You want to make a difference and enable people to live without poverty and injustice? Our Master's programme in Development Economics will make you part of an international and diverse community that develops and implements strategies to reduce poverty, promote sustainable growth, and improve living standards.
Online information event for potential students/applicants (Non-EU/EAA countries): 28 August 2025 (PDF download)
Our master’s programme is a comprehensive course dedicated exclusively to the study of development issues. Throughout the programme, you will acquire a broad understanding of the economic, political, and social facets of development. Additionally, you will learn to approach complex problems from various perspectives and analyse them critically. The programme brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions, offering a wide range of courses and opportunities for an exchange semester or fieldwork abroad – all experiences that can significantly broaden your horizons. Our students can choose to specialise in either quantitative economics or agricultural economics. This programme prepares you for your own field research and for roles in government agencies, development organisations, and the private sector.
The compulsory modules give you a solid foundation of development economics on which you can build your individual specialisation. You will gain knowledge of the basic problems and solution approaches of development economics, as well as the socioeconomics of rural development and food security. Furthermore, you will also receive an introduction to quantitative analysis methods.
In the compulsory elective segment, you will deepen the basic knowledge in development economics that you acquired in the first two semesters. You will receive an introduction to quantitative analysis methods by taking one of two modules, Econometrics I or Econometrics II. Apart from that, you can choose one mandatory module from a selection ranging from Economics of Crime to Games in Development Economics. This module has to be a seminar. In addition, you can choose five modules from a wide selection of courses in the field of economics related to development economics as well as all modules in the field of quantitative methods.
This section allows you to choose between two specialisations:
In the elective area, you can freely choose from the modules offered by the Faculty of Business and Economics or select courses from the Master's programme "Sustainable International Agriculture" (SIA) offered by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. Additionally, you have the option to take selected modules on topics such as Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, or Business Law. This allows you to not only deepen your personal interests but also refine your profile for your future career. Furthermore, you may be eligible to receive credit for an external internship in the elective area under certain conditions.
The thesis marks the pinnacle of your academic studies, providing you with the opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge in practical settings. Throughout this process, you will utilize all the skills honed during your studies, including research methods, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently on a specific topic. You will access real-world data and employ both quantitative and qualitative methods to derive well-founded insights. This approach will grant you comprehensive practical experience, ultimately completing your academic journey.
Well-trained professionals on the ground are the best guarantee for a better future with less poverty, more education, and improved health for all. That's why numerous organizations support the training of professionals from the Global South
The DAAD EPOS scholarship is a development-oriented postgraduate study program by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which promotes the training of specialists from developing and newly industrialized countries. Under this program, the University of Göttingen offers seven to eight scholarships each year to students from developing countries.
Learn more about the DAAD EPOS scholarship.
There are numerous ways to finance studies in Germany, including scholarships, short-term grants, subsidies, or work. Here you will find tips and contacts.
The programme 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.
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 the University of Florence School of Economics and Management in Italy or at the Ecole d'Economie of the University of Clermont Auvergne in France. You can also complete a joint collaborative programme with Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
Part of the master's 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.
Career paths with a master's degree in development economics.
Help governments, international organisations such as the World Bank, or research institutes to plan, analyse and evaluate economic development projects.
Coordinate development cooperation projects in cooperation with government agencies, NGOs and local communities.
Develop new insights and approaches in academic research to sustainably promote economic and social development globally.
Three simple steps to apply to the faculty
Fully fill out the online application form during the application period and send it to us via the send button at the end of the form.
You will receive login-data in order to be able to access the upload portal via email. Go through the attached checklist and upload all necessary documents.
You will receive a reply via email approximately six weeks after the application deadline.
“It is important to me to create an inspiring learning environment in which I discuss the current challenges of our time, such as the rise of Asia, autocratisation trends and climate change, together with my students and link them to current research findings.“
"Behavioural Development Economics studies the living conditions of 80% of the world's population. We aim to understand how people make decisions that can decrease poverty. I aim to motivate students to be the ones who ask "the questions" and are prepared to answer them confidently.“
“For me, research and teaching belong together. I want to introduce students to current research and enable them to conduct their own research.“
„In the lecture hall, learning does not happen by simply listening, but only when students "play along": Think along, ask questions, answer questions and join in the discussion. This interaction of the teaching conversation and the occasional "aha" experience when I have been able to convey something new and perhaps unexpected gives me pleasure.“
„Macroeconomics education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.“
"Learning should be an enjoyable and creative experience, making the journey both fulfilling and effective. I am dedicated to fostering an inspiring environment and offering support to help everyone in my class reach their full potential."
„I strive to encourage students to think critically and equip them with the tools to navigate complex issues such as poverty, conflict and migration in all their diversity. I enjoy supporting students in discovering and pursuing their own areas of specialization.“
Are you wondering whether a study programme at the Faculty of Business and Economics is right for you or do you have questions about the course of studies, placement in a higher semester or recognition of academic achievements? During our office hours, we advise you on site at the Oeconomicum, digitally via BBB and by telephone without prior registration.
Oeconomicum, 1st floor, Room 1.135
