MSc in Economic Geography

Do you want to understand regional differences in economic structure and performance? In Economic Geography, you study the characteristics of economic activities across places and learn how to stimulate economic development.

The economy globalises rapidly, and places become ever more interconnected. Simultaneously, economic activities increasingly cluster in specific places. As a result, socio-economic dynamics are highly unequal across regions. People, firms and governments face very different challenges and opportunities depending on their location.

In the master's in Economic Geography, you will learn to understand these region-specific socio-economic development paths. We focus on the actions of people and firms and how they govern regional economic development: where do entrepreneurs start their businesses, how do firms grow, where do people live, where do they move to and which jobs do they have? Can we understand their choices? With this information on an individual level, you will be able to understand regional developments and formulate policy avenues to govern such processes locally, nationally and internationally.

Our graduates are specialists in regional economic development with a keen eye for the role of policy.

Why study this programme 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 and Business
• Positive and open study atmosphere

Year 1

Courses

• Economic Geography: Theory and Application (5 EC)
• Entrepreneurship and Regional Development (5 EC)
• Optional courses (10 ECTS) (10 EC)
• Urban and Regional Economics (5 EC)
• Master's Thesis Economic Geography (20 EC)
• Advanced Statistical Analysis (5 EC)
• Regional Labour Market Analysis (5 EC)
• Transport Geography (5 EC)

Programme options

• Regional Competitiveness and Trade (track)

Study abroad

• Study abroad is optional

Job prospects

Graduates in Economic Geography 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 programme prepares well a position in regional economic strategies and research in regional science:

• A fair share of the graduates is employed by governmental organizations at all geographical levels (cities and municipalities, regional, national and international governmental organizations). This includes organizations such as the EU, the city of Amsterdam or The Dutch Ministry of Environment and Infrastructure.
• Another large share of the graduates is active in the commercial market, mostly in consultancies in economic development. This includes companies such as Twijnstra Gudde, Antea.
• A smaller share of the graduates enters research, teaching and entrepreneurship.

Throughout the year we offer support for practical career preparation and employability skills. Workshops are given about leadership, job interviews and how to present yourself.