Why have major central banks been keeping interest rates close to zero for years? Why does the US government expect a reduction in corporate taxes to provide a strong boost to the economy? What is the logic behind the WTO system for regulating international trade? How can global CO2 emissions be reduced efficiently? The specialisation in Political Economics provides students with the theoretical and empirical tools to analyse these and many related questions - rigorously and in the light of the latest research. The specialisation pays particular attention to the interactions between the economic and political spheres. To what extent are economic policy decisions influenced by political considerations? How do government interventions in the economy affect the balance of power in the political arena? Important questions with sometimes surprising answers.

The specialisation in Political Economics offers an attractive mix of teaching formats. The basics are developed in lectures and tutorials. Seminars introduce students to the current state of research. Finally, workshops provide student with opportunities to perform their own research, thereby getting in touch with various actors - economists, business people, political consultants. In the course of these workshops, students practice their newly acquired analytical and data skills and learn to communicate their findings. An optimal preparation for the future - no matter whether it lies in a private company, in the public sector, in an international organisation or in academia.

Topics and example courses

Theoretical and empirical Methods

• Python – A non-technical introduction for business analytics
• Strategies and Incomplete Information
• Analysing and forecasting economic time series

Public Economics, Economic Policy and Regulation  

• Wettbewerbspolitik
• Climate Politics
• Angewandte Wirtschaftspolitik
• Lobbying, politische Interessenvertretung. Theorie und Praxis

Cycles, Growth and Development

• Growth Theory
• Economic History
• Monetary Economics

Career prospects

The “Political Economics” specialisation provides graduates with analytical and data skills which are of great value in a wide array of professions, especially in consulting and the world of banking and finance. In terms of study content, the specialisation is an excellent preparation for key positions in central banking, in the public administration, or in national and international associations and institutions.