Durée
2 ans
Composante
Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales et des territoires
Langue(s) d'enseignement
Anglais
Présentation
The Master in International Economics provides students with a rigorous foundation in international and development economics, applied economic analysis, and policy evaluation. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the European and global economic environment while fostering a critical and analytical perspective on contemporary economic transformations and global dynamics.
The program examines the major dimensions of globalization and addresses its key economic and social challenges for both emerging and advanced economies. It aims to train highly qualified international experts capable of analyzing, interpreting, and responding to the complex forces shaping today’s global economy.
Entirely taught in English, the program brings together a diverse community of international students, fostering a stimulating multicultural academic environment that promotes intellectual exchange and global awareness.
To further prepare students for international careers, the program includes a study abroad period in the second semester of the second year (M2), during which all students in the cohort can choose from a wide range of European and non-European partner universities.
As part of the curriculum, a second foreign language is offered, such as French for non-native speakers or any other language available through the university’s language center. The program also offers English proficiency certification, such as the TOEIC.
A key feature of this Master’s program is its combination of a strong academic foundation in economics and quantitative methods with practical components designed to prepare students for international and European careers.
The curriculum includes a three-day study trip to the European institutions in Brussels. In addition, experienced professionals from international organizations, as well as from the public and private sectors, contribute to the program by leading selected modules and sharing insights from their careers.
The curriculum also includes two internship periods to provide hands-on professional experience: a first internship at the end of the first year lasting 2 to 4 months, and a second internship at the end of the second year lasting 4 to 6 months. Students are encouraged to undertake these internships abroad whenever possible.
Dedicated coaching sessions are offered to help students prepare their CVs and motivation letters, ensuring they are fully ready to benefit from these professional experiences.
For students who wish to pursue a research or academic career, the program also offers a research track in which the two internships can be replaced by a research internship, supervised by a researcher from one of the university’s economics research centres, and culminating in a Master’s thesis. In this track, students work closely with a faculty mentor throughout the year to complete their research.
Savoir-faire et compétences
The program aims to develop two complementary sets of skills:
- Advanced Economic Analysis Skills
Graduates acquire a strong ability to analyze the processes and consequences of globalization and economic integration. This includes:
o Identifying and interpreting the economic drivers and outcomes of global interdependence;
o Evaluating the impacts of globalization on public policies, private sector strategies, and global governance structures;
o Applying rigorous economic tools to real-world issues such as trade, capital flows, inequality, sustainability, and development.
- Project and Intercultural Management Skills
The program also strengthens students’ operational and interpersonal competencies, particularly in international settings:
o Project design and implementation in complex and multicultural environments;
o Proficiency in foreign languages and adaptability in diverse cultural contexts;
o Teamwork and leadership abilities, especially within international or cross-cultural teams;
o Strong negotiation and communication skills in intercultural settings;
o Capacity for innovation, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making.
Les + de la formation
The Program’s Key Strengths
- Comprehensive Economic Training
Offers a rigorous foundation in international and development economics, applied economic analysis, and policy evaluation. - Global and European Focus
Provides an in-depth understanding of both European and global economic environments and their interconnections. - Critical and Analytical Approach
Encourages students to develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret and address contemporary global economic challenges. - Expert Preparation
Trains high-level international experts capable of analyzing and managing complex globalization processes. - Entirely Taught in English
Facilitates full immersion in an international academic context and prepares students for global careers. - Multicultural Learning Environment
Brings together a diverse community of international students, promoting cross-cultural exchange and global awareness. - Study Abroad Opportunities
Includes the possibility to study at one of the program’s numerous partner universities across Europe and beyond. - Enhanced Intercultural Competence
Strengthens students’ intercultural skills and adaptability through international mobility and multicultural collaboration. - Career Competitiveness
Improves employability and global job market readiness by combining theoretical knowledge with international experience. - Preparation for a Globalized World
Equips graduates to thrive in an interconnected, rapidly changing global economy.
Organisation
The Master’s programs in International Economics (Master 1 and Master 2) each span two semesters (S1 and S2), totaling 60 ECTS credits per year. The curriculum is organized around Blocks of Core Knowledge and Competencies (BCCs) (see Program Overview file).
Each semester is assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and final examinations, which award ECTS credits. A total of 120 ECTS credits is required to successfully complete the Master’s program.
Students can expect an average of 20 hours of classroom instruction per week, supplemented by regular independent study and personal work.
