International Economics and Management
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
International Economics and Management
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Overview
In a Nutshell
Internationalization is all around us: in our study content on global markets, multinational companies and international organizations, with our students and guest lecturers from all over the world and through our diverse opportunities to gain international experiences in Paderborn and at one of our more than 70 partner universities abroad.
Since summer semester 2024 international students, regardless of their nationality, have to submit their application via the Uni-Assist Online Portal. For an overview of the required documents, please click here. If you obtained a German University Entrance Degree ("Abitur", i.e. at a German secondary school abroad), the application must be carried out via the Registrar's Office.
Course of Study
What’s this Course about?
Are you interested in how companies and entire economies operate in global markets? Are you fascinated about other cultures and economic areas and can you imagine working in an internationally operating company, research institution or in an international organization? Our Master's program in International Economics and Management – IEM for short – offers you a wide range of opportunities for living internationalization.
Our compulsory modules are taught in English. With regard to the further module selection during your studies, you are free to decide whether you want to fill your study plan only with modules taught in English language or to also include modules taught in German language. But it is not only through the modules taught in English language that you can improve your language skills and gain international experience. In addition, numerous partner universities as well as various cooperations around the world offer you the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, take part in a double-degree program, summer schools or short-term programs. More than one third of our students, thus your fellow students, come from abroad. In a weekly forum, we encourage cross-cultural exchange through social events, excursions, and exciting lectures.
We provide you with the necessary theoretical and methodological knowledge to answer the question of how global markets actually work, what influence they have on organizations and how a company can position itself successfully in these markets. At the same time the study plan offers a high degree of flexibility to enable you to tailor the program to your individual interests by establishing a focus in the fields of economics and management. This opens the door to leading and strategically oriented management positions in internationally operating companies, organizations and research institutions.
Get in touch with us
If you have any questions regarding
- the admission requirements or the content of the study program, please contact the programme advisory service of the M. Sc. International Economics and Management. Mail: msc-iem@campus.uni-paderborn.de
- the application and enrollment, please contact the International Office. Mail: io-info@zv.upb.de
Why studying IEM in Paderborn?
Study Contents
What is the structure of the course?
Your course of study offers lots of flexibility. Only four compulsory modules (of 5 ECTS each) provide you with basic methodological competences including mathematical abilities as well as empirical and econometric methods.
Besides, there are various compulsory elective areas. These include the areas of “Economics” (10 ECTS), “Management” (10 ECTS), "Sustainability" (10 ECTS) and 30 ECTS in the area of “Study Tracks”. This allows students to specialize in one area in depth. Three study tracks are offered: “Data Science in Economics”, “Market Mechanisms” and “Sustainable Economics”. 10 ECTS are acquired in the “General elective module” from all areas of business administration and economicsat at Paderborn University. In addition, there is the compulsory elective area “Individual Study and Research” (10 ECTS), in which students can choose to take an internship or research module (10 ECTS). In all of these areas, you can choose your modules according to your interests and thus create your own profile.
Furthermore, the Master's thesis contributes to your individual profile-building and career goal. You can write your thesis in any field of business administration, management or economics in order to apply your acquired knowledge you have gained during your studies to a scientific problem.
Further information about the study options in M. Sc International Economics and Management
Exemplary Study Plan
The study plan offers you a good orientation about your required and optional modules. However, the chronological order shown here is only an example and may change due to individual focus areas.
Assumed start of studies: winter semester
Focus Areas
The Master’s program “International Economics and Management” covers a wide spectrum of subjects and opens up the possibility of a variety of internationally oriented career paths. In order to make possible profiling within the degree program even more visible to the outside world, there is the option of choosing an informal study track within the master’s program. In order to obtain a study track, it is necessary to complete modules totaling 30 ECTS from the list of available modules corresponding to the chosen specialization as well as to write a study track specific master thesis.
Students who choose the track Data Science in Economics acquire theoretical knowledge of modern statistical and econometric methods and gain hands-on skills and experience in processing, analyzing and visualizing structured or unstructured data. Special emphasis is placed on methods of causal analysis, prediction of economic and financial data, Big Data and Statistical Learning, and the acquisition and application of programming skills in R, Stata, or Python. Students also learn to understand the economic value of data and how to interpret and effectively communicate the results of their analyses.
Data Scientists are highly sought after by companies in all industries as well as public institutions, especially when they combine technical skills with a sound knowledge of statistical principles and economic reasoning. In addition to excellent earning and career opportunities in the private sector, graduates with a specialization in Data Science in Economics have all the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in an empirically oriented field of academia such as an empirical dissertation in economics.
The Market Mechanisms specialization provides in-depth knowledge of the design, analysis, and functioning of markets in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global economy. Students explore how markets operate under various institutional frameworks and how information asymmetries, strategic behavior, and regulations shape market outcomes.
