M.A. in History of Global Markets


Today's economy is - more than ever - organized around globally integrated markets. Capital, labor, knowledge: factors of production are increasingly allocated competitively and across national borders. Firms and consumers find themselves interlinked through a growing network of global markets. Where did these developments originate, and how can they be understood?

The Master's degree program „History of Global Markets“ is devoted to exploring these questions from a historical perspective. It is offered by our Institute, on behalf of the Faculty for Economic Sciences at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. This degree program imparts the analytical skills of economic and social history, and combines them with building a profile either in economics, business studies, or the social sciences and history. Our focus is on the global economy, business history, and the history of consumption. While economics and markets are central, however, this is not a program for students wanting to focus on business or entrepreneurship in a practical perspective!

Applications: The degree program is open to those who have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree program in Economic and Social History, Modern History, Economics, Business Studies, Sociology, Political Science, or an adjacent subject. You also need to demonstrate proficiency in either German or English (Please note that English langue course offerings can be limited in some semesters). You can take up the program in the summer as well as the winter semester.

Detailed information on the application requirements can be found here:

  • Application and admission procedures
    • Required application documents
      • Questions about the application process can be directed at the Service Center for Students

      • In addition, the degree program „History of Global Markets“ contains a component "Global Markets, Local Creativities" (GLOCAL). This component is part of an Erasmus Mundus Master's programme, jointly offered by the universities of Glasgow, Barcelona, Rottderdam, and Göttingen. GLOCAL students come to Göttingen for their second academic year. Further information can be found at: http://globallocal-erasmusmundus.eu/

        The structure of the program


        The program is comprised of 90 credits of courses, and a 30 credit thesis. The thesis is developed by the students as a project of their own, under our supervision. Courses are offered both in German and English; it is possible to complete the program in German as well as in English.

        At the beginning, students visit some undergraduate courses in either economics or history, depending on their previous academic background. The idea is to achieve a shared basic knowledge of the different perspectives and methods that are vital for the interdisciplinary character of economic and social history (convergence area, 18 credits).

        Students can choose almost half the courses (42 credits) from the course offerings of the Institute of Economic and Social History; there will be new themes and topics each semester. The remaining third of the courses (30 credits) is for building a profile. You can select from

        • a specialization in economics (profile „Economy & Institutions“),
        • a specialization in business studies (profile „Business & Management“),
        • a specialization in history and social sciences (profile „Society & Culture“) as well as
        • an interdisciplinary specialization in problems concerning the global economy (profile „Globalization“).



        See the recommended course of study below (however, students are free to take courses in any order they deem appropriate).


        Overview MA History of Global Markets