The second semester of the second year is a mandatory abroad program at a partner institution (in Europe or elsewhere), offering valuable international exposure and practical experience.
The program includes compulsory internships: a minimum two-month internship at the end of the first year and a minimum four-month internship at the end of the second year.
Students intending to pursue a doctoral program have the option to undertake a research internship instead of a professional internship.
Stages
Stage | Obligatoire |
|---|
Stage obligatoire au S2 et S4
Mandatory internship in semester 2 and 4.
Admission
Conditions d'admission
Master 1
The Master 1 in International Economics is open to students who have successfully completed 180 ECTS credits in a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Economics & Management, Applied Mathematics for Economics and Social Sciences, or equivalent, either in France or abroad. Only candidates with an excellent academic record will be considered.
Application Process:
Applications must be submitted via the MonMaster platform: https://monmaster.gouv.fr/formation
International students applying under the “Études en France” procedure must apply through this platform:
https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance/dyn/public/authentification/login.html
Please pay close attention to the application deadlines on both platforms!
Master 2 :
We do not admit students directly into the second year (M2) of our Master’s program in International Economics. Admission to the M2 is contingent upon first enrolling in, and successfully completing, the first year (M1) of our Master’s program in International Economics.
Selection Criteria:
1. Alignment of the student’s academic and professional objectives with the goals of the program.
2. Strong interest in international issues and global economics.
3. Proficiency in English (minimum B2 level), demonstrated either through an official English certification or any other evidence provided by the student.
4. International experience is highly valued, including:
o Mobility programs, internships abroad, or linguistic/immersion stays
o Volunteer or associative work abroad
5. Demonstrated solid knowledge in general economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative analysis (mathematics and statistics).
6. Coherence and relevance of the student’s previous academic background.
Et après
Poursuite d'études
The International Economics Master’s program places particular emphasis on research within its curriculum and also prepares students for doctoral studies in economics, especially in the areas covered by the program.
As evidence of this commitment, students in the program have the opportunity to follow a research track, where they benefit from high-quality guidance in developing a Master’s dissertation and their research project.
Upon completion of doctoral studies (typically 3 years), students will have access to various careers in research, with a specialization in development economics or international economics.
These may include positions as researchers or research professors in economics (within universities, prestigious institutions, or research centers), whose roles involve producing academic research (publications, articles, books), teaching, and supervising doctoral theses.
Some economist positions - particularly within public institutions, research centers, international organizations, consulting firms, or government ministries - are only accessible with a PhD. These roles mainly involve economic analysis, modeling, forecasting, public policy evaluation, economic decision-making support, and the drafting of analytical reports and impact studies.
Insertion professionnelle
The International Economics Master's program trains specialists in the economic analysis of international and development issues. It targets two main career pathways after graduation:
- Economic Analyst and Expert Positions
Graduates may pursue positions such as economic analyst or expert in a wide range of organizations, including:
- Internationally oriented companies
- Consulting firms and strategy advisory firms specializing in international development
- Local development agencies and international cooperation organizations
- Economic missions abroad and export promotion offices
- International organizations (e.g., OECD, ECB, World Bank)
- Public institutions' economic departments and forecasting units, chambers of commerce and industry
- Higher education and academic research institutions
Typical responsibilities in these positions include:
- Conducting economic diagnostics and prospective analyses
- Contributing to the formulation and evaluation of economic policies
- Supporting decision-making on international trade, development strategies, or investment planning
- Writing policy briefs, economic reports, or strategic recommendations
2. Project Management and International Development positions
Graduates can also work as project managers or program officers in the field of international development, especially in:
- NGOs and humanitarian organizations
- International institutions involved in cooperation and development
- Local governments’ international affairs departments (cities, departments, regions)
- Social firms or associations promoting international exchanges and cooperation
- Business creation support services and local development agencies in developing countries
Typical responsibilities in these positions include:
- Designing and managing development projects
- Conducting feasibility studies and impact evaluations
- Coordinating partnerships between international and local stakeholders
- Supporting entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth in emerging economies
Pour en savoir plus sur l'insertion professionnelle des diplômés de l'Université de Lille, consultez les répertoires d'emplois publiés par l’ODiF (Observatoire de la Direction de la Formation)
Les fiches emploi/métier du Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME) permettent de mieux connaître les métiers et les compétences qui y sont associées.

