Program Overview

Introduction to the DDM Central-East European Economies Program

The Double Degree master's Central East-European Economies programme is a two-year, full-time program that offers students the opportunity to earn two MSc degrees and develop an international profile. This unique combination of two degrees, in Groningen and Budapest, focuses on the economic transformation and integration of Central-East European countries.

Program Description

The program provides a deep analytical understanding of the main current trends in the global world of international economics and development, with a specific focus on Central-East Europe, an increasingly important region both economically and politically. Students will learn about international trade, banking, finance, and policy analysis, and will develop the skills to evaluate policy options, develop economic strategies, analyze data, and advise policymakers.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MA/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?

• This unique combination of two degrees, in Groningen and Budapest, focuses on the economic transformation and integration of Central-East European countries.
• Students can earn two Master's degrees by studying in Groningen and at a top university abroad - Corvinus University in only two years.
• The program offers an interdisciplinary academic approach, combining economics, environmental research, policy analysis, and technological developments.
• Students will tackle global challenges tied to sustainability, social justice, and human rights, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• The program in Groningen has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education.

Program Structure

• Year 1: Students will spend the first year in Groningen, learning about topics like international trade, growth, and development economics, and applying these theories to real-world problems.
• Year 2: Students will spend the second year in Budapest, which will be dedicated to core and specialization courses from the master's in International Economy and Business, with a focus on the CEE region.

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is required, with the double degree partner being Corvinus University, Budapest, Hungary.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma
• International diploma
• Specific requirements:
  • Previous education: Please check the entry requirements for your Bachelor's degree (from a research university or a university of applied sciences).
  • Language test: 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).

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: Dutch students, EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students
• Deadline: 01 May 2026
• Start course: 01 September 2026

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA
• Year:
• Fee: € 2601 (EU/EEA), € 21400 (non-EU/EEA)
• Programme form: full-time

After Your Studies

• Job prospects: This double degree programme has been designed for individuals who aspire to a career in national, international, multinational, or transnational institutions and consultancy firms.
• Examples of positions: international economist and strategy expert, staff member with an (inter)national governmental organization, professional economist, economic consultant, business consultant.

Research

• In Groningen, research is deeply connected to international organizations, business practice, economics, and society.
• Some key areas of research: the economic and political transformations of emerging and transition economies, the impact of economic transformations on people's well-being, the relationship 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.