International Economics

  • Degree
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
  • Type of study
    Full-time study
  • Standard period of study
    3 Semester without internship, 4 Semester with internship
  • Commencement of studies
    Winter semester (1 Oct)
  • Credits (ECTS)
    90
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Department / Central Institute
    Department of Business and Economics

Degree programme

Study Info Day / digital on December 13

You want to apply for an an English-language Master's programme at the HWR Berlin? Then be welcome to our online event.

This degree programme is intended for all those with an interest in global economic problems and who seek to develop an understanding of international economic policies, international economic relations and the functioning of the international currency system.
The Master’s degree programme International Economics offers an in-depth exploration of international macroeconomic issues and problems, like global and regional imbalances, macroeconomic instability, inequality and ecological constraints of economic activities. The programme will also impart skills in independent academic working and intercultural communication.
Economic globalization requires an ever-growing number of specialists able to think beyond borders and view the economy in its global context. Therefore, this consecutive degree programme imparts a critical understanding of current debates in economics, including a number of heterodox approaches, and is seeking to adopt a pluralist perspective. The Master’s degree programme promotes an understanding of international economic contexts and incorporates theoretical controversies, historical developments and up-to-date developments. Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, it seeks to stress the importance of social and political institutions for economic development.

Professional field

The graduates of this degree programme hold all the qualifications required to work in state and private organizations, internationally-orientated companies, economic associations and labour unions. The degree »Master of Arts« (M.A.) also qualifies its holder for the higher levels of public administration and for national and international doctoral programmes.

Degree structure

In their first semester, students attend basic courses at the Master's level. The second semester allows for a specialisation. The third semester is usually dedicated to the final examination in the form of a written Master’s thesis and an oral examination. The language of instruction is English.

Students who have gained less than 210 ECTS in their first degree must acquire the missing credits by completing an internship. This extends the regular period of study from three to four semesters.

The first semester is dedicated to teaching the foundation courses Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics and Global Governance at a Master's level.

In the second semester, students take part in a project seminar focussing on Current Issues in International Economics. For further three seminars, students choose from a number of electives, such as Distribution and Growth, Econometrics, The Political Economy of Modern Capitalism, Feminist and Ecological Economics, International Political Economy and Applied International Economic Policy.

  • Bachelor's or equivalent degree,
  • at least 210 credit points. Applicants with 180 credits will be required to obtain the additional 30 credits by completing an internship in the third semester (the programme will then last four semesters)
  • English language skills on a high B2 level proved by a standardised test, e.g. TOEFL (iBT minimum score 83), IELTS (minimum score 6.0), TOEIC Four Skills (minimum score 1200), PTE Academic (minimum score 67), Cambridge English Scale (minimum score 170), Oxford Test of English (minimum score 126), UNIcert II
    If you have studied in the higher education system a minimum of two semesters entirely in English, this can be accepted as equivalent (please provide proof with your application). You do not need to provide further English certificates if you hold a GMAT.
  • evidence specifically of having completed undergraduate modules in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and International Economics
  • Letter of motivation and Curriculum Vitae in English

Applicants with a degree from a German university:
15.04.-15.06.
Please, apply through our platform (which for technical reasons is only available in German)


Applicants with a degree from an university abroad:
15.03.-15.05.
Students with a Non-German Bachelor degree apply at uni-assist e. V.

Programmakkreditiert durch den Akkreditierungsrat

The Master programme International Economics participates in the international Master Economic Policies in the Age of Globalisation (EPoG2) and in the international Erasmus Mundus Master Economic Policies for the Global Transition (EPoG+).

Students who acquire less than 210 European Credit Transfer System [ECTS] points in their basic course of studies must obtain the missing credit points by way of an integrated internship, for which 30 ECTS points are available, at the end of the theoretical phase and before completion of studies. Students who have obtained 210 ECTS points in their basic course of studies and have already concluded a period of practical training can undertake a (further) period of practical training on a voluntary basis. Students who obtain no ECTS points during their basic course of studies (mostly non-EU applicants) need not complete an internship.

All information on the offered modules and lectures can be found on the online campus management system S.A.M. (Study Administration Management).

All regulations, forms and documents can be found in your faculty site.

Fees and grants

  • Tuition fees

    None

  • Semesterfee

    ca. € 300 per semester (incl. local transport semester ticket)

How to apply for this programme

Information for prospective students

Student Counselling Services

Admission and enrolment

Office for Applications, Admissions and Enrolment

+49 30 30877-1800

Office hours:

Mon 14.00–16.00
Wed 10.00–12.00
Thu 14.00–16.00

Student advisory service

Department of Business and Economics
Dagmar Hofmann
Studienbüro 3

+49 30-30877-1425

Academic Director

Prof. Dr. Eckhard Hein

Department of Business and Economics
Prof. Dr. Eckhard Hein
Professor of Economics, in particular European Economic Policies

FAQs: Applying for Master degree programmes at the Department of Business and Economics

Professors and Lecturers in the Master International Economics

Presentation on the application process

Further counselling services

Download information on the degree programme

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