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.
Restricted admission means that there is a limited number of places available in the degree programme (NC = numerus clausus = closed number). As a rule, there are more applicants than places, therefore a selection procedure is used.
Free admission means that there are sufficient places available in the degree program. All applicants therefore receive an acceptance letter and are guaranteed enrollment if all enrollment requirements are met (e.g. aptitude tests, language tests or internships).
Entry requirements (with regard to formality)
The entry requirements for the master's program International Economics and Management (M. Sc.) can be divided into the categories "formal requirements" and "content requirements".
The formal entrance requirement is
This study program has to be
This means that the grade of your degree (not individual exams) is considered in relation to the final grades of all other degrees in the same degree programme. The comparison groups are either the degrees of the graduates of your final semester and the previous semester or the degrees of the graduates of the two previous semesters. In both cases, you must be among the top 35% of graduates in order to fulfil this formal entry requirement.
From winter term 2015, the master’s program opened its study opportunity with credit compensation for students who do not satisfy eaither of criteria above.
These students are asked to obtain additional 5 / 10 ETCS (varies upon their final grades) in the field of economics or quantitative methods as a compensation. This compensation can also be altered by the submission of a thesis of the previous degree in the fields of economics / quantitative methods. For international students, the possibility of compensation is automatically checked in the application process. For more precise information, please read this document.
The students of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics at the University of Paderborn can also compensate by the following modules offered by the economic department:
Entry Requirements (with regard to contents)
Degrees will be checked not only with regard to formal aspects but also to the content. Important part of the audit are the methodological prior knowledge (f.e. quantitative methods, mathematics, statistics). Knowledge in the following fields have to be documented:
M. Sc. International Economics and Management | Minimum Number of ECTS |
Economics and Business Administration | 80 ECTS |
-of which Economics | 20 ECTS |
Quantitative Methods incl. Business Informatics | 40 ECTS |
-of which Mathematics | 10 ECTS |
-of which Statistics | 10 ECTS |
Bachelor´s Thesis | 10 ECTS |
The equivalence will be assessed as part of the application procedure.
Language Proficiency
Applicants are required to prove proficiency in English. The proficiency must be documented in the form of:
In addition, German proficiency is required. Students do not necessarily need to prove their German proficiency as an entrance condition. However, they must prove a minimum proficiency of level A2 GER before concluding the master program. Required proficiency can be acquired at the University of Paderborn in German courses of 240-hour duration. The courses can be credited in the elective module "General Elective" (Studium Generale). The verification concerning the fulfilment of the requirements is the task of the Audit Committee. Reaching the minimum limits is not a guarantee of a studying place. The master program may be started either in the winter or summer term.
You are missing ECTS?
If you are missing up to 30 ECTS in a completed Bachelor's degree, then you can enroll in the Master's program subject to certain conditions.
If possible, the missing requirements should be fulfilled in the first academic year of the Master's program. Specific information on the content requirements can be found in the official document provided by the Office for Academic Affairs. The Office for Academic Affairs is also happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the enrollment conditions.
An enrollment is unfortunately not possible in the case where more than 30 ECTS are missing. In this instance the Bachelor's degree submitted differs too significantly from the Bachelor's degree provided by Paderborn University.
If you would like to receive a non-binding preliminary examination (to check whether you meet the content-related and formal admission requirements) in advance of your official application please send your overview of grades from your Bachelor's degree to the Office for Academic Affairs.
Further information on master enrollment subject to certain conditions.
Any questions?
If you have any questions regarding the admission requirements, please contact the programme advisory service of the M. Sc. International Economics and Management: msc-iem@campus.uni-paderborn.de .
International students have to submit their application via the International Office. 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.
Please check the admission requirements in advance. The academic counselling service has also compiled further application information for the M. Sc. International Economics and Management, especially for international applicants.
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.
If you have any questions regarding
Your course of study offers lots of flexibility. Only two compulsory modules provide you with basic methodological competences including mathematical abilities as well as empirical and econometric methods. In all other areas, you can choose your modules according to your interests and thus create your own profile.
