Political Economy of European Integration HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law)

This Master of Arts programme provides the knowledge base and methodology for a deeper understanding of the current issues of European integration, such as the urgent ecological crises, the widening gaps between and within member states, and the unresolved humanitarian refugee crisis. The interdisciplinary programme combines macroeconomics, political science, sociology, and law. It offers a pluralist and critical perspective that allows students to learn from various approaches and methodologies of classical and heterodox theories within and across the different disciplines.

The programme is strongly internationally orientated in its content as well as in its lecturers’ and students’ backgrounds, and it encourages intercultural social learning in small groups.

In the first semester, students acquire fundamental knowledge on the macro-economics of money and trade in Europe, the politics of multilevel governance of the European Union, historical, political and sociological dimensions of European Social Models and current ecological issues such as nature protection, sustainability and energy security.

In the second semester, students are offered a wide range of elective courses, such as Politics of Social Cohesion, Recent Development in European Law, Econometrics, International Political Economy, Labour and Ecology, Modelling in Ecological Economics, Growth and Distribution, The Role of Europe in a Multipolar World or Feminist Economics (or another option from the Master's pool).

In the third semester, students have the option to go abroad to another university or do an internship. Students apply their analytical skills by writing their Master's theses on current topics relevant to the political economy of Europe, with support of professors in individual counselling and peer-commenting in small workshops.

For admission to the programme, 210 ECTS credit points are required. Applicants with 180 credits will be required to obtain the additional 30 credits, for example by completing a placement in the third semester (the programme will then last four semesters).

The application period for students with a non-German Bachelor’s degree:
15 March - 15 May.

The application period for students with a German Bachelor’s degree:
15 April - 15 June.

• Bachelor's or equivalent degree
• Evidence of having completed undergraduate courses in Macroeconomics, Political or Social Science (or comparable courses), and/or European Studies
• At least 210 credit points
  (Applicants with 180 ECTS will be required to obtain additional 30 credits, for example, in an integrated internship in the third semester.)
• Letter of motivation and CV in English
• In addition, if applicable: proof of professional experience in the field of study for at least one year

Approx. 350 EUR per semester

Between 800 and 1,000 EUR monthly:
Student residence: 400 to 500 EUR
Health insurance: approx. 100 to 150 EUR

There are many job opportunities for students in Berlin. Non-EU students are permitted to work within specified limits.

Career Service

The German National Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk") and other institutions currently offer 15,600 rooms in student halls of residence throughout Berlin. Due to waiting lists, it is advised to get in contact with the service early on.

You can also look online for shared flats, e.g. here: www.wg-gesucht.de/en/.