Preface:

• The Master's Programme in Development Economics is accredited (ZEvA Hanover).


• Language: English


• Standard period of study is four semesters.


• Enrollment is possible every winter semester and summer semester.




• Application deadline:
  • Application period for studies beginning in the winter semester: 1 April to 15 May of the same calendar year
  
  
  • Application period for studies beginning in the summer semester: 1 October to 15 November of the previous calendar year

  
  
  

• An application to a Master's programme is already possible even if you have not completed your current programme of study at the time of application, but have acquired at least 150 credit points in a related Bachelor's programme.



• You can only apply during the application periods. If you wish to apply for the degree programme, you have to fill in the online application form, print it and finally send it together with all necessary documents by mail to the Service Centre for Students of the Faculty of Economic Sciences. You will find the online application form and more detailed information on the application and admission procedure by clicking on "Application and Admission": Application and Admission
  
  The application deadlines (see above) are also valid for international applicants and also international applicants have to fill in the online form. Please note that the application form is made available only during the application periods!
  
  
  Programme objective:
  The newly designed English-language Master of Arts in Development Economics is jointly offered by the Department of Economics (Faculty of Economic Sciences) and the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development (Faculty of Agricultural Sciences). It builds on the successful Master of Arts in International Economics and Master of Arts in Agribusiness; these programmes already had a strong specialization in development issues. This research-oriented master programme now offers a comprehensive four semester programme dedicated solely to the study of development economics issues. Its wide course offerings, one semester stay abroad, master thesis and specialization in agricultural economics or economics will enable students to analyse current issues in development economics and prepare them for careers in research or policy.
  
  
  Selection procedures and criteria:
  The selection procedure takes place in two steps with a pre-selection of applicants based on their written application documents followed by a personal selection interview with some of the applicants.
  
  The following points are evaluated in the pre-selection procedure:
  
  
  
  • final grade of the Bachelor Degree (or the comparable university degree)
  
  
  • letter of motivation
  
  
  • sound knowledge of economic theory documented by a corresponding specialisation and performance in the programme, on which application is based.

  
  Suitable candidates will be invited to a selection interview. The admission committee will inform the applicants of the selection procedure result in writing.
  
  
  Structure of the Master's Programme
  The Master's Programme in Development Economics is four semesters in length during which 120 ECTS are required. It is divided into the course phase and the Master thesis. There are four modules (24 credits) of compulsory modules in development economics and methods. Students can then specialize in agricultural economics or economics, each requiring a further 12 credits (two modules) of compulsory courses in the field of specialization. Then students can choose another five modules in development or agricultural economics from a wide variety of course offerings. Three modules can then be chosen freely also among other subjects and the Master thesis completes the programme.
  
  For an overview of the particular modules offered please click here.
  
  Foreigners with a German education must study abroad for one semester. This semester must be spent at a partner university of the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the University of Göttingen.
  
  Students may apply for the following programmes:
  

  • Exchange programme with the Stellenbosch University, South Africa, funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
    
  • Exchange programme with universities in Latin and South America (for example Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico)
  
  
  • Exchange programme with universities in Asia (for example China, India, and South Korea)
  
  
  • European Exchange Programmes ERASMUS

  
  According to the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG), Section 11 (2) “Students are exempted from paying tuition fees who ….. 5. complete a study period abroad as stipulated in the regulations governing their degree programme,...". In other words, students of the University of Göttingen do not have to pay tuition fees (500 Euro) in Goettingen during their study period abroad. For applications and/or further questions please contact Jan Christian Schinke, Service Centre for Students.
  
  
  
  The following description gives an overview of the structure of the Master's Programme in Development Economics:
  
  
  

  • Click for larger image

  
  
  
  Possible areas of professional occupation
  The new degree in Development Economics will offer excellent career perspectives in a wide range of fields. Building on a track record of successful placement of students or our existing master programs, the opportunities for this newly designed program include employment in:
  

  • governments and aid agencies working on development issues,
  
  
  • international organizations such as the World Bank, organizations 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.