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PPE (M. A.) –
PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS

Do you want to change the world for the better?

Study PPE at Witten/Herdecke University:

The Master’s Degree for Future Leaders and Executives

We at Witten/Herdecke University think that interdisciplinarity and interculturality are the keys to surmount current and future difficulties.

Therefore, we want to give you as an international student the opportunity to gain knowledge on a wide-spread level – by joining our PPE Master’s Degree Programme * consisting of three crucial disciplines.

Join us now and let us combine our global knowledge of philosophy, politics and economics to tackle the real world’s problems – altogether.

*We are currently in the process of re-accreditation. 

GET MORE DETAILS

Over 40 years of excellence!
Germany’s first private university.

Which university is the best choice?
We belong to the TOP 5 in Germany.

Witten / Herdecke University:
Voted the most popular university on StudyCheck.

  • START:
    Winter semester
  • APPLICATION PERIOD:
    All year (rolling procedure)
  • LENGTH OF COURSE:
    4 semesters (full-time)
    6 semesters (part-time) (120CP)

PPE –
Your Master’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Our society is currently confronted with hardships that cannot be overcome by simply applying non-global old-fashioned strategies.

Intercontinental migration, climate change, economic inequality, ethnic wars and political radicalisation are challenges that need more than a retrospective glance at what has been done before.

That is why we have designed the
PPE Master Programme –
a combination of three disciplines merged into one ground-breaking study-course able to provide you with the solutions for our tomorrow.

  • Focus on new ideas and interculturality
  • Gain knowledge on a wide-spread level
  • Explore interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Become a future leading executive
  • Create the world of tomorrow
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Voices of Witten/Herdecke University

“ At Witten you are the entrepreneur of your studies, which helped prepare me for my current leadership position. “

Raphael Landua, PPE-Alumnus – Head of Staff, Politics, Berlin

  • from Germany
“ It is this potpourri of ideas and people that makes Witten/Herdecke a great place and actually the university of the future. “

Waidi Adebayo, Alumnus PPE – Currently doing his PhD in Witten

  • from Nigeria
“ In Witten, I have the opportunity to study with students from many different countries. I really enjoy that we are often working in groups – it offers great practice for taking on tasks in international teams. “

Milad Mosalanejad, Student – Philosophy, Politics and Economics (M.A.)

  • from Iran
“ I appreciate the small seminar groups. They allow discussions where everyone can contribute. This allows me to further develop my own ideas and opinions. “
Louisa Duesmann, Student – Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (M.A.)
  • from Germany
“ With my specialised knowledge in the three fields of philosophy, politics and economics, I am able to develop solutions for complex social issues. “

Theresa Vormbaum, Student – Philosophy, Politics and Economics (M. A.) 

  • from Germany
“ The Studium fundamentale was amazing! Studying things far away from my major with students from all disciplines was very eye-opening for me. “

Diego Tuzman, PPE-Alumnus – Advisor at the World Bank, Montevideo

  • from Uruguay
“ During my PPE studies I was very interested in internationalisation. I quickly took a lot of responsibility and initiative in this area, which led to me being in the position I am in right now. “

Ayesha Keller, PPE-Alumna – Head of the International Office at Witten/Herdecke University

  • from United Kingdom
“ To deepen my understanding of the interrelations between Politics, Economics and also Philosophy the PPE Master at Witten/Herdecke University offered a programme with topics that caught my interest immediately. “

 Katharina Sperling, PPE-Alumna – Job Integration Coach in Münster

  • from Germany
“ In Witten, the professors go out with the students and everybody gets together and talks about ways to improve the program. It’s everybody involved in a conversation. “

Cal Davenport, PPE-Alumnus – Policy advice, data department

  • from Michigan (USA)

Structure and Modules

Internationally renowned professors deliver outstanding teaching.

30 ECTS
Basics for PPE

  • Basics in philosophy I and II: Ethics and political philosophy / philosophy of social sciences
  • Basics in politics I and II: Introductory political economy / introductory international relations
  • Basics in economics I and II: Basics in microeconomics and institutional economics / macroeconomics

15 ECTS
Advanced methods

  • Leadership & Transformation
  • Advanced Qualitative methods
  • Advanced Quantitative methods

12 ECTS

Studium fundamentale

Thursday is Stufu-day at Witten/Herdecke University. On this day, you will meet students of all faculties and enhance your skills in liberal arts and humanities including history, music, dancing, sculpting, theatre, and literature. You will also improve your abilities in several soft skills as well as in group dynamics and communication.

