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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes DDM Central-East European Economies
Header image DDM Central-East European Economies

DDM Central-East European Economies

Study Central East-European economies in Groningen and Budapest and learn about the links between economic transformation, integration, and international economics.

In the double degree master’s with the Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary, you will gain important skills in international trade, international banking and finance, policy analysis, and other areas. You study themes that are relevant to society and how they connect to the field of economics. You also learn how to evaluate policy options, create strategies for economic development, analyse economic data, and advise policymakers, with a special focus on the CEE-region. In the first year, you study the MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development in Groningen and in your second year you study abroad at our partner university in Budapest, Hungary.

You are trained to become a well-rounded economist with a strong international profile and a deep analytical understanding of the main current trends in the global world of international (economic) policy and business organizations, ranging from the fields of international business and economics to international politics and international law. The core content of the programme reflects the increasing globalization and continuous evolution of international economics and business management.



Facts & Figures
Degree
MA/MSc in Economic Development and Globalization
Course type
Double Degree master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60963
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • This unique combination of two degrees, in Groningen and Budapest, focuses on the economic transformation and integration of CEE countries. The programme gives an analytical approach to the global economy and international policy.
  • You can earn two Master's degrees by studying in Groningen and at a top university abroad - Corvinus University in only two years. Normally, the MA in International Economy and Business at Corvinus takes two years, but via our Double Degree Master, it will take you only two years to earn both degrees.
  • The programme in Groningen takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating economics, environmental research, policy analysis, and technological developments. This broad perspective prepares you to tackle complex, real-world problems. Explore the ethical dilemmas and consequences associated with economic development and globalization, including issues related to sustainability, social justice, and human rights. You will address global challenges and topics that are related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and work towards solutions to make a positive change.
  • Our alumni have the opportunity to engage in high-level research activities of international organizations (such as the OECD in Paris, the Conference Board in New York, and the ILO in Geneva) and national organizations (such as the Dutch Central Bank and The Netherlands' Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis).
  • The programme in Groningen has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

You will spend the first year in Groningen. You start by learning about topics like international trade, growth, and development economics and apply these theories to real-world problems. Using data and research findings, you are able to understand the role of globalization on sustainable business practices, why governments come up with certain policies, and how they can benefit one country but disadvantage another.

Depending on your interests, you can choose to specialize in various topics by selecting elective courses in global finance, economic geography, inclusive and sustainable finance, international banking, and monetary policy. You can also decide to participate in the focus area Energy and specialize in energy transition and innovation.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development (60 EC)

You will spend the second year in Budapest, which will be dedicated to core and specialization courses from the master's in International Economy and Business, with a focus on the CEE region.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Study at Corvinus University, Budapest (60 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required
  • Maximum of 60 EC

Our double degree partner is Corvinus University, Budapest, Hungary ► http://www.uni-corvinus.hu

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Business Economics, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades that you have obtained.

For more information, see: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc

If you have any questions concerning admission, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades that you have obtained.

For more information, see: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc

If you have any questions concerning admission, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions

For students comings from the CUB, the admission requirements for this specialisation are the same as those for the MA in International Economy and Business.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

The tuition fees above are for the one year studying in Groningen. For an estimation of the total tuition fees for the double degree, please see DD fees.

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

This double degree programme has been designed for individuals who aspire to a career in national, international, multinational, or transnational institutions and enterprises. As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in the labour market.

Examples of positions you are eligible for are:

  • international economist and strategy expert in a multinational corporation.
  • staff member with an (inter)national governmental organization such as IMF, World Bank, OECD, WTO, ECB, ODI or the EU
  • professional economist on development and Central-East European transition economic issues in international agencies, governments or the private sector
  • economic consultant with an (inter)national governmental organization
  • business consultant with an internationally operating consultancy firm
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students, and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics such as healthy society and the economics of healthcare systems, digitalization, and how AI is shaping business and societies, leadership and governance, future prosperity and sustainability, climate change and how to tackle the shift to renewable energy. From day one of your degree, we are about making a real impact. The teachers in this programme are all active researchers in the Global Economics and Management research group, in the area of international economics, and several of them collaborate with the renowned Groningen Growth and Development Centre . The following (full) professors teach in this MSc programme:

Milena Nikolova is the Aletta Jacobs Professor in the Economics of Well-being. She is an expert on the health and well-being consequences of migration, labor market arrangements, and entrepreneurship. In addition to science, she is actively engaged in public policy and making a societal impact – she has worked in tanks and international institutions, such as the Urban Institute, the Brookings Institution, and the World Bank.

Steven Brakman is an expert in the field of economic geography, including as co-editor of the Journal of Regional Science . He frequently contributes to the public debate, including on Brexit, Trump’s trade war, and trade agreements. He has published extensively and authored textbooks on international economics and economic geography.

Dirk Bezemer studies the interaction between the financial system and the rest of the economy, focusing on the role of debt. His research is published in numerous journals and he has been funded by the Institute of New Economic Thinking . He is also a columnist in the Dutch periodical De Groene Amsterdammer .

Bart Los ’ area of expertise is on the interlinked nature of (regional) economies and the impact of such linkages on trade patterns and economic outcomes, such as economic growth and employment. He has published widely, is the editor of Economic Systems Research , and has contributed to the public debate on the consequences of Brexit.

Robert Inklaar ’s research is on the causes and consequences of productivity growth, including the impact on broader welfare. His research has appeared in a range of top economic journals and his work on developing the Penn World Table and Maddison Project Database is used extensively around the world.

Erik Dietzenbacher is an authority in the field of input-output analysis, including as president of the International Input-Output Association . His research has improved the tools for input-output analysis and these have been applied in such areas as international trade and environmental economics.

Harry Garretsen combines research in international economics with research on management and leadership. In this latter role, he is one of the directors of the LEAD centre of expertise. He is also a sought-after expert, including on the Bankraad, the advisory board of the Dutch Central Bank.

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Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Master Community - IBM

Make the most of your master by getting to know your fellow students and prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/committees
Read more
Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.