Program overview
This English‑language Master’s in Philosophy, Politics and Economics tackles pressing global problems — migration, climate change, economic inequality, political radicalisation and ethnic conflict — by combining tools from three fields. The course emphasizes applying interdisciplinary theory to real‑world challenges and trains students to think critically across disciplinary boundaries. Graduates are prepared for careers in business, government and politics, and can also pursue research and a PhD.
Designed for future leaders, the programme at Witten/Herdecke University deliberately integrates the three disciplines rather than teaching them in isolation. Small, highly interactive seminars encourage discussion and collaborative learning instead of traditional lecturing. Students take an active role in shaping the semester curriculum and can tailor their studies through independent projects and a choice of four majors. The Studium fundamentale additionally lets you include courses in music, literature, art, history and archaeology to broaden your intellectual perspective.
Community and career connections
The university fosters a close student–faculty community: teaching groups are small and socially engaged, and international guest scholars regularly contribute lectures and seminars. Students even help select and invite these visiting academics. A network of partner organisations supports career development in Germany and abroad, giving students routes into policy, business, civil society and academic research.
Requirements / key facts
Overview The PPE Master’s program builds an integrated, interdisciplinary grounding across moral and political theory, political institutions and political economy, and economics. You gain systematic training in core subjects such as ethics and philosophy, politics and political economy, microeconomics and institutional economics, enabling you to analyse normative questions, policy debates and economic incentives from multiple angles.
Methodology and skills A central focus of the degree is advanced methodological training: you learn both qualitative and quantitative research techniques so you can design, conduct and critically assess empirical work. That methodological competence combines with interdisciplinary coursework to prepare you for rigorous independent research, evidence‑based policy analysis and cross‑disciplinary problem solving.
Flexibility and specialisation The programme allows you to customise your studies through a broad range of electives (examples include International Politics, International Economics, Philosophy, PPE of Development, and Leadership & Transformation). This flexibility helps you deepen a particular specialization or build a broader comparative skill set. For a full list of courses and up-to-date module descriptions, consult the PPE online course catalogue.
Key modules (examples)
Learning outcomes
Programme requirements (in‑programme)
This interdisciplinary Master's is structured as a two-year, 120 ECTS programme and is aimed at graduates of BA or BSc degrees—particularly those from the arts, humanities, or social sciences—who are motivated to study across Philosophy, Politics and Economics. The programme includes introductory modules that bring all students to a common footing for interdisciplinary analysis; students who already have relevant prior knowledge may be allowed to skip these courses.
Applicants must demonstrate a good command of English. Graduates coming from 240 ECTS bachelor programmes may have the option to complete the MA in less than two years—contact the programme for details about shortened pathways and credit recognition. Since the university selects students via a careful, long-established two-stage process, you should review the selection procedure and prepare accordingly.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 August 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 August 2026
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in business, government, public policy, international organisations, NGOs, and civil society where interdisciplinary analytical and ethical reasoning are valued. The programme’s focus on applied, real-world problems and its network of partner organisations support transitions into policy analysis, consultancy, management roles, and roles in political institutions or advocacy groups.
For those interested in academia or research, the MA provides a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD. The combination of qualitative and quantitative methodological training also makes graduates attractive candidates for research institutes, think tanks, and data-driven policy roles.
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