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Programme Structure

Students with an economics background start the MSc in International Political Economy programme at Marburg and move to Dallas after two semesters, whereas students with a political science background start in Dallas and move to Marburg after two semesters. During the course of their studies, students earn a total of 120 credit points in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Credits acquired at Dallas will be converted into ECTS and vice versa. Courses are structered in modules, some of which are required and some of which are electives. Most modules contain various courses from which students can choose those in which they are most interested (subject of availability; not all courses are offered in all semesters). Most courses deal with general or specific aspects of economics or politics but some courses emphasise research methods. The Master's thesis is written over a period of 4 months during which the student works independently on an academic research topic under the supervision of an experienced professor.

The following chart is an example of module choice across all four semesters. The specific courses offered within each module might vary from year to year, but the main qualifications acquired in each module are the same. Please check the schedule of lectures.

1. International Economics International Economics covers international trade and open-economy macroeconomics as well as the rational choice approach to studying political institutions. You are required to earn 12 ECTS in this field of study. 

In Marburg, you must choose two courses from the following two modules

  • International Institutional Economics (6 ECTS)
  • International Economic Policy (6 ECTS)

These modules will teach you to 

  • perform an economic analysis of international economic regimes
  • deal with modules of an open economy
  • understand the role of the government in a globalised economy

2. International Politics
International Politics includes courses emphasising core elements of international relations, such as security, diplomacy, regional integration, unequal development, etc. You are required to earn 20 ECTS in this field of study.

In Dallas, you must choose two courses in international politics (10 ECTS each):

  • Proseminar in Comparative Politics and International Relations

or

  • World Political Economy

and 

  • International Organisations

or 

  • Theories of International Relations

3. Research Methods
Research methods equip you with the necessary skills to conduct scientific analysis. 

If you have an economic background, you are required to earn 22 ECTS in this area. In Marburg, you must choose two courses from the following two modules, i.e., you can specialise in empirical methods, theoretical methods, or you can take one course in each. 

  • Empirical Economics (6 ECTS)
  • Theoretical Economics (6 ECTS)

In Dallas, you are required to earn the remaining 10 ECTS. You must choose one of the following two modules, i.e., you can specialise in qualitative research methods or theoretical methods in the form of game theory. 

  • Qualitative Research Methods (10 ECTS)

or 

  • Game Theory for Political Scientists (10 ECTS)

If you have a political science background, you will be combining statistical quantitative methods with a broad introduction to economics. In total, you are required to earn 36 ECTS in this area. 

In Marburg, you must choose one course from the following two modules, i.e., you can specialise in empirical methods or theoretical methods

  • Empirical Economics (6 ECTS)

or 

  • Theoretical Economics (6 ECTS)

In Dallas, you are required to earn the remaining 30 ECTS. You must choose one of the following two courses on statistical methods:

  • Introduction to Quantitative Methods (10 ECTS)

or

  • Descriptive and Inferential Statistics (10 ECTS)

As a preparation for the economics modules, which contain more formal theory, you must successfully complete the following two courses:

  • Economics for Public Policy (10 ECTS)
  • Macroeconomic Theory for Applications (10 ECTS)

4. Economic Electives
To deepen as well as broaden your knowledge in economics, you can choose among a variety of courses within several modules. 

If you have an economics background, you are required to earn 36 ECTS in this area. In Marburg, you will need to select five courses from the following modules, plus a recommended seminar. 

If you have a political background, you are required to earn 24 ECTS in this area. In Marburg, you will need to select three courses from the following modules, plus a recommended seminar. 

Currently, we offer the following modules in this area (each course in these module earns 6 ECTS)

  • International Institutional Economics
  • Law and Economics
  • Applied Institutional Economics
  • Public Economics
  • Cooperative Economics
  • Seminars on Institutional Economics
  • International Economic Policy
  • Macroeconomic Policy
  • Seminars on Economic Policy

5. Political Science Electives
To deepen as well as broaden your knowledge in political science, you can choose among a variety of courses when studying at the University of Texas at Dallas. 

You are required to earn 10 ECTS in this field of study. In Dallas, you will need to select one course from the following modules. 

Currently, we offer the following modules in this area (each course in these module earns 10 ECTS):

  • Institutions and Development
  • Political Development
  • Political-Economic Theories
  • Game Theory for Political Scientists
  • Political Economy of Finance
  • Political Economy of Natural Resources

6. Master's Thesis
The Master's thesis requires students to undertake their own piece of independent research under the guidance of an experienced professor. The Master's thesis (6 hours or 18 ECTS) is written over a period of 14 weeks. Students with an undergraduate degree in economics write their thesis in Dallas; students with an undergraduate degree in political science write their thesis in Marburg. The thesis is your opportunity to apply the skills you have been taught and demonstrate how much you have learned. A theory- or policy-oriented question is studied using a formal or informal theoretical approach or a quantitative or qualitative empirical approach.