StudyQA — Master: Political Economy of European Integration

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The European Union as a supranational political entity beyond nation states poses new challenges to the protection of nature and the regulation of labour and money as basic dimensions of integration. These challenges result from the obstacles to internal integration and social cohesion within Europe as well as Europe's role in an increasingly multipolar and economically globalised world. The acute nature of these challenges has become obvious during the current multiple crises within the EU. This Master's programme aims to provide students with an understanding of those challenges and of the policy mechanisms and policies which address the issues at the European level. Part of this programme's special profile is its strong focus on political economy.
For further information, please visit our website:
http://www.hwr-berlin.de/en/department-of-business-and-economics/study-programmes/political-economy-of-european-integration/

Educational organisation

The three-semester postgraduate programme is divided into two semesters of theory and case studies and a third semester dedicated to the Master's thesis and final examinations.

First semester
The first semester is built around mandatory courses. Three of these courses concentrate on those dimensions of economic, political and social integration which were historically a matter of nation states but today are increasingly regulated on a European level: environment and energy, labour and social reproduction, as well as money and trade.

Module 1: Dimensions of European Integration: nature, sustainability, and security
Module 2: Dimensions of European Integration: work, labour, and social reproduction
Module 3: Dimensions of European Integration: money and trade
Module 4: European Multilevel Governance
tutorial seminar

Second semester.

Current Issues of European Integration (mandatory)
Two electives, e.g.: Recent Developments in European Law, Distribution and Growth, Regional Economic Integration, Econometrics, International Institutional Economics, Gender and Globalisation, Politics of Social Cohesion (subject to change)
The Role of Europe in a Multipolar World (or another option from the Studium Generale courses)
tutorial seminar

Third Semester

research seminar
Master's thesis
oral defence

Courses are taught entirely in English.
Classes are conducted in a combined lecture/seminar format in which students are expected to play an active part.

Internships

Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree with only 180 credit points (generally corresponding to a three-year Bachelor's programme) will be required to complete a work experience placement in the third semester which is worth 30 credit points. Students with a Bachelor's degree worth 210 credit points who have already done supervised work experience on their undergraduate programme may also take a placement in the third semester if they wish.

Forms of assessment

Courses are assessed by varying combinations of class presentations, written papers, and exams.
Students gain 30 ECTS each semester.
Total credits after successful completion of the programme: 90 or 120 credits (in case of a mandatory internship)

Course objectives

The programme is designed to enable students to participate professionally in the processes of European integration and to pursue international careers with European institutions and with government as well as business organisations, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and institutions of policy formulation and research in the member states of the EU. Furthermore, it will provide students from outside the EU with the understanding needed to deal with the EU as a major partner in economic and political affairs.

Language requirements

Applicants must prove good working knowledge of English equivalent to level B2 (CEFR), e.g. TOEFL iBT 87, IELTS 6.0 or CAE.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's or equivalent degree
Academic qualifications meeting the general requirements for admission to a university or university of applied sciences
At least 210 credit points (Applicants with 180 credit points will be required to obtain the additional 30 credit points by completing a placement in the third semester; the programme will then last four semesters)
Excellent English skills equivalent to at least B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) scale, e.g. TOEFL iBT 87, IELTS 6.0 or CAE
Specific evidence of having completed undergraduate courses in macroeconomics, political or social science (or comparable courses), and/or European studies
Letter of motivation and CV in English

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

✔️ Flexible study schedule
✔️ Experienced teachers
✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Approx. 300 EUR (subject to change without notice) per semester cover fees for the student services organisation and student parliament groups as well as the cost of a semester ticket which allows students to use the Berlin Public Transport (BVG) for six months.

Costs of living

The cost of living in Berlin is estimated at approx. 850 EUR per month. This includes rent in a student residence hall (private accommodation costs from 300 to 500 EUR per month), living expenses, health insurance, books and materials, and incidental expenses.