Global Transformations, Local Impacts
Why do some places thrive while others fall behind, and what can we do about it? The world is increasingly connected and changing rapidly. Economic Geography is about how places are affected in different ways, and how we can respond to challenges around socio-economic inequalities, competitiveness and sustainability.
In this full time master, you will learn why some places benefit from new technologies such as AI while others struggle with job losses and productivity decline; how climate change is forcing regions to rethink energy generation and resource use; how population ageing, migration and urbanization put new pressures on housing, labour markets and public services; how shifting international relations change opportunities for trade and investment; and how policy can address place-specific challenges.
We approach regional development from different angles, considering economic performance alongside wellbeing, accessibility, political behaviour, and how people and firms experience and identify with places. You will combine perspectives from different disciplines and connect them to practice through fieldwork and projects with governments, consultants and other organizations. A highlight is our annual two-day field trip to EU institutions in Brussels. You can also work with external partners on your master's thesis.
You can specialize in one of three tracks. Global Transformations, Local Impacts explores how global trends shape regional challenges and opportunities. Regional Competitiveness and Trade focuses on how cities and regions are embedded in the global economy, using quantitative and model-based approaches. Resilient Rural Regions explores the rural-specific impacts of global transformations and how rural regions and communities can respond in socially and environmentally sustainable, place-specific ways.
If you are interested in following a two-year programme in Economic Geography in two different countries (the Netherlands and Germany) where you get two master's degrees, then our Dual Degree Master International Programme in Economic Geography is the master programme for you!
The quality of this master programme has been positively accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that after successful completion of the programme you will receive a recognised Masters's degree in Economic Geography and the title Master of Sciences (MSc) at the University of Groningen.
If you are looking for a two-year programme and are interested in doing research, you can also integrate the master in Economic Geography with our two-year Research Master in Spatial Sciences
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Economic Geography: Theory and Practice (5 EC) | ||||
| Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development (5 EC) | ||||
| Optional courses (10 ECTS) (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) | ||||
| Transport Geography (5 EC) | ||||
More information about this programme can be found at https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/master-info-frw/courses-master-economic-geography
| Programme options |
|---|
| Regional Competitiveness and Trade (track) Do you want to become a specialist in regional economic development in an international context with a keen eye for the role of policy? The track in Regional Competitiveness and Trade prepares you for a career in regional economic strategies and research in regional science.The track, which is part of the full time Master in Economic Geography and organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Economics and Business, focusses on regional and global competitiveness related to trade and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Trade and FDI importantly govern the interconnectivity between countries and regions and their subsequent economic development. The ongoing fragmentation of value-chains - an iPad is manufactured all over the globe - leads to increasing trade between countries and a growing global presence of multinational firms.How do global linkages between regions and countries influence their competitiveness? You will learn the latest theoretical (New Economic Geography) and methodological (Spatial Econometrics) approaches to address the issues of interconnectivity between regions through trade and FDI.Our graduates are specialists in regional economic development with a keen eye for the role of policy. They are well versed in the latest theoretical and empirical Economic models of regional growth.The quality of this master programme has been positively accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that after successful completion of the programme you will receive a recognised Masters's degree in Economic Geography - Regional Competitiveness and Trade and the title Master of Sciences (MSc) at the University of Groningen. If you are interested in following a two-year programme in Economic Geography in two different countries (the Netherlands and Germany), then our Dual Degree Master International Programme in Economic Geography is the master programme for you!If you are looking for a two-year programme and are interested in doing research, you can also integrate the master in Economic Geography with our two-year Research Master in Spatial Sciences. |
| Resilient Rural Regions (track) Do you want to know how agricultural transitions, socio-cultural discontent, and climate change impact European rural areas? Come satisfy your curiosity in the master Resilient Rural Regions! This master explores the rural-specific socio-spatial impacts of global transformations and how rural regions and communities deal with such transformations in socially and environmentally sustainable and place-specific ways.You will learn:* How global and societal megatrends affect local and regional spatial organisations in rural areas, and how rural communities can adapt to that* How historical nature and landscape values and regional identities can be preserved and enhanced during the transformation processes* How to manage the social impacts of these transformations in a sustainable way* How to deal with transitional processes in different professional practices related to rural developmentIf you want to contribute to sustainable and liveable rural areas, this master is just what you are looking for!MSc in Economic GeographyResilient Rural Regions is a track within the full time master in Economic Geography. This master provides you with a deep understanding on the unequal spatial and social effects of global megatrends, such as technological, demographic and climate changes. You will dive into topics like economic geographical processes, wellbeing, quality of life, labour market developments and mobility, and how these take shape in different regions along the European urban-rural continuum. The quality of this master programme has been positively accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that after successful completion of the programme you will receive a recognised Masters's degree in Economic Geography - Resilient Rural Regions, and the title Master of Sciences (MSc) at the University of Groningen. If you are interested in following a two-year programme in Economic Geography in two different countries (the Netherlands and Germany), then our Dual Degree Master International Programme in Economic Geography is the master programme for you! If you are looking for a two-year programme and are interested in doing research, you can also integrate the master in Economic Geography with our two-year Research Master in Spatial Sciences. |
| DDM International Programme in Economic Geography (specialization) This Dual 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! |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
The research university programmes listed in the transfer options below grant direct admission at all participating research universities. Do you have a different previous education from a research university? Please contact study.advice.fss rug.nl to see if you can be admitted. Students who do not meet the master's admission requirements may be considered for admission to a pre-master programme. However, not all previous educational backgrounds provide access to the pre-master. Do you have a degree from a university of applied sciences? You might be able to take a pre-master. Please see the admission requirements in our pre-master guide: https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/. |