Having been the first of its kind in Germany, the Studium fundamentale at Witten/Herdecke University has been celebrated as ‘groundbreaking’ by the Mercator foundation.

10 ECTS

Practise Project OR Interdisciplinary Research Project

Your degree programme also includes an exciting project, either application- or research-related.

Design your own profile

Our PPE programme lets you tailor your studies. Choose majors or free electives across philosophy, politics and economics, and even help shape future courses. A popular option is the interdisciplinary major “Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Development”, which explores development policy from multiple perspectives.

  • Each elective module carries 5 ECTS credits.
  • You must complete at least seven modules (35 ECTS) to graduate.
  • Choose freely from the pool of elective modules or concentrate on a single Major (e.g. International Economics)
  • Academic advisers are available to help you design your personalised module plan.
  • Expand your methodological knowledge by studying the module group “Advanced Methods”.

PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS OF DEVELOPMENT

Major Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Development includes the following modules:

  • Topics at the Interface of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
  • PPE in Practice
  • International Management
  • Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Ethical Issues in Organizations
  • Study Abroad Master

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS

Major International Economics includes the following modules:

  • International Economics & Finance
  • Development Economics and Politics
  • Advanced Empirical Economics
  • Behavioural Economics
  • Current Issues and Further Questions: International Economics
  • Independent Studies/ Independent Projects: International Economics

INTERNATIONAL
POLITICS

Major International Politics includes the following modules:

  • Advanced International Relations
  • Advanced Comparative Politics
  • Advanced Political Theory
  • International Political Economy
  • Current Issues and Further Questions: International Politics
  • Independent Studies/ Independent Projects: International Politics

PHILOSOPHY AND
SOCIETY

Major Philosophy and Society includes the following modules:

  • Structures and Institutions: Ideas and Realities
  • Advanced Philosophy of Economics
  • Ethics and Society
  • History of Ideas of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
  • Global Justice and the Global South
  • Current Issues and Further Questions: Philosophy and Society
  • Independent Studies/ Independent Projects: Philosophy and Society

LEADERSHIP &
TRANSFORMATION

Major Leadership & Transformation includes the following modules:

  • The Political Economy of Global Transformations
  • Leadership in Organizations
  • Leading Organizational Culture Change
  • Digital Transformation in Business
  • Transformation in Practice: The Ruhr Area
  • Institutions and Institutional Change

18 ECTS

The Master thesis is evidence that students are able to tackle a research related project within limited time on their own. Students choose a research question within the realm of international economics, international politics, philosophy and society, or a related research area at the interface of philosophy, politics and economics.

Get more information for free!

Apply with personal assistance

  • Exclusive Course Factsheet [.pdf]
  • Access Online Open Days
  • Live Chat with Students
REGISTER NOW!

NOT CONVINCED YET?

6 more reasons for studying abroad at Witten/Herdecke University:

  • Study first, pay later
    Take advantage of our pioneering Reverse Generational Contract and cover tuition once you’re earning.
  • Hybrid & flexible learning
    All first-year core courses are offered in a hybrid format, letting you join live sessions online.
  • Affordable excellence
    Enjoy lower tuition and living costs than in most other popular study destinations.
  • Small-group learning
    Classes are capped at 25 students for maximum interaction and personal feedback.
  • Second master’s degree, tuition-free
    Pay only for your first master’s. The next one is on us.
  • Direct access to experts
    Frequent meet-ups with lecturers and proactive guidance from our International Office keep your progress on track.
REGISTER NOW!

Study in the Centre of Europe

As the oldest private university in Germany we have a strong history of academic excellence. This fits perfectly into the cultural landscape of Europe and the Ruhr Area of Germany.

Be were opportunity is: learn in the center Europe, connect with employers.

Knowledge. Experience. Community.

– Three pillars, one transformative degree.

Knowledge

  • Curriculum with a democratic twist
    Shape what you learn.
  • One degree programme - three disciplines
    Philosophy • Politics • Economics
  • Co-create your courses
    Students and lecturers decide the syllabus together.
  • Breadth that builds depth
    Electives span development, data, ethics, finance, policy, and more.

