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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes DDM Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG)
Header image DDM Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG)

DDM Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG)

Study economic development and growth in Groningen and Lund to learn about the complexity of development concerns in developing economies.

The MEDEG programme is offered by a consortium of the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain) and Lund University (Sweden). You study the first year either in Groningen or Madrid. In the second year, all students move to Sweden to specialize in development and growth issues at Lund University School of Economics and Management. The programme provides you with the theoretical and quantitative tools needed to grasp the main debates in economics and other social sciences, as well as the specialized understanding of context, institutions, and historical legacies in developing economies required to deal with the full complexity of development issues.

The Groningen–Lund programme provides rigorous training in economics and quantitative methods and offers a variety of electives on central topics in development. At the end of each year, you complete an independent research project, closely supervised by the faculty. On successful completion, you will obtain an MSc in Economic Development and Globalization from the University of Groningen, and a Master’s Degree in Social Science with a major in Economic Development and Growth from Lund University.

Facts & Figures
Degree
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 two-year double-degree master's combines the analysis of economic development from a long-run, historical perspective with a range of courses in economics and demography.
  • Two degrees from two top-class European research Universities, Groningen and Lund, combining training in strategic analysis and decision-making in national and international corporations and public organizations, a thorough understanding of recent aspects of globalization, and specialization in economic development and growth issues.
  • The programme in Groningen takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating economics, environmental research, policy analysis, and technological developments. This broad perspective prepares you to tackle complex, real-world problems. Explore the ethical dilemmas and consequences associated with economic development and globalization, including issues related to sustainability, social justice, and human rights. You will address global challenges and topics that are related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and work towards solutions to make a positive change.
  • 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

In the first year of the MEDEG programme you will study the one-year, 60 EC Master's degree programme in Economic Development and Globalization at the University of Groningen. Here, you are taught about societally relevant topics and how they are related to the world of economics, and we help you develop valuable skills in international trade, international finance and banking, policy analysis, and more. Also, you learn to analyze economic data, assess policy options, make economic development strategies, and provide recommendations to policymakers.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
MSc Economic Development and Globalization (60 EC)

During the second year at Lund University, you can further specialize in economic development and growth in relation to issues such as demographic change, institutions, sustainability and energy, innovation and human capital.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Study at Lund University (60 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required
  • Maximum of 60 EC

The second year of the two-year MEDEG programme, you will study at Lund University, Sweden. http://www.lusem.lu.se/

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 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

grade list

A certified grade list(s) is considered in the evaluation

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

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

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 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-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 programme provides you with plenty of career opportunities in institutions all over the world addressing economic development, such as the EU, OECD, ILO, World Bank, UNESCO, WTO, CEPAL, IADB (Inter-American Development Bank), NGOs, governments and central banks, think tanks, multinational companies and consulting firms.

You will also obtain the advanced skills required to carry out research in the fields of development economics, economic history, applied economics and international economics. You may choose to pursue an academic career and continue in a PhD programme.

Job examples

  • Market/policy analyst
  • (Development) economist
  • Sustainability consultant
  • Trade expert
  • Global strategy and policy advisor
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students, and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics such as healthy society and the economics of healthcare systems, digitalization, and how AI is shaping business and societies, leadership and governance, future prosperity and sustainability, climate change and how to tackle the shift to renewable energy. From day one of your degree, we are about making a real impact. The teachers 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 with the renowned Groningen Growth and Development Centre . The following (full) professors teach in the MSc EDG:

Milena Nikolova is the Aletta Jacobs Professor in the Economics of Well-being. She is an expert on the health and well-being consequences of migration, labor market arrangements, and entrepreneurship. In addition to science, she is actively engaged in public policy and making a societal impact – she has worked in tanks and international institutions, such as the Urban Institute, the Brookings Institution, and the World Bank.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

Erik Dietzenbacher is an authority 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.

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.

Watch this video

Michela Gasperini - student experience

The double degree with Lund University in Sweden helped me to expand my technical knowledge in the field of international economics. The programme gave me the opportunity to develop new skills and capabilities, which will certainly be useful for my future career. During the double degree, I joined the “Lund Innovation Challenge '' which is a three-day challenge where students are divided into groups and are required to come up with an innovative idea, keeping sustainability in mind.

Read more

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/
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.