International Economic Policy (IEP) Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

The Master of Science in International Economic Policy is an internationally-oriented programme that aims at preparing students to apply rigorous theoretical and empirical economic analysis to a wide range of issues relevant for business and public policy. Students who successfully complete this programme will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in International Economic Policy, which serves as a stepping stone for a professional career in the private or public sector or an academic career.

After completing advanced-level courses in the core areas of economics (microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics), students can self-select elective courses in major economic policy areas (e.g. public finance, labour economics, monetary economics, international economics, competition policy), in theoretical fields (e.g. behavioural economics, game theory, contract theory), in research methods (e.g. microeconometrics, computational economics, experimental economics), or in economic journalism. The programme finishes with a policy- or research-oriented seminar, which prepares students for the Master's thesis.

In the spirit of its international orientation, the language of instruction is English. Students are encouraged to spend an exchange semester at one of the partner universities abroad and courses taken there are accredited. Furthermore, the programme offers the opportunity to pursue a double degree, which integrates two semesters at the faculty of economics and business administration at the University of Ghent, Belgium (www.ugent.be/eb/en) or at the University of Verona, Italy (https://www.corsi.univr.it/?ent=cs&id=952). Students who successfully complete this double degree programme will receive a Master’s degree in International Economic Policy from the University of Würzburg and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Ghent or Verona.

Prospective students are expected to display a strong interest in acquiring the academic skills necessary to address economic policy questions and to pursue scientific work. In this regard, a solid knowledge in mathematics and statistics is an essential prerequisite.

The Master's degree programme in International Economic Policy is a two-year programme. Students earn 120 ECTS credits during the course of the programme. The programme can be started in October (winter semester) or in April (summer semester). The application deadline is 15 July and 15 January, respectively.

Most of the courses in the programme account for 5 ECTS credits and are typically taught four hours per week, with approximately half of the time devoted to the discussion of exercises and problem sets. As depicted below, students have to select four courses from the core area (i.e. 20 ECTS credits), eight courses from the core elective area (i.e. 40 ECTS credits), and four courses from the elective area (i.e. 20 ECTS credits). In contrast to the narrowly defined core area and core elective area, the elective area includes a broad range of courses in economics and business as well as courses taken at partner universities and specific project seminars. The programme requirements can be entirely met with courses taught in English. The programme is completed with a policy-oriented or research-oriented seminar (10 ECTS credits) and the Master’s thesis (30 ECTS credits).

The programme offers its students a high degree of flexibility regarding the individual arrangement of the study plan. In general, students are advised to spread their workload evenly over the course of the programme. As depicted in the figure below, this can be achieved by the following:

• choosing courses from the core area in the first and second semesters,
• choosing courses from the core elective area in the first, second, and third semesters,
• choosing courses from the elective area in the second and third semesters,
• taking the seminar in the third semester, and
• writing the Master's thesis in the fourth semester.

Following this study plan, students are gradually guided towards writing their Master’s theses, beginning with the basic building blocks of the core area and ending with the discussion of more specific and up-to-date policy or research questions in the seminar of their own choice. The Master’s thesis, as the final requirement to be completed prior to graduation, will be written under close supervision by one of the economics researchers in the selected field.

Admission to the Master's degree programme in International Economic Policy requires a degree with an overall grade of 2.5 or better in a Bachelor's degree programme (acquisition of 180 ECTS credits) at the University of Würzburg or another German or foreign university or an equivalent German or foreign degree (e.g. state examination).

Admission to the Master's programme in International Economic Policy also requires a Bachelor's degree in economics that covers core competencies in economics, management and methods. The following competencies should have been acquired in the Bachelor's degree programme:

• Competences from modules amounting to at least 20 ECTS credits in the fields of mathematics, statistics, econometrics, and application-oriented business informatics
• Competences from modules amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits from the field of business management and economics, with at least 30 ECTS credits in the field of economics

There are generally no tuition fees at the University of Würzburg. However, each semester, students are required to pay a contribution for enrolment or registration. This fee, approximately 180 EUR, not only supports various student services but also includes a semester ticket that grants you unlimited access to public transportation throughout the city of Würzburg.

