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Economics of Global Risk (M.Sc.)

Analyse financial crises, climate change and geopolitics: The Master's in Economics of Global Risk at JLU combines quantitative economics with global politics.

Economics of Global Risk (M.Sc.)

This course of study is taught in English.

Hellblaue Farbfläche

Overview

Do you want to understand and manage the complex risks threatening our globalised economy? In the Master's programme Economics of Global Risk, you connect core economic analysis with courses from political science, law and agricultural studies. Optional research projects and a double degree abroad allow you to customise your academic journey.

 

Applying for admission

 

Start of studies

Winter semester

Mode of admission

No admission restriction

Duration of studies

4 semesters

Workload

120 credit points (CP)

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Language of instruction

English

Composition of the Study Programme

What can I expect from this programme?

Globalized economies are exposed to globalized risks. Financial crises, climate change, wars and geopolitics, or the spread of pandemics threaten globally integrated economies. All of these disruptions are global in nature. Households, firms, and policymakers must address risks that are no longer confined to national borders.

To deal with global risk, we need thinkers and managers with a skill set that combines economics with a strong quantitative focus and knowledge from neighboring disciplines such as international politics, development studies, and international law. This program prepares students to understand a risky world economy. With a Master's degree in Economics of Global Risk, students are well-prepared for a career in government, non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, and research institutions.

How is the programme structured?

The Master of Science in Economics of Global Risk program comprises three study blocks: Major (60 ECTS), Minor (30 ECTS) and the Master Thesis (30 ECTS).

Semester    

1st semester

Major

(60 ECTS)

Minor

(30 ECTS)

2nd semester

3rd semester

4th semester

 Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
 

Major (60 ECTS)

The Major consists of 60 ECTS, including seven compulsory modules and three compulsory elective modules.

  • In addition to the compulsory modules "Trade Policy and Global Supply Chains", "Risk and Open Economy" and "Advanced Econometrics", students must complete two research projects and two seminars within the Economics of Global Risk area.
  • During the compulsory seminars students will engage with important contemporary topics that are foundational to the degree program.
  • The two compulsory research projects may involve participating in ongoing research or learning to use software applications.
  • Students also have a wide choice of three compulsory elective modules. This allows you to set individual priorities and prepare yourself optimally for your career entry.

 

Minor (30 ECTS)

The minor comprises a total of 30 ECTS.

  • In the Minor, students can choose modules from the list of compulsory elective modules in the Major and from other areas of business administration and economics (General Business Studies and Economics).
  • The students also have the opportunity to enroll in master's modules from other disciplines amounting to maximum 12 ECTS. Alternatively, an internship equivalent to 6 ECTS can be completed, or other modules on cross-sectional topics (see for more details) such as Gender & Diversity or Business English can be taken. Within these 12 ECTS, ungraded achievements can also be included.

 

Thesis (30 ECTS)

The Thesis module comprises 30 ECTS and concludes the Master's program. The master’s thesis should demonstrate that the student is capable of independently treating a defined research subject. When registering for the thesis module, the students must have successfully completed modules worth at least 60 ECTS and a seminar module. Please also note the following:

  • You will write your thesis at one of the professorships in the area of Economics of Global Risk.
  • You have six months to work on your thesis.
  • The thesis may also be written as practical work after consultation with the supervising professor.

 

Optional Extra Credits (max. 18 ECTS)

You have the opportunity to enroll in up to 18 ECTS of additional optional modules. These modules will not be factored into your overall grade calculation. Upon completion, you will receive a separate certificate acknowledging your achievements.

 

You can find further information and module descriptions in the Special Regulations.

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Career Options

What career paths can I pursue after graduation?

Our program expertly prepares students for key positions in global and domestic settings, including international institutions, multinational corporations, as well as associations and NGOs.

Can I do a PhD after my Master’s degree?

It also establishes a solid groundwork for those pursuing academic careers. The program's objectives are clearly aligned to enable graduates to conduct independent research, paving the way for professional success and scholarly contributions.

It is possible to do a doctorate after completing the course of study.

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Application and Enrolment

No study fees are charged for this programme. However, students have to pay a semester contribution.

Requirements

Professionally qualifying German or equivalent foreign university bachelor’s degree in economics or business studies or other bachelor's degree with a share of at least 40 credit points (ECTS) in economics and 15 credit points (ECTS) in mathematics, statistics, or econometrics.

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Language requirements

Proof of English skills:

  • either: German university entrance qualification (demonstrated by school certificates)
  • or: minimum score of 72 in TOEFL-IBT (internet-based test)
  • or: minimum overall score of 6 in IELTS
  • or: at least level B2 CEFR
  • or: proof of a Bachelor’s degree in English.

Applicants with an international degree

International academic degrees are recognised as equivalent final examinations on the basis of the guidelines of the Central Office for Foreign Education of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. The Admissions Committee decides on equivalence. If there is any doubt about the equivalence of foreign final examinations, the Central Office for Foreign Education must be consulted.

Application Procedure

Depending on where you obtained either your university entrance certificate or your Bachelor degree, we differentiate two application procedures:

Case A

You need to use JLU’s application portal if

  • you hold a completed Bachelor’s degree obtained at a German university (the country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance).
  • your JLU Bachelor programme is not yet complete. Please provide a preliminary report. The country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance.
  • you obtained your university entrance certificate in Germany and attended a Bachelor programme at a German university other than JLU. Please provide a preliminary report if your programme is not yet completed.
  • you want to change to another degree programme at JLU. The country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance.

Case B

You need to submit your application to uni-assist if

  • you hold a completed Bachelor’s degree obtained at a foreign university (the country of origin of your university entrance certificate is of no importance).
  • you obtained your university entrance certificate abroad and attended but not completed yet a Bachelor programme at a German university other than JLU or at any other university within EU. Please provide a preliminary report.

Application Deadline

Winter semester 2027/28

The application deadlines for the winter semester 2027/28 are currently being prepared and are expected to be published here in spring 2027.

International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.

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More about the application process

Further Information

Where can I find official documents about the programme?

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (including module descriptions and study plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (eVV) (in German)

Where can I find more information about the faculty?

How do I have a successful start at JLU?

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

  • creating a course schedule,
  • examination regulations and registration deadlines,
  • campus areas and leisure activities,
  • and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.

Start of studies
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Contact

Subject Advisor

You can find the contact details for the subject advisory service on the faculty' s academic advisory service homepage.

Central Study Advisor

Frank Uhlmann

Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Advisory services and contact information

International Office

Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students

International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Contact persons and office hours