Public Economics, Law and Politics

Masters Programme

The effectiveness and legitimacy of modern states is largely determined by the complex interaction of politics, law, and business and economics. Lately, in particular, these interactions have been affected by dynamic transformation processes resulting from globalization and internationalisation trends. This has led to the formation of modified statehood forms and new patterns of relationships between state, society and the economy. The Masters degree in Public Economics, Law and Politics applies a theoretical and methodological, as well as problem-oriented and integrated political analysis of these dynamic interactions.

Students of PELP working in a group. ©Leuphana (Merle Busch)
Students of PELP working in a group.

Public Economics, Law and Politics - The Programme

  • Content and Idea
  • Programme Structure
  • Study regulations/Subject-specific schedule
  • Programme Director

Public Economics, Law and Politics - The Programme

Content and Idea

Studies in political science at Leuphana Graduate School combine disciplines, which traditionally deal with the relationship of state, society, and business and economics. Questions, issues and approaches to solutions resulting from these intricately interwoven relationships are analysed and treated from the joined perspectives of political science, economics and law. The focus is placed on the causes, background, as well as social and economic effects and consequences, of government action. Thus, the course aims at achieving a comprehensive reflection on the relationship between politics, law and economics by applying the tools provided by political science as a discipline, reinforced by interdisciplinary observations.

Programme Structure

The discipline-oriented electives aim at training academics to develop in-depth competencies in the individual disciplines of political science, public law and economics. Cooperation with the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg makes it possible to focus on the field of education development theory and policy. This is achieved thanks to a selection of more specialised course offerings. Six individually selectable and freely combinable modules largely convey theories, approaches and methods for analysing the state of academic questions and issues from a disciplinary perspective.

In the first semester, two individually allocated bridge modules convey basic knowledge in political science in the disciplines, which students have not yet or not sufficiently studied in their previous courses. The second and third semesters see the integration range extending subject offers by an interdisciplinary perspective: In two modules, selected topics and issues from the perspective of each of two disciplines are investigated together.

The course offerings are complemented not only by the Complementary Studies over-arching the Master degrees on the basis of a broad academic and reflection-oriented science, but also by the Masters Forum & Research Perspectives. It teaches the methodological and organizational skills, which are necessary for the design and implementation of practitioners' own analysis based on political science, as well as research projects. Building on this intensive preparation, the Mastes dissertation completed in the fourth semester concludes the Masters Programme.

Here you can find further information on the course content of the Masters programme Public Economics, Law and Politics.

Study regulations/Subject-specific schedule

The General Assessment Regulations and the Subject-Specific Schedules can be found here.

The Subject-Specific Schedule shows the subject-specific curriculum. The modules to be taken and their content, the types of courses, the type and number of examinations are formulated in detail and in a legally binding manner.

Programme Director

  • Prof. Dr. Tobias Lenz

Prospects

The Masters Degree in Public Economics, Law and Politics provides a science-based, interdisciplinary and problem-oriented academic training in the field of political science. The aim is to familiarise students with theories, approaches and methods, as well as central empirical findings on the current state of scientific research. Thus, it imparts the ability to design, implement, and reflect on independent research projects. Students are also trained to handle complex practical issues and problems at the interface between politics, business and law from an academic point of view. As well as providing policy advice, this prepares them for managerial positions in administrative, national and international organisations.

In addition to entering into active employment, the possibility also exists of further development the direction, for example, of a PhD. The professorial chairs involved in the course of study carry out numerous projects in that vein. Qualified students have the opportunity, thanks to the “Doctoral Track”, to attend modules of the doctoral programme in the third semester already.

Admission requirements & Application

You can find all information about the admission requirements, the application and the selection procedure on our "Apply" page.

At a glance

Degree awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Application deadline: 1 June
Type of programme: Thematic relevance
Study places: 40
Start date: October 1
Extent: 120 CP according to ECTS
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: English 
Semester contribution: ca. 320 EUR

Contact and Counselling

First contact point

The Information Office (Infoportal) is your contact point for

Information Office

Building 8, Ground Level
Fon +49.4131.677-2277
infoportal@leuphana.de

By telephone
Mon - Thu 9 am - 4 pm
Friday 9 am - 12 noon

Campus opening hours
Mon - Thu 9.30 am - 12 noon +
1 pm - 2.30 pm
Fr 9.30 am - 12 noon

Student Counselling

To make an appointment with our Student Counselling Service, please call the Information Office under the number +49 4131 677-2277.

Appointments are usually available in the following time slots:
Tuesday 2 - 4 pm
Wednesday 3 - 4 pm
Thursday 4 - 6 pm