Double degree programme with the University of Florence

The two-year English-language double degree Master's programme in Development Economics is jointly offered by the University of Florence and the University of Göttingen.

The programme offers students the opportunity to earn both a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Economics from the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Göttingen, and a Master of Economics and Development (MSc) from the School of Economics and Management of the University of Florence.

“Overall, I found my year in Florence to be very enriching, both personally and academically. I went out of my comfort zone, got to experience what it is like to live in another European country and I met a lot of amazing people who became my lifelong friends. Furthermore, the Italian university system is very different from the German one. There is a lot more personal interaction with professors than is usual in Germany, there is a lot more flexibility when it comes to choosing how to be graded, and classes overall tend to be smaller.”

Nathalie Rösner Britton, 2023

The research-oriented programme provides you with advanced quantitative methods and skills necessary to conduct both theoretical and applied research in economics, as well as evaluate and formulate economic policies. The curriculum also focuses on quantitative analysis of developing economies. The programme is designed to prepare graduates to think analytically, equip them with cutting-edge research techniques, and develop in-depth knowledge of the driving forces behind economic development.

The programme is also funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). Funding is provided for students of the University of Göttingen for a stay of about ten months at the University of Florence. Students from the University of Florence can apply to their home university for funding under the EU's Erasmus+ programme.

Profile of the double degree programme

Start: Winter semester

Duration: 4 semesters

Language: English

Application: To the faculty

Credits: 120 credits

Capacity: 5 students per year

What is a double degree programme?

A double degree programme is an integrated international course of study that takes place partly at a German institute of higher education and partly at an international partner university. In a double degree programme, national degrees from both partner universities are awarded, as opposed to a single joint-degree from both partner universities.

Students of the University of Göttingen, who participate in the double degree programme, complete first, third and fourth semester in Göttingen and the second semester in Florence.

Once you finished your coursework and thesis you will be awarded two individual degree certificates which both state that you acquired them within the framework of a double degree.

Application for the double degree programme
A prerequisite for participation in the double degree programme is acceptance to the Master's programme in Development Economics.

Students will apply to the university where they intend to spend the first semester.

As a student of the University of Göttingen, application for the double degree programme is always possible for the winter semester.

The application period is
- October 1 through November 15 of the previous calender year for citizens from non-EU/non-EEA countries and no bachelor’s degree from EU/EAA country and
- April 1 through May 15 of the same calendar year for citizens from the EU/EEA or for applicants with a bachelor’s degree from an EU/EAA country.
After your successful application you will then start studying in Göttingen in October (winter semester).

You apply to the Master's programme in Development Economics and to the double degree programme with the University of Florence. The application for the double degree programme is part of the application form for the Master of Science in Development Economics.

Please note: You must meet both the application requirements for the MSc in Development Economics and for the double degree programme with the University of Florence (undergraduate degree and undergraduate thesis being graded no lower than 2.5).

Please fill in the according application form and hand in all necessary application documents:
- Application form as well as information about the application process and the application requirements for the MSc in Development Economcis
Please see also the examination and study regulations (Prüfungs- und Studienordnung) of the MSc in Development Economics for further information regarding application and admission to the double degree programme.

Programme Structure of the double degree programme
Students of the University of Göttingen, who participate in the double degree programme, complete the first and third semester in Göttingen and the second year in Florence.

Achievements totaling at least 120 credits must be successfully completed in accordance with the examination and study regulations for the MSc in Development Economics

Curriculum for students from the University of Göttingen

You begin your studies in Göttingen, where you complete required courses for the MSc in Development Economics (first and second semester).

You then spend two semesters (third and fourth semester) in Florence, and complete the course requirements for the MSc in Economics and Development. These courses will be fully recognized as the study abroad component for the MSc in Development Economics.

The master's thesis comprises 21 credits and is written at the University of Florence under the guidance of a professor from the University of Florence. The thesis applies towards both degrees of the double degree programme.

Programme Structure:

Göttingen: First year of studies (60 credits)
- Mandatory courses (18 C)
- Compulsory elective courses (12 C)
- Quantitative Economics (12 C)
- Seminars (6 C)
- Management and Business Studies (12 C)
Florence: Second year of studies (60 credits)
- Compulsory elective courses in law courses (6 C)
- Compulsory elective courses in international economics (6 C)
- Compulsory elective courses in economics (12 C)
- Compulsory elective courses in “selected topics” (6 C)
- Seminar (3 C)
- Electives (6 C)
- Master’s thesis (21 C)
An overview of the modules that can be selected in each case can be found in the Examination and Study Regulations for the MSc in Development Economics (Annex III/ Anlage III).

University of Florence

The origins of the University of Florence date back to the “Studium Generale” set up by the Florentine Republic in 1321. Today, there are more than 120 bachelor's and master's progammes organised across 10 schools, with a population of about 51,000 enrolled students, one-fourth of which come from outside of Tuscany.

The School of Economics includes many different disciplines: economics, management, law, statistics and mathematics, as well as computer science and foreign languages.

These various disciplines are combined and taught in four different bachelor's programmes (duration: three years) and seven master programmes (duration: two years).

Information for incoming students

For further information on accommodation, cafeterias, transportation, Italian courses, and other services provided by the University of Florence, please see the “Studying in Florence - Handbook for students at the University of Florence”.