Development Economics (MSc)

The Master's programme in Development Economics offers research-oriented teaching that covers theoretical as well as empirical issues in economic development. It provides a wide range of courses in topics related to economic and agroeconomic issues in developing countries. The programme is very internationally oriented with a diverse student body and lecturers that specialise in different regions across the world. This will prepare you for an international working environment in the field of development cooperation or in international organisations, associations, NGOs as well as internationally oriented companies and research institutions.

Part of the programme is the possibility of a semester abroad, which provides you with global contacts and broadens your horizons. It enhances your language skills and offers experiences that will benefit you throughout your life. The stays abroad are made possible for you by the European exchange programme Erasmus+ or worldwide faculty or university programmes. If you participate in one of the mentioned programmes to study abroad, you typically won't be required to pay tuition fees at the foreign partner university.

You must be able to apply your knowledge not only in theory but also in the reality of your everyday working life. Therefore, when creating the curricula, we always make sure to establish a reference to the practical world in order to smooth your transition into professional life - for example, through lectures by practitioners. In addition, you will work on current, practice-relevant issues in your final thesis and use real data for this. In order to apply your acquired knowledge on the job, you can have a voluntary internship in the elective area credited to you under certain conditions.

Our double degree programmes offer you two master’s degrees from renowned universities and an international study environment. In four semesters, you have the opportunity to complete the degree "Master of Science in Development Economics" at the University of Göttingen and, simultaneously, another master's degree either at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, at the University of Florence School of Economics and Management in Italy or at the Ecole d'Economie der Universität Clermont Auvergne in France.

The degree in development economics will offer excellent career perspectives in a wide range of fields:

• Governments and aid agencies working on development issues
• International organisations such as the World Bank, organisations of the UN system (e.g. ILO, FAO, UNIDO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, etc.), the OECD, EU, or regional development banks
• Policy research institutions such as those of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research as well as national and international development policy think tanks
• International business in multinational companies
• Further education at the Ph.D. level in Göttingen or abroad