Courses are held in English (100%). Students write their Master's theses in English.
The programme starts in the beginning of October. The standard period of studies are four semesters. All courses require presence in Göttingen.
Applications for the coming winter semester
Economic development is one of the key challenges of our lifetime. We live in a world of tremendous inequality in the distribution of income and wealth. More than a billion people live in extreme poverty, in poor health and with a lack of educational opportunities. Yet recent decades have shown that economic development and poverty reduction are possible.
The University of Göttingen has Germany's largest internationally visible concentration of development economics researchers. The MSc Development Economics offers the great advantage of drawing from the long-standing research and teaching experience of two faculties, both deeply committed to development issues: the Faculty of Economic Sciences and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (in particular, the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.)
The English-language Master of Science in Development Economics was established in 2011. It builds upon successful, long-running Master's programmes that already had a strong specialisation in development issues. This research-oriented Master's programme offers a comprehensive, four-semester course of study dedicated solely to the exploration of development economics issues. Among the key features of the study programme are:
The duration of the Master's programme in Development Economics is four semesters, during which 120 ECTS will be earned: 90 ECTS from coursework and 30 ECTS through the Master's thesis.
There are three compulsory modules in economics (18 credits: Development Economics I + II, Socioeconomics of Rural Development) and one compulsory econometrics module (Econometrics I or Econometrics II) that are typically completed within the first two semesters. Students can then specialise in quantitative or agricultural economics, each requiring further 12 credits (choose two modules out of four modules in each field of specialisation). Furthermore, students have to take another five modules from a catalogue of pre-selected modules in development or agricultural economics and statistics and three elective modules are chosen freely (any course offered by the Faculty of Economic Sciences, any course from the programme in "Sustainable International Agriculture", and other subjects upon formal request). In addition, one compulsory seminar has to be chosen from a list of currently 15 eligible seminars in development or agricultural economics.
The programme is completed with a Master's thesis.
German nationals (or foreign nationals with a German high school and undergraduate education) have to spend a mandatory semester or conduct field studies abroad. International students are exempt from this requirement.
Students can study for one semester at one of our partner universities.
Students can do an internship with an NGO or national or international organisation abroad or participate in field research and are awarded credits for this.
In addition to the core curriculum, the programme offers excursions or international summer schools with international partner universities.
Internships are not a mandatory component of the programme, but they are strongly recommended as useful supplements. Completion of an internship in the area of international organisations, non-profit organisations, or institutions is advisable in order to gain professional experience and can be accredited towards the elective area with 6 ECTS.
The fees are around 400 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains and buses in Germany free of charge. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals and drinks are available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 900 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.
Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Academic admission requirements include a course of study of at least six semesters with a Bachelor's degree with top grades in economics, agricultural economics or a closely related subject. At least 60 credits (in the standard case, in which there is a total of 180 ECTS, otherwise one-third of the coursework) in economics (such as micro, macro, development, agricultural, health economics, public finance, etc.) are required. Please be aware that subjects from the field of business administration do not qualify as "economic subjects" for admission.
Verification of 150 of the 180 credits (or 83 percent of the coursework required for graduation) is required at the time of application.
For detailed information, please see https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/businessandeconomics/studying/economics/bachelor-development-studies/648484.html for information on application and admission procedures of the Master's programme in Development Economics.
One of the following criteria must be met:
Successful completion of one of the above tests may not be more than three years prior to receipt of the application for admission and admission to the Master's degree programme.
Applications for the coming winter semester
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät
Service-Center für Studierende
Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Studienberatung
Link to the application portal
The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.
The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.
The "Start Guides" project also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.
If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.
The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.
German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.
An orientation week for new international students provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
Study Buddy Programme: Part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)
Foyer International: Meetings and activities for all students
German courses during studies (free of charge)
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