Economics and Journalism

• preliminary qualification: BA degree in Economics
• English language only
• 2 integrated journalistic internships

The study profile Economic Policy Journalism is designed for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (or a comparable field) who have not yet completed formal journalism training. The program enables students to deepen their academic understanding of economics and economic policy while developing professional journalistic skills, which is a unique combination that bridges analytical insight and media competence.

Shape the economic discourse

Graduates are well prepared for careers in economic policy journalism as well as in other sectors where communicating economic topics clearly and accessibly is essential. The ability to present complex economic issues in a way that resonates with the public is an increasingly valuable skill across many fields of economics.

Diverse career opportunities

Beyond journalism, graduates can pursue roles in public relations, communications, and policy analysis within organizations focused on economic policy, including:

• Government ministries and public authorities
• Business associations and chambers of commerce
• Economic research institutes
• The finance, banking, and insurance industries

Learn from experienced media professionals

The journalism component of this study profile is a hands-on approach and designed such that students gain practical experience across multiple media formats. In this way, they will develop the skills needed to work confidently across print, broadcast, and digital media.

Study economics at two leading Universities

The economics component gives students access to a broad range of Master’s-level courses offered by both TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum. This joint structure ensures a comprehensive and flexible education in economic theory and policy.

The program is taught by leading scholars, including:

• Christoph M. Schmidt – Economic Policy
• Ludger Linnemann – Applied Economics
• Galina Zudenkova – Public Finance
• Thomas K. Bauer – Empirical Economic Research

• preliminary qualification: journalistic traineeship
• German language only

The study profile Wirtschaftspolitischer Qualitätsjournalismus (Economic Policy Quality Journalism) is primarily designed for graduates in economics who have already completed a journalistic traineeship (Volontärsausbildung) and is typically studied after graduating from our German language BA degree program. The consecutive Master's profile allows students to expand their professional skills in both economics and journalism, building on their existing expertise.

A research-oriented approach to journalism

This specialization within the Master’s program enables students to expand and deepen their existing professional and communication skills in a scientifically grounded, research-oriented environment. Students will learn to systematically integrate subject-specific economic knowledge with advanced journalistic and communication competencies to work at the intersection of these two fields.

Career opportunities in leading quality media outlets

As the program name suggests, the focus is on preparing students for careers in quality journalism, with a particular emphasis on economic policy. Graduates will gain the skills needed to tackle complex economic issues and convey them effectively to a broader audience.

In print journalism, students may work in the editorial departments of leading German newspapers, such as:

• National dailies (e.g., FAZ, SZ, Welt)
• Weekly publications (e.g., DIE ZEIT, FAS, WamS)
• Business newspapers (e.g., Handelsblatt)
• Political magazines (e.g., Der Spiegel, FOCUS)
• Business magazines (e.g., WirtschaftsWoche, Capital, brand eins)

In broadcast journalism, opportunities are available within the economics and politics divisions of Germany’s public broadcasters, where students can contribute to high-impact media coverage of economic policy.