Development Economics (MSc) University of Göttingen

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:

• courses in macro and micro development, economic issues, econometrics, and rural development
• specialisation in quantitative economics or agricultural economics
• specialisation and profile courses – a wide array of subjects relevant for development students can choose from
• supplementary courses offered by international guest lecturers 
• opportunities to take optional courses in six other Master's programmes in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and the Faculty of Economic Sciences as electives
• opportunities for internships at institutions of development cooperation, international organisations, and research think tanks
• opportunities for hands-on research experience through our many research projects
• opportunities for field work and research experience in developing countries
• There is a possibility to do a semester abroad at one of our partner universities (e.g. South Africa, China, Indonesia, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago/Jamaica/Barbados – to name just a few) and many different language courses are offered to round off the programme.

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.

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.

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.

Fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as regional buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at 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 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

The university offers two scholarships that provide some financial support:

Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium)

Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium)

Please note that they are competitive and not sufficient to cover the cost of living.

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for 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.

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 Accommodation Service of the International Office provides information on finding accommodation in Göttingen. The Student Services ("Studierendenwerk") offers a limited capacity of student accommodation. As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen, both with Studierendenwerk and on the private market, is limited, it is highly recommended to start the search as early as possible.