you will engage in empirical work including laboratory and field experiments as well as secondary data analysis. Cohorts are intentionally small (about 20–30 students per year), which creates close interaction with faculty and a favourable staff–student ratio. The programme also accepts interdisciplinary modules toward the degree and benefits from numerous global university partnerships, supporting academic exchange and networking opportunities.

The programme has performed well in the CHE ranking. Prospective applicants can try a short online self-assessment (about 10–15 minutes) to check whether the course content and prerequisites match their background and interests.

Key facts / requirements

• Language of instruction: English (entire programme taught in English)
• Core focus areas: Global Economy; International Trade & Finance; Governance, Institutions & Development
• Strong emphasis on empirical research: laboratory and field experiments, secondary data analysis
• Includes selected modules in business administration and econometrics
• Interdisciplinary modules may be counted toward the degree
• Small cohort size (≈20–30 students per year) for close faculty contact
• Combines theoretical and practical training
• Good performance in the CHE ranking
• Offers a self-assessment tool (10–15 minutes) to help applicants evaluate fit

The programme is organised into seven module groups plus a Master's thesis, combining rigorous economic theory with quantitative tools and applied topics in international trade, finance, development and governance. Core courses in econometrics, macroeconomics and microeconomics (25–30 ECTS) provide the foundational techniques you will use throughout the degree. From there you can deepen your quantitative skillset, explore behaviour‑oriented approaches, and apply empirical methods to real‑world problems in global markets and policy.

Specialist areas let you tailor your studies: advanced methods and econometrics sharpen empirical analysis; modules on the global economy, trade and finance cover theories and the empirical study of investment, location, trade and financial interactions and their policy implications; governance and development modules address institutional design, anti‑corruption, fiscal and health economics. Business administration options complement the economics focus, and a language module with a business/economics emphasis plus interdisciplinary electives allow you to build applied and cross‑disciplinary competencies.

The programme culminates in a 20‑ECTS Master's thesis on a topic drawn from the core, advanced methods, global economy or governance/development groups. By graduation you will have strong quantitative and empirical research skills, a solid grounding in international economic institutions and policy issues, practical business and language capabilities, and the capacity to carry out independent, policy‑relevant research.

Module and credit requirements (concise)

• A: Core Courses — 25–30 ECTS
  • Core econometrics, macroeconomics and microeconomics; essential analytical and technical tools.
• B: Advanced Methods — minimum 10 ECTS
  • In‑depth econometrics and behaviour‑oriented quantitative methods for advanced empirical work.
• C: Global Economy, International Trade and Finance — minimum 10 ECTS
  • Globalisation, trade and finance theory; empirical study of investment, location, trade, finance and their policy interactions.
• D: Governance, Institutions and Development — minimum 10 ECTS
  • Development theory and policy, institutional design, anti‑corruption, ethics, fiscal policy and health economics.
• E: Business Administration — up to 20 ECTS
  • Business modules that complement economic analysis and applied decision‑making.
• F: Foreign language (business/economics focus) — up to 10 ECTS (typically 10 ECTS in one language)
  • Languages offered by the language centre: Chinese, Czech, English, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish.
• G: Interdisciplinary Modules — up to 10 ECTS
  • Master’s‑level courses from other faculties credited toward the degree to broaden your profile.
• Master’s thesis — 20 ECTS
  • Research project on a topic from module groups A, B, C or D, demonstrating independent empirical or theoretical work.

Graduates are prepared for roles that require strong analytical and empirical skills in economics and business. Typical career paths include policy analysis (public institutions and international organisations), economic or management consulting, roles in finance and trade policy departments, and data-driven positions in private and non-profit sectors.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral study: the emphasis on research methods and the master’s thesis equips students with the technical and methodological background needed to pursue a PhD in economics or related fields.