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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes DDM International Development Economics
Header image DDM International Development Economics
Double Degree master - full-time

DDM International Development Economics

Study International Development Economics in Groningen and Göttingen and learn about the societal and economic implications of international trade, finance, and sustainable development from both a micro and macro perspective.

In the 1st year, you will study in Germany at the University of Göttingen. After that, you can study the MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Groningen. Please check below the requirements for this programme.

In this two-year Double Degree Master's with the University of Göttingen (Germany), you will gain knowledge of international markets and the global connections between national economies, as well as the dynamics of economic development. You will learn to apply the tools of modern economic analysis to issues of international and development policy and to communicate effectively with researchers, policymakers and practitioners on development issues.

Why choose a double degree?
  • earn two accredited degrees from two internationally renowned universities;
  • broaden your knowledge and expand your network;
  • enhance your career opportunities.
Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in International Economics and Sustainable Development
Course type
Double Degree master
Duration
24 months (120 EC)
Croho code
60963
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
Apply now
Double Degrees at the Faculty of Economics and Business
Double Degrees at the Faculty of Economics and Business
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Why study this programme in Groningen?

  • You can earn two Master's degrees by studying in Groningen and at Göttingen University in only two years .
  • This programme is unique as it focuses on the economic development of low-income countries and both the macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives on inequality, poverty and growth .
  • Collaborate in research with international organizations like the OECD, Conference Board, and Dutch Central Bank .
  • We prepare you for a career in sectors like international trade, economic development, climate change, finance, and policy analysis with top organizations.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

Programme

You start the programme in Göttingen, studying MSc International Economics (specialization Development Economics) at Georg-August Universität Göttingen in Germany.
An important strength of Georg-August University is its research programme on poverty, inequality, and growth. The strength of this research programme is reflected in the quality of teaching in the field of micro-economic development studies.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Study at GAU, Göttingen (60 EC)

You will spend the second year in Groningen. You will learn about topics like international trade, growth, and development economics and learn to apply these theories to real-world problems.


In addition to learning insights on international and development economics from the core of the program, you can tailor your studies with electives such as International Banking and Finance, Inclusive Finance, Geographical and Urban Economics, and Globalization Debates. There is also an option to specialize in Energy Transition and Climate Change, Future Prosperity and Sustainability, or Healthy Society.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development (60 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required
Our double degree partner is Georg-August-Universität of Göttingen, Germany, a university with a long tradition. It has hosted several world-famous scientists, such as Albert Einstein, Carl Friedrich Gauss and Niels Bohr.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master's, 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 about the programme in Groningen, 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 questions about the programme in Göttingen, please contact http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202601 September 2026
01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
01 May 202701 September 2027

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master's, 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 about the programme in Groningen, 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 questions about the programme in Göttingen, please contact http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en.
language test

• Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL test overall 90 (Speaking score 20; Writing score 24); • Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL test overall score 5 (Speaking score 4; Writing score 5); • IELTS Academic test overall score 6.5 (Speaking score 6; Writing score 6.5); • Cambridge English qualification C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency overall score 176 (Speaking score 169; Writing score 176); • Pearson PTE Academic test overall score 66 (Speaking score 54; Writing score 70); • LanguageCert Academic test overall score 70 (Speaking score 65; Writing score 70).

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202601 September 2026
01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
01 May 202701 September 2027

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 21400full-time
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2695full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 22200full-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 DDM fees.

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

Job prospects

The courses in Göttingen and Groningen share a strong focus on empirical methods and approaches. Graduates of this double degree master's are fully equipped for a career in national, international, multinational or transnational institutions and enterprises . As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in the labour market.

Job examples

  • Academic researcher at a university or international research institution
  • Business consultant with an internationally operating consultancy firm
  • Economic consultant with an (inter)national governmental organization
  • International economist or strategy expert in a multinational corporation
  • Staff member with an (inter)national governmental organization, such as I.M.F., World Bank, OECD, WTO, ECB, Asian Development Bank or the EC

Research

In Groningen, research is deeply connected to business practice, economics, and society .

Some key areas of research you might explore as a student are:
  • The relation between job polarization and the rise of populism
  • The environmental Kuznets curve
  • The impact of migration on technological change and on development more broadly
  • The inflation rate and central bank independence
  • The determinants of global value chain participation by developing countries
  • The effects of the US-China trade war on manufacturing workers in European countries

The professors in this programme are all active researchers in the Global Economics and Management department, in the areas of international economics, economic geography, and development economics. Several of the professors lead the renowned Groningen Growth and Development Centre .
Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Open Daydiverse locatiesMore information
Online Master's WeekMore information
Master's Open Daydiverse locatiesMore information
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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

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