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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes DDM International Programme in Economic Geography
Header image DDM International Programme in Economic Geography

DDM International Programme in Economic Geography

This Double Degree International Programme combines the masters in Economic Geography of the Leibniz University in Hannover (Germany) and the University of Groningen (the Netherlands).

Spend your first year in Hannover and your second year in Groningen, and get two master’s degrees in Economic Geography! Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and oldest science and technology universities in Germany. Here, economic geography centres around the intersection of economics and geography in which economic aspects of geography and the geographical aspects of the economy are taught and explored. Global processes such as environmental change, migration and the digitalisation of the economy affect regions throughout the world, and yet the impact of these processes may differ considerably from region to region. To meet this challenge, students learn how to explain complex interrelations using theoretical knowledge, how to empirically investigate regional development processes, and how to develop sound regional policy strategies for action.

In Groningen, we focus on the actions of people and firms and how they govern regional economic development: where do entrepreneurs start their businesses, how do firms grow, where do people live, where do they move to and which jobs do they have? Can we understand their choices? With this information on individual level, you will be able to understand regional developments and formulate policy avenues to govern such processes locally, nationally and internationally.

If you are interested in following a two year programme in Economic Geography in two different countries and getting two master's degrees, then our Double Degree Master International Programme in Economic Geography is the master programme for you!

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Economic Geography
Course type
Double Degree master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60657
Language of instruction
English, German
Start
September
Faculty
Spatial Sciences
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Groningen is the 3rd Regional Science Center in the world
  • Study in two different countries, in two different universities, write one master thesis and get two degrees
Programme
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Economic Geography: Theory and Practice (5 EC)
Economic Geography: Theory and Practice (5 EC)
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development (5 EC)
Optional courses (10 ECTS) (10 EC)
Quantitative Methoden der empirischen Wirtschaftsgeographie (in English) (10 EC)
Wirtschaftsgeographische Theorien (in German) (10 EC)
2 courses from Anwendungsfach Wirtschafswissenschaftenn (in German/English) (10 EC)
International Seminars in Economic Geography (in English) (5 EC)
Politische Gestaltung in Theorie und Praxis (in German/English) (10 EC)
Global Transformations Local Impacts (5 EC)
Master's Thesis Economic Geography (20 EC)
Advanced Statistical Analysis OR Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (5 EC)
Regional Labour Market Dynamics (5 EC)
Wirtschaftsgeographisches Forschungsprojekt 1 (10 EC)
Wirtschaftsgeographisches Forschungsprojekt 2 (10 EC)
Transport Geography (5 EC)

Curriculum

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International BusinessAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Liberal Arts and SciencesAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

Direct access with Philosophy, Politics & Economics. No access with other majors.

Human Geography and Urban and Regional PlanningAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
Spatial Planning and DesignAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor degree related to the field of regional economic development. This includes Bachelor programmes in Human Geography, Economic Geography, Regional and Urban Planning, Regional Economy, Economy or related. Bachelordiploma's in Sociology, Business Administration, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Micro-Economics are sometimes admissible.

Graduates of the BSc Global Responsibility and Leadership (University Campus Fryslan) with a major in 'Responsible Governance' are admissible for the master.

If you are not directly admissible you can follow a pre-master programme. See more information in the pre-master guide: https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/

additional subject

10 ECTS in statistics required

language test

English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:

  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL internet based:

Overall: 90 Reading: 18 Listening: 18 Speaking: 20 Writing: 21

  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)
  • European Baccalaureate, English level L1 or L2
  • Please note that TOEFL MyBest Scores are not considered in the Admissions procedure

A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not.

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

Bachelor degree related to the field of regional economic development. This includes Bachelor programmes in Human Geography, Economic Geography, Regional and Urban Planning, Regional Economy, Economy or related. Bachelordiploma's in Sociology, Business Administration, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Micro-Economics are sometimes admissible.

Graduates of the BSc Global Responsibility and Leadership (University Campus Fryslan) with a major in 'Responsible Governance' are admissible for the master.

If you are not directly admissible you can follow a pre-master programme. See more information in the pre-master guide https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/

additional subject

10 ECTS in statistics required

language test

English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:

IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section TOEFL internet based: Overall: 90 Reading: 18 Listening: 18 Speaking: 20 Writing: 21

  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)
  • European Baccalaureate, English level L1 or L2
  • Please note that TOEFL MyBest Scores are not considered in the Admissions procedure

A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not.

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
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Scholarships: Check the Nuffic website for information about scholarships.

Students are expected to follow our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. For more detailed information about laptop requirements, please visit this webpage

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

  • A fair share of the graduates is employed by governmental organizations at all geographical levels (cities and municipalities, regional, national and international governmental organizations). This includes organizations such as the EU, the city of Amsterdam or The Dutch Ministry of Environment and Infrastructure.
  • Another large share of the graduates is active on the commercial market, mostly in consultancies in economic development. This includes companies such as Twijnstra Gudde, Antea.
  • A smaller share of the graduates enters research, teaching and entrepreneurship.

To see where our Economic Geography alumni end up, view this infographic

Throughout the year we offer support for practical career preparation and employability skills. Workshops are given about leadership, job interviews and how to present yourself. More information about the FSS Career Services.

Research

Research in Economic Geography

In the field of Economic Geography the emphasis of the research lays with regional labour market analysis and the demography of firms.

Regional labour market analysis addresses many themes, such as labour productivity and wage formation, the dynamic of the regional labour market, and migration, gender and the labour market. Demography of firms addresses amongst other subjects, starting businesses (including spin-offs) and the migration of corporations, and the factors involved in the decision of the choice of location. The relation between foundations and corporate migrations, and regional development is also part of the research.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Saskia Enuma, Reinier Schoep, Nienke Harteveld (Study Advisors Faculty of Spatial Sciences)
    Email: study.advice.fss rug.nl

Study associations

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta is the Faculty Association of Spatial Sciences
Becoming a member of Ibn Battuta means you can join the social drinks, foreign trips, lectures and all other activities organized by the Association. At these events you come into contact with students from all years, which is a great way to make friends that can last a lifetime! Ibn Battuta also organizes informative and career-focused activities. Our informative activities, such as lectures, In-Housedays and the Career Day will help you to orient on your future.
https://www.ibnbattuta.nl/
Read more
Study support

For any questions about your study planning, choice of study and personal circumstances that influence your study, you can contact the study advisors of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. For more information, see https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/study-advice?lang=en