Master in Public and International Economics

The world has always been rich in economic problems and is not poor of them today. But most pressing economic challenges, such as climate change, financial crises, disruptions in commodity markets, and income inequality, bear novel, distinctly transnational characteristics. Addressing them calls for a sound understanding of national and cross-national policymaking and their interlocking, with questions of international policy coordination at its core.

The Master's program in Public and International Economics (PIE), run by the Faculty of Business and Economics at TU Dresden, one of the eleven German Excellence Universities, takes exactly that approach. As a graduate, you will be able to tackle economic policy problems in a globalized world using up-to-date empirical and theoretical methods.

Outline

The structure of the four-semester PIE program is easy to grasp.

In the first semester, you acquire foundations in economic theory, econometrics, and academic writing necessary for later analysis, with an apparent concern for hands-on applicability.

In the second and third semesters, you have an almost free choice from numerous economic policy topics in an international context. These core elective modules currently include Development Economics, Economics of the Welfare State, Theory of Taxation, International Financial Markets, Exchange Rates, International Public Economics, and Economics of Migration, among others. Several seminars and projects deepen topics, providing close interaction among students and teachers - the best basis for application-oriented learning.

The fourth semester concentrates on the Master Thesis, supported by continuous feedback from your supervisor.

You are cordially invited to learn more about the details on the website of the program.  

Career Perspectives

With a degree in PIE, you are in demand wherever sound knowledge in and analyses of national and international economic policies are required. Hence, the list of possible employers abounds: from national and international institutions, like public administration, associations, chambers, NGOs or trade unions, via banks, insurance companies, and major companies, generally, to the media.

And, of course, an excellent degree paves the way to a doctoral program. 

Why PIE?

There are many good reasons to study the Master in Public and International Economics at TU Dresden. Here are some of them:

• You receive an education geared at vital future issues preparing you for both the labor market and an academic career.
• You acquire profound up-to date knowledge in economic methodology and scientific work.
• You study a program with a decidedly international focus: from the language of instruction to the background of the participants.
• You enjoy much more discretion in choosing your electives than elsewhere.
• You encounter a fine supervision ratio with dedicated lecturers.
• You live in a vibrant town, boasting of classical culture, active student life, charming surroundings, and modest living costs.

Requirements and Application

PIE explicitly aims at students from all over the world. We are looking forward to accepting your application, provided you dispose of these required qualifications for study:

1. Owning a first university degree in Economics or a related field of study recognized in Germany or a degree from a state or state-recognized university of cooperative education in economics,
2. Proficiency in English according to the level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages,
3. Proof of particular aptitude for the program by demonstration of:

• 35 credit points (ECTS) earned in economics with a good average grade. 
• 15 credit points (ECTS) earned in quantitative methods (Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, e.g.).

See the website Online Application for more information on the application procedure and learn where to submit what when for proofing your particular aptitude on the website Aptitude Assessment. Note that deadlines and addressees vary depending on your nationality and the places where you obtained your university entrance qualification and your first university degree!