Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master's program in Economic Geography: Regional Competitiveness and Trade is a full-time program that prepares students for a career in regional economic strategies and research in regional science. The program focuses on regional and global competitiveness related to trade and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Program Description

The program is part of the Master in Economic Geography and is organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Economics and Business. It addresses the issues of interconnectivity between regions through trade and FDI, and students learn the latest theoretical and methodological approaches to address these issues.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MSc in Economic Geography
• Course type: Master
• Duration: 12 months (60 EC)
• Croho code: 60657
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: February, September
• Faculty: Spatial Sciences

Why Study this Program in Groningen?

• Groningen is the 3rd Regional Science Center in the world
• Interdisciplinary approach due to the cooperation between the Faculties of Spatial Sciences and Economics
• Positive and open study atmosphere
• In the Netherlands, Groningen offers the only fully independent Master's program in Economic Geography

Program Structure

Year 1

Semesters	1a	1b	2a	2b
Economic Geography: Theory and Practice (5 EC)
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development (5 EC)
Sustainable Economic Development (FEB) (5 EC)
Global Transformations Local Impacts (5 EC)
Spatial and Network Interactions (5 EC)
Master's Thesis Economic Geography (20 EC)
Geographical and Urban Economics (5 EC)
Regional Labour Market Dynamics (5 EC)
Transport Geography (5 EC)

Curriculum

More information about the courses of the track is available.

Study Abroad

Study abroad is optional.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma
• International diploma

Admission Requirements

• Previous education: Direct access with a bachelor diploma in Human Geography & Planning; Urban and Regional Planning, and Spatial Planning and Design. Bachelor diploma's in Sociology, Business Administration, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Micro-Economics are sometimes admissible as well.
• Language test: 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

Transfer Options

Transferring from:

• All Universities of applied sciences
• All Research universities
• Study programme: Geography, Spatial Planning and Environment
• Organization: All Research universities
• Transition: Via a pre-master

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: Dutch students, EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students
• Deadline: 15 January 2026, 15 August 2026, 01 May 2026, 01 November 2026
• Start course: 01 February 2026, 01 September 2026, 01 February 2027

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA
• Year:
• Fee: € 2601, € 21400, € 2695, € 22200
• Programme form: full-time

Scholarships

For information about scholarships, see the Study in NL website.

After Your Studies

Job Prospects

Graduates in Economic Geography that have followed the track in regional competitiveness and trade are specialists in regional economic development in an international context with a keen eye for the role of policy. Also, they are well-versed in the latest methods and models in regional science. With this background, the program prepares well a position in regional economic strategies and research in regional science.

Research

In the field of Economic Geography, the emphasis of the research lays with regional labor market analysis, the demography of firms, Geography of Innovation and Sustainability Transition, and well-being.

Study Associations

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta is the Faculty Association of Spatial Sciences. Becoming a member of Ibn Battuta means you can join the social drinks, foreign trips, lectures, and all other activities organized by the Association. At these events, you come into contact with students from all years, which is a great way to make friends that can last a lifetime! Ibn Battuta also organizes informative and career-focused activities.

Study Support

For any questions about your study planning, choice of study, and personal circumstances that influence your study, you can contact the study advisors of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences.

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