| language test |
English on VWO level or Admissions Level 2 | CEFR B2/C1. You can find the specifications on this page: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/non-dutch-qualification/language-requirement |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master More information:For more information about the pre-master please see https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/ |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations and International Organization | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Global Politics & Sustainability | University of Groningen |
No additional requirements More information:Only the major Politics, Philosophy and Economics |
| Spatial Planning and Design | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Bedrijfskunde - Technology Management | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Sociology | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Bedrijfskunde - Business and Management | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| International Business | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Human Geography and Planning | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| International Business | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
| Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 January 2027 | 01 February 2027 |
| 15 August 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 01 November 2027 | 01 February 2028 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 01 November 2027 | 01 February 2028 |
If you are considering applying for a start in February, please know that this has practical implications for your studies. We advise a start in September as the programme is better suited for a September start. Before applying for a February start in our programme and paying the application fee for students with a foreign diploma, we advise you to discuss your application with one of our Study Advisors (study.advice.fss rug.nl)
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
The programme welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds within the social sciences, economics, and interdisciplinary studies that provide the knowledge and research skills needed to study regional development, socio‑spatial inequalities, and policy responses. Please apply in Studielink if you have an international previous education and your application will be assessed by the Admission Office of the University of Groningen. Students who do not meet the master's admission requirements may be considered for admission to a pre-master programme. However, not all previous educational backgrounds provide access to the pre-master. For admission requirements of the pre-master see: https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/ |
| language test |
English on VWO level or Admissions Level 2 | CEFR B2/C1. You can find the specifications on this page: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/admission/non-dutch-qualification/language-requirement |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 January 2027 | 01 February 2027 |
| 15 August 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 01 November 2027 | 01 February 2028 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 01 November 2027 | 01 February 2028 |
If you are considering applying for a start in February, please know that this has practical implications for your studies. We advise a start in September as the programme is better suited for a September start. Before applying for a February start in our programme and paying the application fee for students with a foreign diploma, we advise you to discuss your application with one of our Study Advisors (study.advice.fss rug.nl)
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2026-2027 | € 2694 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2026-2027 | € 22200 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2027-2028 | € 2771 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2027-2028 | € 22800 | full-time |
Scholarships: For information about scholarships see the Nuffic website.
Students are expected to follow our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. For more detailed information about laptop requirements, please visit this webpagePractical information for:
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.
In the field of Economic Geography the emphasis of the research lays with regional labour market analysis, the demography of firms, Geography of Innovation and Sustainability Transition and well-being.
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.
Geography of Innovation and Sustainability Transition explores how institutions, regional policies, place-based capabilities, and firms' routines, along with their intra- and inter-regional relations, impact technological diffusion and sustainable practices. This field identifies how socio-institutional contexts, as well as geographic and relational factors, can promote sustainable development, leading to new opportunities for individuals, businesses, and regions to tackle grand societal challenges like climate change.
I'm still happy with my choice to pursue the Master in Economic Geography. I've always enjoyed geography classes in high school. When I found out I could enter the programme with my bachelor in Business Administration, I never hesitated to enroll.
Looking back, I'm glad I made that choice. Both the lecturers and co-students were very welcoming and friendly. To me, the Faculty felt like a small, cosy place where everyone knew each other.
Florine Zendijk.
Before applying for the Master program of Economic Geography, I completed my bachelor of Human Geography and Planning also at the University of Groningen. My decision to stay was fairly quick and easy. I love the city and the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, both of them due to their size and very friendly and casual atmosphere.
During my bachelor degree I already started orientating towards the economic aspects of geography, especially how the entrepreneurial ecosystem of a region contributes to its competitiveness. I find this topic fascinating to research and to examine it in practice. The Economic Geography master program gives you an insight into the economic drivers of a region, the underlying processes, as well as the practical knowledge you need to enable yourself to analyse such drivers and processes. In addition, you have the freedom to choose the topics you are most interested in, in my case, entrepreneurial ecosystems. The theoretical basis of the study pairs really well with the practical applications that are included in the course which made this study not only enjoyable but also very useful for my future career.
After my studies I am hoping to work at a small but fast paced company where I can build on my skills and prepare and guide the developmental strategies of cities anywhere around the world.
- Benedek Papp
The master in Economic Geography examines many different aspects of regional development and regional differences, which makes the programme very interesting.
In addition, the master provides lots of opportunities to pursue your own interests; for example for individual assignments, but also for your master thesis. I personally focus on sustainability and the circular economy during my thesis, because I highly value these topics. Finally, Groningen is a wonderful student city with lots of associations that you can join and extra-curricular activities that you can participate in.
- Sophie van Bergen
This infographic shows in which workfield alumni of the master's programme ended up, and is based on alumni who graduated between 2022 and 2024. As is visible, the majority of the alumni have found a job relevant to their field of study within 6 months since graduating.