Experience

  • Adventure in Germany’s heartland
    Minutes by train to Europe’s major hubs.
  • Eight neighbours, countless cultures
    Weekends in Amsterdam, Paris, Prague, Copenhagen…
  • Cross-disciplinary insights
    Team up with peers in management, medicine, psychology, and ethics.

Community

  • Global web of professionals
    Alumni in policy, business, NGOs, and start-ups.
  • International faculty & partners
    Plug straight into the PPE community across continents.
  • Melting-pot campus
    Diverse cohorts you’ll stay connected to forever.

If you think this could suit you, then request further details about Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Witten/Herdecke University now!

Over 40 years of excellence!
Germany’s first private university.

Witten / Herdecke University:
Voted the most popular university on StudyCheck.

Which university is the best choice?
We belong to the TOP 5 in Germany.

18 ECTS

Master´s thesis

The Master thesis is evidence that students are able to tackle a research related project within limited time on their own. Students choose a research question within the realm of international economics, international politics, philosophy and society, or a related research area at the interface of philosophy, politics and economics.

PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND
ECONOMICS OF DEVELOPMENT

The Major Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Development includes, but is not limited to, the following core subject areas:

  • Development Economics and Politics
  • Institutional Economics: Institutions, Growth and Development
  • International Political Economy
  • Democracy and Dictatorship
  • Global Justice and the Global South
  • Research Colloquium Development Studies, in cooperation with the German Development Institute (DIE)
  • Current Issues and Further Questions

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS

The Major International Economics includes, but is not limited to, the following core subject areas:
  • Behavioural Economics
  • Institutional Economics
  • Advanced Micro- and Macroeconomics
  • The International Financial System
  • Current Issues and Further Questions

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

The Major International Politics includes, but is not limited to, the following core subject areas:

  • Foreign Policy
  • Global Governance
  • Security
  • International Political Economy
  • International Organizations

PHILOSOPHY AND SOCIETY

The Major Philosophy and Society includes, but is not limited to, the following core subject areas:

  • Game Theory and Social Structure
  • Advanced Philosophy of Economics
  • Ethics and Society
  • History of Economic Ideas in the Context of Social Philosophy
  • Current Issues and Further Questions

LEADERSHIP & TRANSFORMATION

The Major Leaderhip & Tranformation includes, but is not limited to the following core subject areas:

  • Leading Organizational Culture Change
  • Digital Transformation in Business
  • Leadership in Organizations
  • The Political Economy of Global Transformations

ADVANCED METHODS

The Major Advanced Methods – Electives includes, but is not limited, to:

  • Methodology and Philosophy of Science
  • Current Issues in Research Methods
  • Marketing Research Methos

Elective Modules

Our PPE programme lets you tailor your studies. Choose majors or free electives across philosophy, politics and economics, and even help shape future courses. A popular option is the interdisciplinary major “Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Development,” which explores development policy from multiple perspectives.

  • Each elective module carries 5 ECTS credits.
  • You must complete at least eight modules (≥ 40 ECTS) to graduate.
  • Choose freely across six subject areas or concentrate on a single Major (e.g., International Economics).
  • Academic advisers are available to help you design your personalised module plan.

12 ECTS

Studium fundamentale

Thursday is Stufu-day at Witten/Herdecke University. On this day, you will meet students of all faculties and enhance your skills in liberal arts and humanities including history, music, dancing, sculpting, theatre, and literature. You will also improve your abilities in several soft skills as well as in group dynamics and communication.

Having been the first of its kind in Germany, the Studium fundamentale at Witten/Herdecke University has been celebrated as ‘groundbreaking’ by the Mercator foundation.

10 ECTS

Practise Project OR Interdisciplinary Research Project

Your degree programme also includes an exciting project, either application- or research-related.

15 ECTS

Advanced methods

  • Leadership & Transformation
  • Advanced Qualitative methods
  • Advanced Quantitative methods

30 ECTS

Basics for PPE

  • Basics in philosophy I and II:
    Ethics and political philosophy / philosophy of social sciences
  • Basics in politics I and II:
    Introductory political economy / introductory international relations
  • Basics in economics I and II:
    Basics in microeconomics and institutional economics / macroeconomics