The Economics of Global Challenges University of Bremen

Who is addressed:

As a consecutive study programme, the Master's degree programme The Economics of Global Challenges follows a completed Bachelor's degree (or comparable first degree) in one of the following subjects:

• Economics
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Business Studies
• Law
• Business Informatics
• Industrial Engineering
• (or similar)

What to expect:

The study programme is interdisciplinary and internationally oriented. It is closely oriented towards current economic research, enables students to look at the most challenging economic problems and crises of global societies from different perspectives and to penetrate them analytically. The language of instruction is English.

What to achieve:

After the completion of the Master's programme, students can enter a profession directly or deepen their economics knowledge within a doctoral programme.

How to get there:

Economics graduates who wish to address the world’s most pressing challenges and who are able to analyse these challenges from different angles, need a  wide range of economic and interdisciplinary skills. This extensive range of skills is taught in the course of dealing with specific areas of application – the “global challenges”. The United Nations described these global challenges in its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the goals for socially, ecologically and economically sustainable development and a just future. In order to gain a deeper understanding of these challenges, insights from other disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, sociology and evolutionary biology are also drawn upon.

Double degree programme:

A double degree programme is offered together with the University of Groningen. Information on the double degree programme "Economics" is published on the programme website: https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/wiwi/studies/master/the-economics-of-global-challenges.

During the first year (first and second semesters), the students deepen their previous knowledge and the insights into microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Moreover, they get to know major impacts of the environment, like development and behaviour issues. The modules of the first year of study include:

• The Economics of Innovation (12 CP)
• Economic Policy (12 CP)
• Advanced Economics (6 CP)
• Advanced Econometrics (12 CP)
• The Economics of Growth and Development (6 | 12 CP)
• Understanding Human (Economic) Behaviour (6 | 12 CP)

The course of study then focuses on the application of theoretical concepts on real-life concerns. In the third semester, the perspective shifts to trends, digitalisation and sustainability. Courses focus on current topics and the future. The application of knowledge in project work and the implementation of independent research projects in group and individual work round off the degree programme during the second year of study:

• The Economics of Digitisation (6 CP)
• Sustainability and the Economy of the Future (6 CP)
• Pluralist Economics (6 CP)
• Research Project (12 CP)
• Master’s Thesis (30 CP)

Teaching regularly takes place in the form of seminars. In contrast to a lecture, seminars are geared more towards student participation. In the research project, students apply the knowledge they have already acquired, e.g. in solving case studies and subject-specific problems.

Internships can be completed during the seminar-free months. The Office for Praxis and Transfer at the Faculty of Business Studies and Economics provides support and has a few tips and tricks for you to consider when applying for a job.

The admission requirements include:

1. Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS from a degree programme of

• Economics
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Business Studies
• Law
• Business Informatics
• Industrial Engineering
• or similar

2. a minimum grade of 2.7 (German grading system) as the overall grade of the previous degree

3. knowledge of economics amounting to at least 12 CP from a prior degree programme

4. knowledge of statistical / econometric methods amounting to at least 9 CP from a prior degree programme

5. proof of English language proficiency (B2 for application, C1 for enrolment)
--> please note: An MOI certificate is accepted to replace a separate language certificate.

The semester fees are around 425 EUR per semester.

For a normal student life in Germany, about 1,100 EUR are needed per month. This includes housing, living expenses and study costs.

Students who are not EU citizens have to prove their finances for the entry visa or to receive the residence permit.

More information on formalities when becoming a student in Bremen: https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/studies/starting-your-studies/international-students/offers-for-international-students.

The German "Studierendenwerk" (students' social services) compiled some information on working in Germany for international students: https://www.studierendenwerke.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Jobs_internationale_Studierende_eng_bf.pdf.

The university's career centre provides more information on internships and jobs for students: https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/career-center.

The university's career centre provides advice on working in Germany: https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/career-center/counselling.

The University of Bremen does not provide accommodation for their students. Information on finding a place to stay is published here: https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/university/campus/housing.

Please contact the International Office if you have questions on the housing options or if you have received dubious offers.