Master of Science in International Economics (MSc)

Why do some countries thrive in global markets while others fall behind? How do trade policies, institutions, and human behaviour shape economic outcomes across borders? And what does it take to design solutions in an increasingly complex, data-driven world? The Master’s programme in International Economics at the University of Göttingen prepares you to answer these questions — and to act on them. You can tailor your studies to your interests by specialising in one of four leading research areas: International Trade and Production Development Economics Behavioural and Institutional Economics Quantitative Methods of Economic Analysis Flexible electives allow you to refine your profile even further, positioning you for a competitive international career. What truly sets this programme apart is its global perspective. A mandatory semester abroad at one of our partner universities, combined with opportunities for international internships, ensures that you gain first-hand experience in diverse economic environments. Along the way, you strengthen your language and intercultural skills — essential assets in today’s interconnected world. Graduates go on to careers where global impact matters. This degree opens up excellent career prospects in international organisations such as the IMF, World Bank, OECD, WTO, the European Central Bank, and the European Commission; research institutes; development agencies; and leading firms in consulting, finance, and international business. Double your degree, double your perspective Through our double degree option with the University of Groningen, you can earn two Master’s degrees while studying in two countries — combining Göttingen’s strengths in international economics with Groningen’s focus on development and globalisation. Please note that the double degree requires additional fees that are especially high for non-EU students (https://www.rug.nl/masters/ddm-international-development-economics/#!tuitionfee). The Master's programme in International Economics lasts four semesters and comprises 120 credits (ECTS). It is divided into coursework and the completion of a Master's thesis (24 credits). The programme starts with four modules (24 credits) that deepen your knowledge of economics and enable you to independently analyse global economic contexts: Advanced Microeconomics Macroeconomics of Open Economies International Trade Economics Specialisation in economics (48 credits) This block gives you the opportunity to give yourself an independent profile for your later professional activity through specialisation. You can choose from the following specialisations: International Trade and Production Development Economics Behavioural and Institutional Economics Quantitative Methods of Economic Analysis You can have one of each of these four modules listed in your Master's degree certificate as a specialisation. You will supplement these specialisations with seminars and other modules with a foreign trade orientation. Elective courses (24 credits) In the elective area, you have the opportunity to freely choose additional modules from the selection offered by the Faculty of Business and Economics. This allows you to further refine your individual profile. Additionally, you can enrol in selected modules from other faculties covering topics such as machine learning or international law. Furthermore, you can have a voluntary internship credited under certain conditions. Part of the elective area is also a semester abroad, which deepens your knowledge of foreign languages, strengthens your intercultural competence and broadens your horizons. You can complete this at a partner university of the Faculty of Business and Economics for example in the USA, China, Thailand, Latin America or various European universities. Master's thesis (24 credits) In your final thesis, you will combine all the skills you have acquired during your studies: Subject expertise, empirical methods, and proficiency in application. Yo