Particular emphasis is placed on modern microeconomic theory, game-theoretic approaches, and economic modeling, all of which contribute to the development of efficient and fair market mechanisms. Typical areas of application include health care markets, auction design, matching markets (such as labor or housing markets), platform economics, and digital marketplaces.
Graduates of this specialization acquire strong analytical tools to assess existing market structures and outcomes, and to develop new market mechanisms. These skills are highly valued in consulting firms, international organizations, regulatory agencies, and private-sector companies—especially in roles involving the strategic design or regulation of markets.
In an ever-evolving global economy, shaped by challenges such as advancing digital connectivity, increasing scarcity of natural resources, the impacts of climate change, the transition to renewable energies, and demographic shifts, economies face profound transformation processes. Given these dynamics, it is crucial to develop economic policy frameworks and strategies that, through a high degree of adaptability and resilience, ensure the long-term functionality of sustainable markets and institutions.
Students in the Sustainable Economics track learn to integrate sustainability challenges into a consistent economic analysis framework and evaluate alternative solutions. In particular, students explore how methods from behavioral economics can help refine the understanding of cause-and-effect relationships and develop evidence-based solutions.
The Sustainable Economics track opens up diverse career opportunities for students. Graduates apply their acquired skills both in research at universities and research institutions, as well as in economic policy consulting within companies, international organizations, or public institutions.
The Economics and Management study track offers Master's students the opportunity to design their studies in a flexible and interdisciplinary way. It combines in-depth academic content from the fields of Economics and Business Management. Students can choose from a broad range of modules and define their own focus areas – such as strategic management, corporate leadership, market analysis, or economic theory and policy.
This track is particularly well-suited for generalists as well as for students who wish to specialize in a field that differs from the three other study tracks. It is ideal for those aiming for an academic career or a professional role in business-related fields, combining analytical thinking with management skills
Always included: our cross-cutting themes — digital & connected, sustainable & fair
No matter which individual specialization you choose, you will engage with key future-oriented topics across all subject areas—such as sustainable development, a digitally connected service economy, social justice, and stable, transparent financial and economic systems. Join us as we help shape the future of work! Only by thinking in interconnected ways can we develop meaningful solutions for a sustainable world.
Sustainability matters! That’s why sustainability plays a central role in our programs. Five professorships will prepare you to become a sustainability expert across various fields of economics and business:
- Business Administration, especially Sustainable Human Resource Management and Leadership
- Business Administration, especially Reporting, Governance, Sustainability
- Information Systems, especially Nachhaltigkeit
- Economics, especially Sustainability
- Business Education, especially Education for Sustainable Development
In addition, one third of our professors are already actively engaged with sustainability-related topics in both teaching and research and the number is growing!
Nachhaltigkeit in deinem Studium
Wie Nachhaltigkeit in die Studieng?nge der Fakult?t für Wirtschaftswissenschaften einflie?t – und warum das Thema immer wichtiger wird – erf?hrst du hier.
Rights and Obligations
The Examination Regulation contains everything you need to know about your rights and obligations!
The module catalogue shows you all offered modules sorted by semesters!
Possibilities
Study Abroad
It is important to us that you get to know different cultures and develop your language skills. Decide for yourself which opportunities you would like to take to gain international experience.
Each student has the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. You can choose the perfect place for your exchange semester from around 70 partner universities. Our special focus is the Asian area as well as French and Spanish speaking countries.
You can also gain international experience in Paderborn, even while being at home, so to speak. For example, you can take modules taught in English language. Most of the modules are led by guests from all over the world. You can also take part in a tandem language course or help with the integration of international students. Special highlights, however, are our short-term programs and summer schools. Here, you work in an international team on topics of business and economics for a few days. One example is the International Spring Program with Tohoku University from Japan which has taken place almost every year.
Together with our 9 partner universities in Asia we have established a particularly intensive connection to Asian countries. The core element of our Asian focus is the program in Asian Studies in Business and Economics (ASBE Program). Taking part in this program, you can gain profound knowledge of the Asian economic area, focus on Asian culture and spend half a year at one of our partner universities in China, Korea or Japan.
You study simultaneously at Paderborn University and at Tohoku University in Japan. The first and fourth semesters take place in Paderborn, whereas you complete semesters two and three in Japan. Thus, you can obtain a master’s degree in M. Sc. International Economics and Management (IEM) at Paderborn University as well as the Global Program in Economics and Management (GPEM) at Tohoku University, within the standard study period of four semesters. In preparation for the stay abroad, participation in an intensive Japanese language course is mandatory.
Learn more about the Double Master Program with Tohoku University.
The forum offers international and German students a platform for communication and exchange. Our members meet regularly for social activities, excursions and interesting discussions and thus get to know each other and different cultures.
Students Report
Nine months in Denmark: Anna-Lena's internship abroad - Part II
Anna-Lena's wish to be able to look back on an instructive and enjoyable time at the end of her internship was definitely fulfilled.