Half of the freely selectable credit point (ECTS) are attributes to the area of "Economics", another quarter to the area of "Management" and for the last quarter you can choose from all modules of Business Administration and Economics. For example, you can decide to create an “International Management” focus by selecting more management modules or other business administration modules as general electives. Or you can give yourself a “Research-Oriented and Data Analysis” profile by choosing additional credit points from the quantitative-methodological area. Our main departments give you a good impression of the topics of our lecturers.
Furthermore, the master thesis contributes to your individual profile-building and career goal. You can write your thesis in any field of business administration, management and 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
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
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.
Lying at the heart of social interaction, cooperation and competition represent two sides of the same coin. This holds true at various levels. Individuals compete for scarce opportunities such as well-paid jobs, excellent grades or mating opportunities. Recurring opportunities open the scope for cooperation and the formation of social networks. Firms compete for customers. Repeated competition induces incentives for cooperation, such as collusive behavior. Nations compete for raw materials, land, or a clean environment. Repeated interaction and the threat of permanent collapse open up opportunities for cooperative agreements that may ultimately rescue our planet.
The track “Cooperation and Competition” combines all modules that relate to these core problems of social interaction. Taking the perspectives of consumers, firms and the society, this track provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to a deep and thorough analysis of cooperation and competition. Our graduates have found positions at strategic consulting firms, competition agencies, economic research institutes, and both healthcare and academic institutions.
The primary objective of the elective module “Globalization and Global Markets” is to offer students a profounder insight into modern day globalization and the different notions of it carried by academics and the public. The focus of the module thereby deliberates on the future of globalization and how to attain balanced world-wide development as we confront today's global challenges in global trade, finance, and labour markets.
For decades, economists, politicians and business executives have written about globalization with widely divergent views and perspectives. While many have driven forward the cause of globalization in finance and trade, several others have posed their doubts about the merits of globalization, role of international trade organizations and the advantages of a global economy that fosters free trade and global markets.
However, globalization is here to stay. The result is a new commercial reality - the emergence of global markets for standardized consumer products and services on a previously unimagined scale. Corporations geared to this new reality benefit from enormous economies of scale, scope and governance in production, distribution, marketing and management. By translating these benefits into reduced world prices, they can decimate competitors that still live in the disabling grip of old assumptions about how the world works. Managing globalization calls for getting a right balance between markets and regulation and between the global economy and the nation-state.
Given the constantly changing state of the world, new skills and methodological core competencies, such as e.g. industrial ecology skills to achieve sustainable output levels in a circular economy business model, are required of future business managers and political representatives in a globalized world with global markets. The professional job opportunities offered for those who have acquired the vast catalogue of needed skills underlying this module provide not only a challenge to us all, but also will open up your mindset for an unyielding passion to make the world a better place for us all to be in. A “Win-Win” Situation for us all now and future generations to be.
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!
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 more than 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.
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.
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.
Within our study programs we combine theory and practice. In addition to numerous modules in which theory-based teaching content alternates with practical work phases such as project work, case studies or business games and workshops, we rely on close cooperation with local companies and institutions. Our partners contribute to our modules with an application-oriented input by giving guest lectures, taking over teaching content as well as defining problems and accompanying and evaluating their processing.
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.
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.
Throughout the course of your degree, you may have some questions regarding vocational guidance and goal-setting. As the gateway between university and working life, the Career Service is on hand to answer all your career planning questions. Want to find out about potential careers, forge contacts with employers, identify your personal strengths and interests or clarify specific questions about starting out in a given career? Then make sure that you take advantage of the university’s comprehensive range of talks and workshops, practical projects, job and career portal and vocational preparation certificate upb+.
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.
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 Workshop, 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.
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.
More than just a title
The doctorate provides Jennifer with different perspectives and an opportunity to develop herself further.
Are you interested in the major challenges humanity faces and their impact on different organizations? For example, the development and growth of nations, international competition and global supply chains or the comparison of economic, health and educational systems? In order to understand and study such complex topics, you will encounter numerous theories and formal models during your studies. Especially the economic modules in particular are research-oriented. This means it is about testing hypotheses using different research methods such as game theory, experiments or econometrics. You can individually select from a wide range of study specializations. Depending on your study profile, you should have a good analytical and mathematical understanding.
