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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes DDM Central-East European Economies
Header image DDM Central-East European Economies

DDM Central-East European Economies

Are you interested to learn about the links between economic transformation and integration, and international economics?

The degree programme is offered jointly by the University of Groningen, the Netherlands and Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary.

For a career in international management or public policy, you have to understand the trends in the world economy, including the European Community and the CEE region. Topics of the programme range from international trade and investment to the consequences of globalisation for strategic decision-making, in particular trade and capital, flows in relation to multinational enterprises, and the socio-economic and institutional differences between countries, with a special focus on the CEE-region.

You are trained to become a well-rounded economist with a strong international profile and a deep analytical understanding of the main current trends in the global world of international (economic) policy and business organisations, ranging from the fields of international business and economics to international politics and international law. The core content of the programme reflects the increasing globalisation and continuous evolution of international economics and business management.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA/MSc in Economic Development and Globalization
Course type
Double Degree master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60963
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • This unique combination of two degrees, in Groningen and Budapest, focuses on the economic transformation and integration of CEE countries. The programme gives an analytical approach to the global economy and international policy.
  • You can earn two Master's degrees by studying in Groningen and at a top university abroad - Corvinus University in only two years. Normally, the MA in International Economy and Business at Corvinus takes two years, but via our Double Degree Master, it will take you only two years to earn both degrees.
  • The programme in Groningen has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

You will spend semesters 1 and 2 in Groningen. In Semester 1, you will take 30 ECTs worth of compulsory and elective courses from the MSc Economic Development and Globalization (formerly known as MSc International Economics and Business). In Semester 2, you will take 10 ECTs of core and elective courses, and dedicate 20 ECTs to your Master's thesis (under FEB supervision, and graded by Groningen and Budapest lecturers).

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Economic Development (5 EC)
Elective(s) A MSc ED&G (15 EC)

Possible electives: Growth and Development Policies; International Banking and Finance; Global Finance and Growth; Trade, Environment and Growth; Economic Geography; Country Studies; Globalization Debates.

Elective(s) B MSc ED&G (10 EC)

Possible electives: Growth and Development Policies; International Banking and Finance; Global Finance and Growth; Trade, Environment and Growth; Economic Geography; Country Studies; Globalization Debates.

Foreign Direct Investment & Trade (5 EC)
Master's Thesis (20 EC)
Research Seminar for ED&G (5 EC)

Semesters 3 and 4, in Budapest, are dedicated to core and specialisation courses from the master in International Economy and Business, with a focus on the CEE region.

In addition, students take electives for 18 ECTs. Electives are either 3 or 6 ECTs and students can choose 3-6 courses during the two semesters spent at Corvinus University. Students can choose any elective from the elective courses offered at Corvinus University.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Business Strategies in CEE (6 EC)
Central and Eastern Europe from a Global Perspective (6 EC)
Comparative Political Economy (6 EC)
Development and Crises in East Central Europe (6 EC)
Globalization, Financial Crises and Development (6 EC)
The Political Economy of European Integration: Implications for Countries of Central- and Eastern Europe (6 EC)
Programme options
Energy Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required
  • Maximum of 60 EC

Our double degree partner is Corvinus University, Budapest, Hungary ► http://www.uni-corvinus.hu

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Business Economics, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades that you have obtained.

For more information, see: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc

If you have any questions concerning admission, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades that you have obtained.

For more information, see: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc

If you have any questions concerning admission, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions

For students comings from the CUB, the admission requirements for this specialisation are the same as those for the MA in International Economy and Business.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time

The tuition fees above are for the one year studying in Groningen. For an estimation of the total tuition fees for the double degree, please see DD fees.

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

This double degree programme has been designed for individuals who aspire to a career in national, international, multinational or transnational institutions and enterprises. As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in the labour market. The Faculty of Economics and Business is internationally accredited and belongs to the 1% of business schools around the world accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.

Examples of positions you are eligible for are:

  • international economist and strategy expert in a multinational corporation.
  • staff member with an (inter)national governmental organisations such as IMF, World Bank, OECD, WTO, ECB, ODI or the EU
  • professional economist on development and Central-East European transition economic issues in international agencies, governments or the private sector
  • economic consultant with an (inter)national governmental organisation
  • business consultant with an internationally operating consultancy firm

FEB Career Services
When you become a student at the faculty, we want to support you in developing your career and strengthening your employability skills. You can count on a dedicated on-campus Career Services team offering you a wide range of courses, workshops, events and career-related support during your studies. Everything you need to enter the labour market.

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Also right from the start of your degree programme attention is paid to academic research and professional development. Since an analytical and critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire to.

The teaching professors in this programme are all active researchers in the Global Economics and Management research group, in the area of international economics, and several of them collaborate in the renowned Groningen Growth and Development Centre. The following professors teach in the MSc ED&G:

Prof. Dr. Marcel Timmer focuses on international production fragmentation in global value chains and its impact on labor markets and economic growth. He has published in the economic profession’s top journals, including the American Economic Review, and he has conducted extensive grant research, funded by the NWO and the European Commission.

Prof. Dr. Steven Brakman is an expert in the field of economic geography, including as co-editor of the Journal of Regional Science. He frequently contributes to the public debate, including on Brexit, Trump’s trade war and trade agreements. He has published extensively and authored textbooks on international economics and economic geography.

Prof. Dr. Dirk Bezemer studies the interaction between the financial system and the rest of the economy, focusing on the role of debt. His research is published in numerous journals and he has been funded by the Institute of New Economic Thinking. He is also a columnist in the Dutch periodical De Groene Amsterdammer.

Prof. Dr. Bart Los’ area of expertise is on the interlinked nature of (regional) economies and the impact of such linkages on trade patterns and economic outcomes, such as economic growth and employment. He has published widely, is the editor of Economic Systems Research and has contributed to the public debate on the consequences of Brexit.

Prof. Dr. Robert Inklaar’s research is on the causes and consequences of productivity growth, including the impact on broader welfare. His research has appeared in a range of top economic journals and his work on developing the Penn World Table and Maddison Project Database is used extensively around the world.

Prof. Dr. Erik Dietzenbacher is renowned in the field of input-output analysis, including as president of the International Input-Output Association. His research has improved the tools for input-output analysis and these have been applied in such areas as international trade and environmental economics.

Prof. Dr. Harry Garretsen combines research in international economics with research on management and leadership. In this latter role, he is one of the directors of the LEAD centre of expertise. He is also a sought-after expert, including on the Bankraad, the advisory board of the Dutch Central Bank.

Other teaching professors include Dr. Gaaitzen de Vries, Dr. Konstantin Wacker, Dr. Milena Nikolova, Dr. Anna Minasyan and Dr. Ahmed Skal. Their research projects revolve around the broad category of globalization and development.

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Contact

Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Master Community - IBM

Make the most of your master by getting to know your fellow students and prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/committees
Read more
Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.