Global Sustainability Economics Ruhr-Universität Bochum

All economics courses (compulsory and elective subjects) and most non-economics elective courses are taught in English; you only need German language skills for a few elective courses in other subjects (faculties) if you wish to take them.

Are you passionate about tackling the world’s most pressing challenges through economic expertise? The new Master of Science programme in Global Sustainability Economics at Ruhr University Bochum offers you the unique opportunity to explore complex global sustainability issues from an economic perspective. Entirely taught in English, this four-semester programme is designed for students with a background in economics, business or related fields, and combines economic theory, empirical methods, and intercultural competence training to prepare you for leadership roles in the global transformation toward sustainable development.

Throughout the programme, you will gain in-depth knowledge of core economic issues and methods (micro- and macroeconomics, econometrics), environmental and inequality economics, the political economy of global sustainability, and have a large choice of courses in global and sustainability economics. A particular highlight is the Project Seminar Global Sustainability, where you will apply your skills to real-world challenges and develop practical, just, and sustainable policy recommendations. You can further enrich your studies with an optional semester abroad at one of our international partner universities and benefit from a vibrant international community through summer schools and guest lectures from leading global experts.

Graduates of Global Sustainability Economics will be ideally equipped for careers in international organisations, government agencies, research institutions, and globally operating companies. With sustainability becoming a core focus in politics, business, and society, your expertise will be in high demand. Join us in shaping a more just and sustainable future — study where innovative economic thinking meets global responsibility!

Lectures usually start the second week of October (winter semester) or the second week of April (summer semester).

All applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester
All applicants: 15 January for the following summer semester

We have large network of partner universities, in Europe and beyond, and we encourage students to study one semester abroad.

No tuition fees

Students have to pay a social contribution fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in Germany (https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/re-registration-and-social-contribution).

• 15 CP in mathematics and/or statistics
• 40 CP in economics or: 20 CP in economics and 20 CP in a related field with economic context
• English: CEFR level B2

Note that if you do not fulfil all of these requirements, i.e. you are missing 5 or 10 credit points, you can still apply. If you are admitted to the programme, you should then complete the missing credit points in the first semester.

English: CEFR Level B2

All applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester
All applicants: 15 January for the following summer semester

Students with good academic achievements and a high degree of social responsibility can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium” grant. They will receive a one-year scholarship of 300 EUR per month from the Ruhr-Universität Scholarship Fund: http://www.rub.de/bildungsfonds/info-studierende/en/index_en.html.

International students can also apply at the International Office, e.g. for financial support during their final phase of study, such as graduation grants: https://international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/scholarships?_wrapper_format=html.