International Political Economy (MSc Double Degree) Marburg University

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.

University of Texas at Dallas

Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in economics or a related field or in political science or a related field

When applying to Marburg, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
At the time of application, students should have been awarded at least 72 ECTS credits in economics, business administration, or economics-related methods (e.g. mathematics, statistics), with at least 54 ECTS credits in economics.

Please note that the latter admission requirement reflects roughly one and a half years of full-time study of economics courses in a narrow sense, which means that, for example, business administration, accounting, management, marketing, etc. do not count towards the necessary credits for admission.

For further details, please take a look at: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb02/studying/study-programmes/international-political-economy/ipe-factsheet-application.pdf

There is a semester fee, which includes the mandatory student union membership (required by state law) and a free travel pass for public transport in the state of Hesse and beyond, as well as access to subsidised accommodation and meals. In the summer semester of 2026, the semester fee amounted to approx. 406 EUR.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Living costs depend on individual lifestyles and on regional prices. The Marburg foreigners' registration office ("Ausländerbehörde") requires international students to prove that they have at least 992 EUR per month at their disposal in order to cover their living costs.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Within certain legal limits, job opportunities are available for international students. Fluent German is required for most jobs. Employment for international students must be approved by the foreigners' registration office. There are hardly any legal restrictions on taking academic assistant jobs at the university.

Further information on job opportunities and university career services: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/work-1

Our Career Advisory Service supports students transitioning from their studies to professional life. Each semester, Marburg University offers a wide range of workshops and events on topics such as job applications, career planning, and entering the workforce, which are open to students from all faculties. In one-on-one counselling sessions, some in cooperation with the Employment Agency’s Career Team in Marburg, students receive advice regarding career orientation and career options in Germany. Our staff support students in integrating their strengths, interests, and values in order to actively shape rewarding career paths.

The market situation for accommodation is not easy in Marburg. However, the university assists international students in finding suitable and affordable accommodation. The student services office ("Studierendenwerk Marburg") maintains student residence halls with a total of approx. 2,100 units. Apart from single rooms, there are two- to three-room flats for student families. Only students registered at Marburg University are entitled to a place in a residence hall. The "Konrad Biesalski House", in which handicapped and non-handicapped students live together, offers round-the-clock assistance. A bus service and services such as physiotherapeutic exercises and massage baths are offered. Many students live in private accommodation or shared flats. The supply of flats in the centre of Marburg is limited, especially in the Old Town ("Oberstadt"). The situation on the outskirts of Marburg and in the immediate vicinity is better. There are good bus connections. Experience shows that demand for accommodation is highest at the beginning of each semester (April, October), so you should start looking for accommodation around the end of the previous semester (February, July) if possible.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/housing

Marburg University is not just a German university steeped in tradition. Founded in 1527, it is also the oldest Protestant university in the world. It has been a place of research and teaching for nearly five centuries. Currently, approx. 21,000 students are studying in Marburg, and international students comprise 23% of the student body. With the exception of the engineering sciences, almost all scientific disciplines are represented at Marburg University. Numerous organisations complement and enrich the university’s range of services. These organisations carry out special research activities or support Marburg University in the areas of communications, information technology, and foreign languages.

Total number of students
21,000

International students
23%

The university is an integral part of the scenic town of Marburg, which lies 100 km north of Frankfurt. Marburg is situated on the Lahn River and is marked by the castle on the hill. With its 80,000 inhabitants (approx. 50,000 in the centre), the town has over 21,000 students and about 4,000 people working for the university. The saying "Other towns have a university; Marburg is a university" reflects the unique historic atmosphere of the city. Wherever you are in town, you are part of a vibrant academic community. Marburg can easily be reached by plane, public transport, or by car. For detailed descriptions of the different routes to Marburg and to find one's way around the town, see: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/during-studying/life-in-marburg/transport.