Living in Würzburg is quite affordable compared to other German cities, making it an attractive option. While individual lifestyles vary, here is an estimate of typical costs:

• Food: 300 EUR
• Rent: 350 to 500 EUR
• Student health insurance: 140 EUR

Würzburg offers a vibrant student life with plenty of affordable options for dining, entertainment, and leisure activities. The University of Würzburg, its student representation and wider network of local partners help you manage your budget effectively, also by offering student discounts.

Finding part-time employment in Würzburg is a great way to gain experience, make new connections, and supplement your finances while studying. Students from EU and EEA countries enjoy equal terms in the labour market and can work freely during their studies. Students from other countries can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, including voluntary internships. If you wish to work more, you'll need permission from the employment agency ("Agentur für Arbeit") or the immigration office.

It's important to ensure that your studies remain your top priority, so choose a side job that complements your academic schedule. The University of Würzburg offers resources to help you find part-time work, such as the student job portal. 

Finding the perfect place to live is an important part of your student experience at the University of Würzburg. Unlike some other countries, students in Germany need to find their own accommodation, as universities do not automatically provide it. At the University of Würzburg, you have two main options: "Studierendenwerk" housing or private rooms/student halls.

The Student Housing Service ("Studierendenwerk") manages 12 student residences in Würzburg, offering a total of 2,887 rooms. These dormitories provide a variety of amenities:

• Single and double rooms or apartments shared by two to four students, with communal kitchens and bathrooms

• Furnished rooms and apartments are available, though you'll need to bring your own dishes, cooking items, bedding, and towels.

To apply for housing, note the deadlines: 15 June for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester. For more information about private rooms and student halls, visit the Central Student Advisory Service.

In addition to Studierendenwerk housing, there are many private accommodation options available:

• Shared apartments ("Wohngemeinschaften" or "WGs"): These are popular among students and offer a great way to meet new people and share living costs.

• Private student halls: These are often run by private companies and offer similar amenities to Studierendenwerk dormitories. They can be a bit more expensive but may offer more modern facilities.

• Short-term accommodation: If you need a place to stay while you search for permanent housing, consider options like hostels, guest houses, or short-term rentals.

Remember to start your housing search early and stay positive! With a bit of patience and diligence, you'll find a cosy place to call home.

The Faculty of Management and Economics is committed to teaching the theory, models and methodology of the various disciplines in Business Management and Economics to the current state of scientific knowledge of each intended qualification (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate). The classes also cover the cultural, social and ecological impact of economic activity and decisions. Particular significance is attached to developing the students’ ability to reason and make judgements based on academic argumentation.

The Faculty of Management and Economics provides an academic qualification for a professional career in industry as well as public and private organisations, whereby a clear distinction is made between the types of degree. The first priority is the teaching of fundamental economic knowledge and competences. The ability to make one’s own informed decisions in real-life business situations, including new problematic situations, while taking ethical aspects into account, is of great importance. Students are actively encouraged to spend time studying abroad to improve their intercultural awareness and skills.

The Faculty of Management and Economics is an integral part of the university, not a separate entity as in the case of private business schools. It participates actively in interdisciplinary courses with other faculties such as Information Systems, Business Mathematics, China Business and Economics, or European Law. The faculty is also involved in the Graduate School of Law, Economics and Society. In this way, the faculty contributes to the interdisciplinary, interfaculty cooperation at the University of Würzburg and to the diversity of its degree courses.
There are a number of specialisations in teaching and research at the university which might perhaps not be regarded as unique in themselves, but which taken together, they nevertheless give the Faculty of Management and Economics a distinctive profile.

These include:

• Finance, Accounting and Taxation
• Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Information Systems
• Entrepreneurship and Management, Human Resource Management and Organisation, Marketing
• Research Centre for Risk Management
• Economics specialising in the European Economic System
• Graduate School of Law, Economics and Society

Würzburg is a charming city in Bavaria located at river Main, conveniently accessible from all over Germany. It is widely famous for its cultural treasures, such as the Residence (UNESCO World Heritage), Marienberg Fortress and the Old Main Bridge, its prestigious vineyards, and its natural beauty. The university, first founded in 1402, is the oldest one in Bavaria and one of the oldest in Germany. Its 35,000 students (in all of the higher education institutions together) make Würzburg a young and vibrant location.