PPE – Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Master of Arts) University of Witten/Herdecke

Study the real world

The English-language PPE Master's programme is ideal for you if you're seeking an international degree that tackles pressing global issues such as migration, climate change, economic inequality, political radicalisation, and ethnic conflicts. It fosters critical thinking and integrates multiple disciplines to approach these challenges.

In this programme, you'll apply the knowledge you gain to real-world problems of the 21st century, working towards interdisciplinary solutions. A Master's degree in PPE opens up a variety of career paths in business, politics, and government. If you're interested in an academic career, you can focus on research and pursue a PhD after graduation.

Tailor-made PPE programme for future leaders in politics and economics

Today’s global challenges transcend traditional academic boundaries. Conventional approaches often fall short in fully understanding or solving them. Tackling these issues requires interdisciplinary thinkers with a broad, forward-looking perspective. Future leaders in politics and economics must be equipped to reflect on complex ethical and philosophical questions. The English-language PPE Master's programme at the University of Witten/Herdecke is designed for exactly these kinds of change-makers. This interdisciplinary programme prepares graduates for diverse leadership roles at the intersection of politics, economics, and civil society. It encourages critical thinking, combines multiple perspectives, and focuses on real-world applications.

Join the University of Witten/Herdecke PPE community!

Classes are kept small and teaching is interactive to the core, fostering discussion and avoiding what we pejoratively call "frontal teaching". In particular, each semester our students are involved in designing the curriculum of the upcoming semester. The "Studium fundamentale" allows you to integrate courses in music, literature, art, history, and archaeology into your degree. The possibility to choose between four majors and to conduct independent studies allows for a high degree of individual design of your course portfolio.

The Witten Network – a stepping stone to your future career

The excellent international reputation of our university helps us to attract internationally renowned scholars to give talks and teach seminars at the University of Witten/Herdecke. In fact, the university partners with students in selecting and inviting international lecturers. Our network of partner organisations helps PPE students pave their way to a successful career in Germany and abroad.

The PPE Master's programme offers:

• a solid foundation in ethics and philosophy, politics and political economy, microeconomics, and institutional economics
• advanced methodological skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods
• interdisciplinary knowledge and the flexibility to shape your studies through a wide range of elective courses – for example, in International Politics, International Economics, Philosophy, PPE of Development, and Leadership & Transformation

A detailed course overview can be found in the PPE online course catalogue.

Students in the PPE Master's programme are free to organise an internship. Witten/Herdecke University provides support at the so-called "Heiratsmarkt", at which the representatives of companies meet students on campus for individualised arrangements.

Rolling application procedure:

• You can apply for a place all year round until all places have been allocated. The latest date to apply for the coming winter semester is 15 August of the same year.
• Early Bird: If you apply by 15 June for the winter semester, you pay no application fee and secure your place early.

The PPE Master's programme is a two-year (120 ECTS) programme offered to graduates of a BA or BSc programme (especially in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences) with a particular interest in interdisciplinary studies, as well as a good command of English. Detailed introductory courses into Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, which can be skipped by students with pertinent previous knowledge, prepare all students for interdisciplinary analysis.
For graduates of 240 ECTS BA programmes there is the possibility of finishing the programme in less than two years. For more information, please get in touch with us.

Since its founding, Witten/Herdecke University has made it a policy to hand-select its students through a detailed two-stage process. You can find more information about the selection process here: https://www.uni-wh.de/en/your-studies/your-application/master-ppe.

A social contribution and the semester ticket (covering public transport in the Rhine/Ruhr area as well as regional trains in North Rhine-Westphalia) need to be paid.

The cost of living is approx. 992 EUR per month to cover personal expenses including rent. Living expenses in Witten and the Ruhr Area in general are comparatively low by German standards.

The Witten/Herdecke University organises a so-called "Heiratsmarkt" at which representatives of companies meet students on campus for individualised arrangements.

Witten/Herdecke University does not run a dormitory, but nearby towns provide many opportunities for flat renting. As new students come to Witten/Herdecke University for the selection process, they make contact with student community networks on this occasion and can also receive help from fellow students in finding private accommodation. Additional support is provided by the Erasmus Student Network (esn@uni-wh.de).

Your guide for house hunting and moving in Witten: https://www.uni-wh.de/en/your-campus/in-the-middle-of-witten/housing