Master of Science in Politics, Economics and Philosophy University of Hamburg

All courses are held in English.

The major theme of the programme in Politics, Economics and Philosophy (PEP) is the analysis of individual and collective decisions which will be studied from the perspective of the three disciplines involved. Students will learn how to combine insights from political science, economics and philosophy in order to solve decision problems arising in such diverse areas as politics, corporate governance, international relations and others.

PEP is a research-oriented Master’s programme and it aims to provide a thorough and rigorous training in modern theories and methods in political science, economics and philosophy. On the one hand, PEP is designed for students who subsequently intend to enter a PhD programme in one of the three disciplines and who want to pursue an interdisciplinary approach in their research. On the other hand, PEP addresses students who want to pursue a career in the public sector, a private enterprise or in national and international organisations.

Application period: from 15 February until 31 March
For details, see: http://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/msc-pep.

The programme duration is two years (four semesters). In each of the first three semesters, the students attend disciplinary courses in political science, economics and philosophy as well as interdisciplinary seminars. The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis.

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No tuition fees

A semester contribution is charged per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket for public transportation in the greater Hamburg area. Further information can be found at https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/studienorganisation/studienverlauf/beitraege-gebuehren/semesterbeitrag.html

Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc., you ought to expect the following expenses:

• housing: approx. 400 to 700 EUR per month
• living expenses: approx. 500 to 700 EUR per month

Applicants must have completed a first university degree (e.g. Bachelor's degree or equivalent of at least 180 ECTS) in one of the following fields of study:

• Political science
• Economics
• Philosophy

Applicants must demonstrate that at least 60% or its ECTS equivalent (108 ECTS out of 180 ECTS) of their first university degree is in one of the above-named fields of study. Applicants with a first degree in PPE (or similar) should consult the FAQs (see "Questions Regarding Admissions Requirements").

Applicants with a first university degree in economics must provide evidence of the successful completion of the following courses:

• mathematics, statistics and econometrics with an equivalent of at least 15 ECTS
• advanced courses in economics with an equivalent of at least 24 ECTS

Applicants with a first university degree in political science must demonstrate the successful completion of at least 12 ECTS in courses pertaining to the methods of empirical research in social science / political science.

Applicants with a first university degree in philosophy must demonstrate the successful completion of at least 8 ECTS in formal methods (e.g. logic and argumentation theory, decision theory, mathematics).

In the event that at the time of submission of your application you have not received your degree certificate, you will have to submit this by the end of the first semester of your studies in the MSc PEP programme.

All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. The English language proficiency must be demonstrated as follows:

• TOEFL internet-based test (test date scores): at least 92 points with at least 22 points per skill (listening, writing, speaking, reading)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic: Overall band score with at least 6.5 (good competent user) with at least 6.0 per skill
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
• Cambridge Higher Business English Certificate (BEC)
• University degree programme entirely taught in English (proven by a written confirmation from the university)

Application period: from 15 February until 31 March
For details, see: http://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/msc-pep.

For questions about study expenses and funding options, please have a look at the Campus Center website: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/campus-leben/finanzen.html

Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-university job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.

Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.

Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland are subject to special regulations for part-time work when studying. Contact the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs for more information.

There are several job opportunities in diverse areas of Universität Hamburg. Many of these jobs are offered exclusively to students enrolled at the university. For job ads of this kind, check out departmental bulletin boards, departmental websites, www.stellenwerk.de (wanted ads for Hamburg’s universities), or ask directly in your department.

• tutors
• student assistants (in the academic area) and student employees (in the administrative area)
• library assistants
• test subjects for studies conducted in the fields of psychology or in the social sciences

Are you searching for an apartment or a room? Although affordable housing in Hamburg is rare, please do not despair. Patience and luck will help you find suitable accommodation.

Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can. For more information on how to find accommodation, please visit: Finding accommodation in Hamburg.

For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.

The Department of International Affairs offers comprehensive international student support. In addition to professional advising and counselling during all stages of the course of study, there is close cooperation with other advisory and counselling services at Universität Hamburg. International students will thus receive the necessary support and advice at any point during their studies.