Program Overview

Introduction to the DDM International Programme in Economic Geography

The Double Degree International Programme in Economic Geography is a unique opportunity for students to earn two master's degrees in Economic Geography from the Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany, and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. This full-time program allows students to spend their first year in Hannover and their second year in Groningen, providing a comprehensive understanding of economic geography from two distinct perspectives.

Programme Description

The program focuses on the intersection of economics and geography, exploring how economic aspects of geography and geographical aspects of the economy are taught and explored. Students learn to explain complex interrelations using theoretical knowledge, empirically investigate regional development processes, and develop sound regional policy strategies for action. The program covers topics such as global processes, environmental change, migration, and the digitalization of the economy, and their impact on regions worldwide.

Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into two years, with the first year spent in Hannover and the second year in Groningen. The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• Orientierungsmodul: Perspektiven und Theorien der Wirtschaftsgeographie (10 EC)
• Quantitative und qualitative Methoden zur Analyse regionaler Transformationsprozesse (English) (10 EC)
• 1 elective module (5 EC)
• 2 compulsory elective modules selectable from "Wirtschaftsgeographische Praxis" or "Planung" or "Wirtschaftswissenschaften" (English) (10 EC)
• International Seminars in Economic Geography (5 EC)
• Wirtschafts- und sozialgeographische Aspekte von Nachhaltigkeit (English) (10 EC)
• Projektarbeit: Innovation und räumliche Entwicklungsdynamik (10 EC)

In Groningen, the program focuses on the actions of people and firms and how they govern regional economic development. Courses include:

• Economic Geography: Theory and Application (5 EC)
• Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development (5 EC)
• Optional course (5 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)

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must have a Bachelor's degree related to the field of regional economic development, including Human Geography, Economic Geography, Regional and Urban Planning, Regional Economy, Economy, or related fields. Additionally, students must have 10 ECTS in statistics and meet the language requirements, which include 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

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the program are as follows:

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

Job Prospects

Graduates of the program have a range of job prospects, including:

• Governmental organizations at all geographical levels (cities and municipalities, regional, national, and international)
• Consultancies in economic development
• Research, teaching, and entrepreneurship

Research

The research in Economic Geography at the University of Groningen focuses on regional labour market analysis and the demography of firms. The research addresses themes such as labour productivity and wage formation, the dynamic of the regional labour market, and migration, gender, and the labour market. The demography of firms addresses subjects such as starting businesses, 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.