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Empowering inclusive growth and global opportunity

Development Economics and Globalisation (Spatial and Applied Economics)

How can households escape from poverty? What are the economic implications of migration? Has globalization gone too far?

More than 700 million people still live in extreme poverty, and many more lack access to basic services like healthcare, education, and clean water. Globalisation has lifted millions out of poverty but also triggered inequality, environmental damage, and growing scepticism. Tariffs, trade deals, and aid flows remain contested, making rigorous, evidence-based analysis more important than ever. 

In the Development Economics and Globalisation specialisation, you will use economic research to explore key policy challenges in developing countries—ranging from poverty traps and health to social norms, migration, and industrial growth. You will apply microeconomic theory and empirical analysis to topics such as poverty measurement, the impact of microcredit, contract farming, and the role of corrupt elites in foreign aid. From both a micro and global perspective, you will examine how globalisation affects inequality, trade, capital flows, and labour and environmental standards. Using real-world data and rigorous methods, you will gain insight into the forces shaping development and how policy can respond at household, firm, and national levels. 

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MSc Spatial and Applied Economics

Discover your ideal Spatial and Applied Economics specialisation

Why study Development Economics and Globalisation?

Studying Development Economics and Globalisation allows you to be taught by an expert staff that is leading in research and active in policy debates. The programme is unique that it allows you to choose courses in related fields, such as urban, transport, environmental, health, real estate, and public policy economics. Grounded in real-world data and rigorous empirical methods, the programme equips you to assess and shape policies at the household, local, and national level.

Recognized for its excellence, the programme has been ranked the Best Economics Master’s in the Netherlands by Keuzegids Masters 2025, consistently receives high ratings in the National Student Survey, and earned a bronze medal in Elsevier’s Best Studies 2023.

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