In addition, everything revolves around internationalization. For this reason, you should not be afraid of using English and be interested in getting to know other cultures.
The M. Sc. International Economics and Management is a good fit for you if...
Even if it is not your first semester at the University, we would like to make your start as a Master student as easy as possible.
During the first weeks of the lecture period, the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics will welcome you and inform you how studying with us works. Additionally, the individual study program coordinators and student representatives will offer you a welcome program and show you around the campus, organize social events and help you to create your personal study plan. The first week is the best opportunity to get to know the university, the study process and your peers.
In our online course we will explain to you how the study process looks like. With the help of learning videos, you will learn how to plan your semester, where you can find information on your study plan and the modules and also what examination regulations you need to know.
Not quite right for you? One of our other study programs might be a better fit!
Campus life
There’s far more to studying at Paderborn University than just your degree course. Those thirsty for knowledge, those seeking discussion and debate and all those looking for something new can, for example, benefit from the opportunity to learn a new language or build on their existing language skills at the university’s Centre for Language Studies or brush up their software skills on a doIT course. IMT:Media offers dedicated media workstations on which you can give your creativity free reign, while the university’s wide and varied sports programme ranges from Aikido to Zumba. Or why not get involved with the university’s radio station L’UniCo or its “universal” magazine or join one of our multitude of project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular programme of plays and shows performed by our University Drama Group, poetry slams and readings, our big band and university choir are just a few examples of the diverse cultural activities and events on offer at Paderborn University. One particular highlight is our AStA (German General Students’ Committee) summer festival: Up to 15,000 people each year attend what is probably Germany’s largest outdoor campus festival, to enjoy the summer party vibes to the beats of a host of local student bands, plus well-known headliners on a number of stages.
Campus
Almost all of Paderborn University’s buildings are located on campus, with ample green spaces for relaxing and plenty of places to eat: “Mensa Academica”, “Mensa Forum”, “Grill | Café” and “Caféte”, as well as “Lädchen”, our small campus kiosk. Everything is within easy reach, within just a short walking distance. Our library is also centrally located, and a great place to study, thanks to its handy opening hours.
Accommodation
If you’d like to live on or close to campus, you can apply to Paderborn University’s Student Union for a place in university accommodation. You can also find private accommodation to rent, both near the university and city centre and in Paderborn’s various residential areas though the usual housing portals.
Finance
Students who need or wish to work alongside their degree should easily be able to fit a part-time job around their studies. A scholarship or BAföG federal student grant or loan are further options to help you fund your course and living expenses.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every question and concern. Our advice and service centres, for example, are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your academic or research work, applying for your dream job, funding options and much more.
Our university is a cosmopolitan university, with a clear gender and diversity policy. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender and family-friendly work and study culture for a number of years now. This includes helping students achieve a better study-life balance and supporting students with health issues.
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
Academic Advisors M. Sc. International Economics and Management
E-Mail: msc-iem@campus.uni-paderborn.de
Studienbüro Wirtschaftswissenschaften
E-Mail: studium@wiwi.upb.de
Programme Coordination M. Sc. International Economics and Management
E-Mail: msc-iem@upb.de
Problems with the degree programme (insufficient range of modules, ambiguities in the examination regulations, etc.)
Suggestions for improvement of the study programme
The person responsible for the programme is Prof. Dr. Hendrik Schmitz.
Academic Advisors M. Sc. International Economics and Management
E-Mail: msc-iem@campus.uni-paderborn.de
Studienbüro of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (Credit Point Recognition)
E-Mail: studium@wiwi.upb.de
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Internationalisation Office of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
E-Mail: international@campus.upb.de
Phone:05251/60-1696
Student Council for Economics and Business Studies
Registrar’s Office
Academic Advisors M. Sc. International Economics and Management
E-Mail: msc-iem@campus.uni-paderborn.de
Uni-Assist
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinländer*innen
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinländer*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
Examination Office
Examination Board of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
E-Mail: pruefungsausschuss@wiwi.upb.de
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
FamilienServiceBüro
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.