#NextGenEcon
GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY ECONOMICS
1-subject master’s program
About
The Master of Science in Global Sustainability Economics (GSE) at Ruhr University Bochum places you at the forefront of tomorrow’s global transformation. GSE @RUB is Germany’s only program that empowers you to address complex global sustainability issues from an economic perspective. Fully taught in English, the program combines economic theory, data-driven models, intercultural capacity building, and policy analysis with hands-on projects, international summer schools, and an optional semester abroad. Tackle climate change, inequality, and resource challenges while building the skills to design just and effective solutions. Graduate ready to lead in international organizations, governments, and global companies. Shape the future of global sustainable economies now!
True sustainability means growing together–people, planet, progress. GSE @RUB gives you the economic tools to align global growth with social justice and environmental resilience.
Application
Winter and summer semester
- RUB application portal
- With a Transcript of Records (mind. 150 ECTS)
- Winter semester: September 30
- Summer semester: March 31
- Winter semester: July 15
- Summer semester: January 15
- Winter semester: October 15
- Summer semester: April 15
- Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS)
- 40 ECTS in economics, or
20 ECTS in economics and 20 ECTS in sustainability-related subjects - 15 ECTS in mathematics/statistics
- Note that if you do not fulfill all these requirements (i.e., you are missing 5 or 10 ECTS in economics, mathematics, or statistics) you can still apply. If you are admitted to the program, you should then complete the missing ECTS in the first semester.
- Proof of English language skills of at least level B2, as evidenced by the German Abitur certificate, by completion of a fully English-taught bachelor’s degree program, or by international examinations (TOEFL iBT score of at least 87 points or equivalent qualification)
A mandatory counselling is necessary for the matriculation.
- The program is not subject to limited admission
- No tuition fees except a regular social contribution fee per semester apply.
- This social contribution fee gives you access to free public transport across all of Germany and covers administrative costs.
- Also, Students in Germany benefit from affordable health insurance plans.
Contents
- 4 semesters
- Exclusive Global Sustainability Economics courses
- Personal and intercultural skills
- Global Sustainability Project Seminar
- Specialized Master’s thesis
First, you dive deep into core economic topics. The compulsory modules Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Applied Econometrics with R, and Introduction to Microeconometrics lay the foundations. You will acquire subject-specific knowledge in the modules Introduction to Global Sustainability Economics, International Political Economy, Environmental Economics, and Economics of Inequality. Choose from a wide array of courses in global and sustainability economics to tailor your path.
Astandout feature is the Project Seminar Global Sustainability, where you tackle real-world problems and craft practical, just, and sustainable policy solutions. An optional semester abroad, vibrant international summer schools and stimulating guest lectures give you global exposure and connect you with leading experts. The last semester is dedicated to the master’s thesis which can be an in-depth exploration of issues addressed in the project seminar.
Information about the program
English
- Freedom to choose your own modules
- 20+ chairs to explore
- Strong practical skills
- International Summer Schools
- University Language Centre (ZFA)
- Sports programs and active campus life
- … and so much more!
Sustainability consultant, global economic policy analyst, environmental economist, social equity champion, …
Graduates of Global Sustainability Economics are ideally prepared for responsible careers in international organizations, government agencies, research institutes, and global companies. There is also the option of pursuing a doctorate.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact:
Benjamin Y. Koch
Academic Program Advisor (GSE)
E-Mail: gse-master@rub.de
Building GD/03/329
Ruhr University Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
D-44801 Bochum
Who is behind the GSE Master’s program?
Program directors
CISE, CURE, and CEIT Faculty
GSE @RUB
- Builds on a first degree in economics, business administration, or related fields and offers advanced training in international sustainability economics (four semesters, 120 ECTS).
- Prepares graduates to address the most pressing global sustainability challenges — from climate change and biodiversity loss to resource management and inequality.
- Combines solid economic theory, empirical and econometric methods, policy analysis, and intercultural competence with practical experience through the project seminar, an optional semester abroad, and international summer schools.
- Develops experts capable of designing, evaluating, and implementing evidence-based, fair, and effective sustainability strategies for governments, international organizations, businesses, and NGOs.
- Focuses on systems thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to solve global sustainability challenges and translate scientific insights into actionable policies and strategies.
Career – Start the GSE test
Are you up for the challenge? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you have what it takes for Global Sustainability Economics.
1. Do you want to actively tackle the most pressing global sustainability issues—from climate change and biodiversity loss to deforestation?
2. Do you want to analyze how responsibility and burdens for these problems are distributed between the Global North and South—and develop political strategies that address these inequalities?
3. Are you ready to integrate complex economic, social, and environmental data into actionable solutions for governments, international organizations, and companies?
4. Do you want to combine rigorous economic analysis with intercultural and interdisciplinary approaches to create strategies that truly make a difference?
5. Or would you rather design, implement, and evaluate sustainability policies and strategies, using cutting-edge empirical research, in international organizations, NGOs, or research institutes?
As sustainability becomes central to politics, business, and society, your expertise will be in demand. Join us and shape a just, sustainable future—study where innovative economic thinking meets global responsibility!
The GSE program belongs to BRIDGING 2030 research centers CISE, CURE, and CEIT.
GSE Contact
Benjamin Y. Koch
Academic Program Advisor (GSE)
E-Mail: gse-master@rub.de
Building GD/03/329
Ruhr University Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
D-44801 Bochum