Economic Geography, Innovation and Sustainability - Double Degree Track
(Master of Science, Double Degree)

A bird's-eye view of a green park with an industrial area in the background.

Profile

Course type

Postgraduate studies (Master)

Standard Course Duration

4 semesters

Course Start

Winter semester

Language of Instruction

English

Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application: German B2
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Admission

Restricted admission

International

Stay abroad compulsory in the third and fourth semester at the University of Groningen.

Study Fees

Tuition fees for the second year in Groningen: €2,600 (EU) or €21,400 (non-EU).

Short Description

A variant of the master’s programme in Economic Geography, Innovation and Sustainability at Leibniz University Hannover is available to some students as a double degree programme with the University of Groningen. The first year of the programme takes place in Hannover, the second year in Groningen. After two years, students receive the degree “M.Sc. Wirtschaftsgeographie, Innovation und Nachhaltigkeit” from Leibniz Universität Hannover and the degree “M.Sc. in Economic Geography” from the University of Groningen.

Global processes such as environmental change, migration and the digitalisation of the economy affect regions throughout the world. But the impact of these processes may differ considerably from region to region. To meet this challenge, students learn how to explain complex interrelationships using theoretical knowledge, how to empirically investigate regional development processes, and how to develop sound regional policy strategies for action and strategies for sustainable development.

As our partner institute in Groningen has a similar basic understanding of economic geography, the content of the two programmes is highly complementary. In Groningen, students can choose one of three tracks, each with a slightly different focus.

Further information for students on the website of the Faculty of Natural Sciences

Course Content

Theoretical approaches of economic geography
Innovation management and policy
Adoption, diffusion and implementation of sustainability innovations
Socio-geographical perspectives on sustainability
Quantitative and qualitative empirical methods, project work
Strategies for sustainable development
Economic geographic practice
Regional labour markets
Mobility

Course Structure

The programme is roughly divided into three phases: The first semester of the programme lays the foundation for content and methodology. In the second semester, the newly acquired knowledge and skills are put into practice as part of a project course.

After transferring to the University of Groningen, from the third semester onwards, students take further modules in their individual specialisation and begin work on their master’s thesis.

Recommended Abilities

Applicants should have an interest in academic and empirical work. A proactive working style is an advantage, as are analytical and conceptual thinking skills. Teamwork, discussions and presentations are a core component of the degree programme, so strong communication skills and an open mind are an asset.
English language proficiency at level C1 (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for studying at Groningen.

Career Opportunities

Consultancy (e.g. policy, start-up, technology and funding consultancy)
Business development
Mobility concepts / transport planning / digitalisation
Site and market analysis
Applied research
See also the regular Economic Geography Alumni Surveys

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

For master's degree programmes with restricted admission, places shall be allocated according to the university’s own selection procedure, if there are more applicants fulfilling the admission requirements than there are places available. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: