Dual Degree MSc IPE – More Information
Current students can find detailed information about the program here. Note that the information provided on this page is directed primarily at those starting their studies at UT Dallas. Students that begin their studies at the University of Marburg are encouraged to visit the sister website.
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Study
Overview
The MSc IPE program consists of four semesters. The first three of these contain coursework, while the final semester is dedicated to the writing of the Master’s thesis. Each semester carries a workload of 30 ECTS or 9 hours in Dallas, respectively, meaning that upon completion students will have acquired 120 ECTS or 36 hours in Dallas, respectively.
Students are admitted to the program simultaneously in Dallas and Marburg, study for one year where they were admitted and then move on to the respective other university. After three semesters of taught study, the final semester is devoted to writing the Master’s thesis.
The study area Foundations in Economics and Politics introduces politics students to the scientific study of economics and economics students to political science. The components of the study area International Politics includes courses emphasizing core elements of international relations, whereas International Economics provides a discussion of international trade and open-economy macroeconomics as well as the rational choice approach to studying political institutions. The study area Electives allows students to choose courses reflecting their specific interests in politics and economics. Research Methods contains courses on both quantitative and qualitative research techniques and prepares students for writing essays during courses and seminars as well as for the Master’s thesis. The purpose of the Master’s thesis is for students to demonstrate their ability to work scientifically and independently on a subject from international political economy within a given time period.
Degree Requirements
First year at UT Dallas
1) Required courses:
- A) Research methods and Economics (choose 3)
EPPS 6313 or EPPS 7313
PPPE 6321 Economics for Public Policy
ECON 5322 Macroeconomic Theory for Applications - B) International Politics/IPE (choose 2)
PSCI 6300 Proseminar in Comparative Politics and International Relations
or
PPPE 6352 World Political Economy
And
PSCI 6316 International Organizations
or
PSCI 7335 Theories of International Relations
2) Elective courses
- Choose one of the following:
PPPE 6301 Political-Economic Theories
PPPE 6368 Political Economy of Finance
PPPE 6370 Political Economy of Natural Resources
PPPE 6335 Institutions and Development
PPPE 6362 Political Development
PSCI 7372 Game Theory for Political Scientists
Second year at University of Marburg
1) Required courses:
- A) Research Methods (choose 1)
Empirical Macroeconomics
Empirical Institutional Economics - B) International Economics (choose 2)
Economic Aspects of Political Institutions
International Macroeconomics and Finance
Development Economics - C) Seminar (choose 2)
MSc seminar: varying topics (to be announced) - D) Thesis
2) Elective courses
- Choose three of the following:
Economics of Cooperation
Islamic Economics
Law and Economics
European Competition and Regulatory Policy
European Monetary Economics
Institutional Economics
IPE study areas
The MSc IPE allows focusing on specific study areas designed to prepare you for particular careers. Within each study area we offer a range of relevant courses.
A) Public Policy and Government Sector
- Economic Aspects of Political Institutions
- Economics for Public Policy
- European Competition and Regulatory Policy
- International Organizations
- Proseminar in Comparative Politics and International Relations
- Theories of International Relations
- Principles of Law and Economics
- Public Economics
B) Non-Profit sector (Non-Governmental Organizations, Supranational Organizations, etc)
- Development Economics
- Economic Aspects of Political Institutions
- International Organizations
- Political Development
- Political Economy of Natural Resources
- Proseminar in Comparative Politics and International Relations
- Political Economy of Corruption and Shadow Economy
- World Political Economy
C) Development Economics
- Development Economics
- Behavioral Development Economics
- Institutions and Development
- Political Economy of Islam
- Political Development
- Political Economy of Natural Resources
- World Political Economy
- Empirical Development Economics – with reference to the Middle East
D) Financial/Private sector (Banks, Multinational Corporations, etc)
- Innovation Economics
- European Monetary Economics
- International Macroeconomics and Finance
- Political Economy of Islam
- Principles of Law and Economics
- Political Economy of Finance
- World Political Economy
- Behavioral Economics
E) Method Skills
- Game Theory for Political Scientists
- Empirical Macroeconomics
- Introduction to Quantitative Methods
- Math & Micro
- Macroeconomic Theory for Applications
- Regression and Multivariate Analysis
- Empirical Institutional Economics
Logistics in Dallas
Orientation at the start of your year in Dallas
Starting a new course of study at a different university in a city you don’t know can be a little overwhelming, to say at least. Don’t panic! We have taken steps to make the whole process easier and less stressful. For example, during the first week of your Master’s program, we offer an introductory seminar with tons of helpful information and an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. It is also an event at which you can meet students already studying here.
Orientation before you leave for Germany
Once you have completed your year at UT Dallas, we offer an event to provide you with the pertinent information before you leave for Germany. This will include information regarding travel and entry, costs likely to be incurred, and any other information, which will assist students to prepare for their stay in Germany. The event will also inform on Marburg’s policies on academic responsibilities and standards of conduct, as well as immigration rules that the students are required to follow while in Germany.
Housing
The University of Texas at Dallas does have student dorms and apartments. Please note that demand for these outweighs supply, so that not every student may obtain a place in the dorms. More information about housing can be obtained here.
In addition to dorms on campus, plenty of private housing opportunities exist close to campus. For example, UT Dallas buses serve multiple apartment buildings in the area. A map of the bus routes is available here.
Financial Support
There are currently no scholarships available for the MSc International Political Economy program. However, it may be worthwhile to check the extensive scholarship opportunities provided by the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD and UT Dallas Office of Financial Aid.
Logistics in Marburg
Housing
Direct accommodation on campus is rather unusual in Germany. In Marburg, the university is not a single centralized campus; Instead the various university buildings are located all over the city. For this reason, it is the student’s responsibility to find his/her own housing. There are three common options for housing:
- Studentenwohnheime (student dorms)
In Marburg, student dorms do exist, though spaces are limited. These dorms are run by the student services (Studentenwerk), not the university itself. If rooms are available can be inquired via phone or mail. You can find more information here: https://studentenwerk-marburg.de/en/?s=housing - Wohnungsgemeinschaften (WGs = shared apartments)
Shared apartments are quite common among students in Germany. A good starting place for finding a room within an apartment to be shared with other students is this website: http://www.wg-gesucht.de/en/ - Rent an entire apartment
It is also possible to rent an entire apartment without subletting individual rooms to other students. The most commonly used website is https://www.immobilienscout24.de/ (Unfortunately only available in German)
The International Office of Marburg university can also provide further information.