Cinnamon buns, snow and wanderlust in Finland
In eastern Finland, Jessica was inspired by the Northern Lights and fabulous amounts of snow.
Northern lights and hearty waffles in Norway
Svenja tells how the Trondheim Fjord exceeds her expectations.
Enchanted by Colombia's diversity
Johannes reports how he accompanies turtles into the sea and observes whales.
Corona Semester Abroad in South Korea
Between green landscapes and ultra-modern cities, Jason studies.
Internship in New York
Yuri talks about his KPMG internship in New York and his time as a freemover.
Internship
An internship is not compulsory. However, we recommend that our students organise an internship on their own initiative during the lecture-free period, in combination with a semester abroad or during a semester off. This gives you the opportunity to further deepen the contents you have learned in a real company. In addition, you have the opportunity to apply for an Erasmus scholarship for an internship abroad.
Professional Orientation
We complement your academic training with guest lectures from industry professionals, case studies, business simulations, and project work. We also support final theses and seminar papers written in cooperation with companies.
In addition, you can enhance your profile with optional qualifications such as Business English, IT training, SAP and ITIL courses. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to acquire additional qualifications and to become a part of various student initiatives, for example in the areas of marketing, project management or sustainability.
Future Perspectives
After graduation Master ?
Career Opportunities
The Master’s program International Economics and Management prepares you for management positions in international companies and institutions. This means that you will actively analyze and form the strategic positioning of an organization. Knowing how organizations are affected by an international environment and knowing mechanisms of the global market, you can make scientifically sound decisions. Your specific field of application area then depends on your individually chosen study track.
The acquired economic and strategic skills will enable you to develop solutions and strategies for theoretical and practical problems no matter whether in the field of management, research or strategy development. Additionally, by taking modules in English language and getting in touch with other cultures you develop the key competences required for a career at an international level.
- Manager in a multinational firm
- Management consultant, data analyst
- Position in an international organization
- Position in an NGO
- Position in a financial institution or central bank
- Research-oriented career
During the course of your studies, questions about career orientation arise from time to time. In events, practical projects and company visits as well as in the job and career portal, you can get to know possible professions and fields of activity and work out your personal interests and strengths.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
Every year on three days in November, various companies from the region and from all over Germany present themselves at the company contact fair LOOK IN! Find out about numerous companies in company presentations in the foyer of the University of Paderborn or talk to HR staff directly and without obligation. During the fair, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of workshops or speed dating sessions with various companies. Through direct contact with the companies, interested parties can secure final theses, internships and working student jobs.
The largest company contact fair in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region is organised by students for students. So if you want to experience event management first-hand, you can register with LOOK IN! GbR, in which the university groups Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen e.V. and Wirtschaftsinformatik Paderborn e.V. are involved.
PhD
Explicitly research-oriented modules are aimed at students who plan to continue their doctoral studies after their Master’s degree. As one of a few faculties in Germany, we offer you an opportunity to study within a structured doctoral program.
Our research thrives on networking and exchange. Various seminar series and workshops enable our young researchers to get to know the research work of guest researchers from all over the world and to present their own work and ideas and develop them further in discussion.
Every two years, the junior researchers leave the familiar university environment for the Faculty Research 365体育_足球比分网￥投注直播官网, so that space is created for new ideas and lectures, discussions and poster sessions can be supplemented with connecting activities.
The peer mentoring program "Insight!" offers future female graduates the opportunity to exchange ideas about the prospect of a doctorate and to prepare for this. The exchange is accompanied by a PhD graduate who provides tips and strategies for decision-making based on her own experiences. The goal of the program is to offer participants insights into scientific work and to expand their personal and professional skills and development opportunities through the exchange with mentors.
The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics provides students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with support. The team at the Postgraduate Centre will be more than happy to provide you with information and advice.
Life journeys of our students and alumni
Art from Tanzania in Paderborn
Felix, Thorben and Lindsey want to offer street artists from the global south a stage in Europe with their start-up.
As Key Account Manager, look after major customers and further develop marketing strategies
India's studies and working life are accompanied by mathematics.
Dream job: Human Resources Officer at Deutsche Bahn
Through an internship, Jan gets his dream job right after graduation.
From the lecture theatre to the Head of PM
Cafer already worked as Head of PM in a Shopware agency during his studies.
Working abroad: Business knowledge and foreign languages
Anna Sophie applies her Spanish skills in Colombia.
From student council chairman to CEO
Kevin gained leadership experience for the family business in student representation.
Adventure Bundestag
Norina was already involved in numerous initiatives during her studies and now as a staff member in the Bundestag.
From the idea to the start-up-to-be
Lia and Franziska are studying - and preparing to start their own business on the side.
Dream job: Human Resources Manager at WDR
Laura found her career aspiration during her studies and realised it immediately.