International Political Economy (MSc Double Degree)

Programme Description The Master of Science in International Political Economy is a two-year, interdisciplinary programme combining economic analysis with insights from political science. It provides training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and equips students to analyse complex real-world issues from an economic perspective. The programme is jointly offered by the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Marburg as a dual degree. Students spend one academic year at each institution and receive degrees from both universities upon successful completion. The programme is designed for graduates with a background in economics or political science (or related fields). Applicants with an economics background are admitted through Marburg, while those with a political science background apply through Dallas. Students develop an advanced understanding of key theories, debates, and recent research in international political economy. They also learn to apply this knowledge to practical problems and to develop feasible, evidence-based solutions. Programme Structure The programme comprises 120 ECTS credits. Students with an economics background begin in Marburg and move to Dallas after two semesters; students with a political science background follow the reverse path. Credits earned at both institutions are mutually recognised. Teaching is organised in modules that include required and elective components. Courses cover economics, political science, and research methods, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests. The Master’s thesis is completed in the final phase of the programme over a period of four months under academic supervision. Example Study Path Starting in Marburg Semesters 1–2 (Marburg): Research Methods International Economics Economics Electives Semesters 3–4 (Dallas): Research Methods International Politics Political Science Electives Master’s Thesis Starting in Dallas Semesters 1–2 (Dallas): Research Methods and Economics International Politics Political Science Electives Semesters 3–4 (Marburg): Research Methods International Economics Economics Electives Master’s Thesis Following the Bologna guidelines on European university education, the course is structured so that 30 credit points (ECTS) should be achieved every semester. The different modules in the Master's programme add up to 120 ECTS. The following section gives an overview of the programme structure and its modules. Research Methods (24 ECTS points) To accommodate the increasing demand for economists equipped with methodological skills, students are trained in a variety of analytical tools. This module will also help to prepare students to write their Master's theses and academic essays in general. International Politics (20 ECTS points) International Economics (12 ECTS points) Economics Electives (36 ECTS points) Political Science Electives (10 ECTS points) Master's Thesis (18 ECTS points) The final phase of the course is the Master's thesis, which provides students with the opportunity to apply the skills acquired during the taught part of the programme. Students may choose a research topic in economics or political science, within which they will undertake theory or public policy-oriented research using a multitude of possible methods under the guidance of an experienced professor. PDF Download