Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in International Economics and Sustainable Development

The Master's program in International Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Groningen is designed to equip students with the tools and economic theories necessary to analyze the societal and economic implications of international trade, finance, and sustainable development.

Program Description

The program is a full-time, 12-month Master's degree that focuses on providing students with a deep understanding of international economics, economic development, and sustainable development. The curriculum includes a range of courses, such as international trade, economic development, international finance and banking, policy analysis, and more. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in topics such as energy transition, healthy societies, or future prosperity.

Program Structure

The program is structured into two semesters, with a range of compulsory and elective courses. The compulsory courses include:

• Foreign Direct Investment and Trade
• Sustainable Economic Development
• Research Seminar
• Country Studies
• Master's Thesis

Elective courses include:

• International Banking and Finance
• Inclusive Finance
• Geographical and Urban Economics
• Globalization Debates

Specializations

The program offers several specializations, including:

• Double Degree Master - Central-Eastern European Economics (Budapest)
• Double Degree Master - International Development Economics (Göttingen)
• Double Degree Master - Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG, Lund)
• Double Degree Master International Business and Finance (Shanghai)
• Future Prosperity and Sustainability
• Healthy Society
• Energy Transition and Climate Change
• Master Internship

Admission Requirements

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

Language Requirements

Students must also meet the language requirements, which include:

• 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)
• LanguageCert Academic: overall score 70 (min. 65 in Speaking, 70 in Writing)
• Pearson PTE Academic (min. 56 in Speaking, 70 in Writing)

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the program are as follows:

• EU/EEA students: € 2601 (full-time)
• non-EU/EEA students: € 21400 (full-time)

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program often take up positions in multinational firms, international organizations, and government agencies. Job examples include:

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

Research

The program is deeply connected to business practice, economics, and society. The professors in this program are all active researchers in the Global Economics and Management department, in the areas of international economics, economic geography, and development economics. Some key areas of research include:

• The relation between job polarization and the rise of populism
• The environmental Kuznets curve
• The impact of migration on technological change
• 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

Study Associations

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 a partner during your time in Groningen, organizing events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.