Program Overview

DDM Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG)

The Double Degree master in Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG) is a two-year program that allows students to study at both the University of Groningen and Lund University in Sweden. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic development and growth, with a focus on developing economies.

Program Description

The MEDEG program is a full-time, two-year master's program that combines the study of international economics and sustainable development at the University of Groningen with further specialization in economic development and growth at Lund University. The program is designed to provide students with the theoretical and quantitative tools needed to grasp the main debates in economics and other social sciences, as well as a specialized understanding of context, institutions, and historical legacies in developing economies.

Facts and 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

Why Study this Program in Groningen?

• Earn two accredited degrees from top international universities (University of Groningen and Lund University), broaden your knowledge, expand your network, and boost your career opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary academic approach combining economics, environmental research, policy analysis, and technology to solve real-world problems.
• Collaborate in research with international organizations like the OECD, Conference Board, and Dutch Central Bank.
• Prepare for a career in sectors like international trade, climate change, finance, and policy analysis with top organizations.
• The program has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

Program Structure

• Year 1: Study the MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Groningen, diving into topics related to international trade, international finance, foreign direct investment, and sustainable economic development.
• Year 2: Study at Lund University, further specializing in economic development and growth, about issues such as demographic change, institutions, sustainability and energy, innovation and human capital.

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is required, with the second year of the program taking place at Lund University in Sweden.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma: To be eligible for admission, 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.
• International diploma: Similar requirements apply, with the addition of language test requirements (IELTS Academic overall score 6.5, TOEFL internet-based overall score 90, Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency).

Application Deadlines

• Dutch students: 01 May 2026, start course 01 September 2026
• EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026, start course 01 September 2026
• non-EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026, start course 01 September 2026

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA: € 2601 (first year), € 2695 (second year)
• non-EU/EEA: € 21400 (first year), € 22200 (second year)

After Your Studies

• Job prospects: 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, NGOs, government institutions, central banks, think tanks, multinational companies, and consulting firms.
• Job examples: Market/policy analyst, (development) economist, sustainability consultant, trade expert, global strategy and policy advisor.

Research

• Research areas: 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.
• 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. Several of the professors lead the renowned Groningen Growth and Development Centre.