Economic Geography

Economic Geography at Radboud University offers an in-depth exploration of the complex relationships between economic activities and geographical spaces. This programme combines economic analysis with geographical insights to understand how location, environment, and spatial dynamics influence economic development, urbanization, globalization, and regional disparities. Students will examine how industries cluster, how transportation and infrastructure shape economic interactions, and how policies can promote sustainable regional growth.

Throughout the programme, students acquire a solid foundation in economic theory, complemented by spatial analysis techniques and geographic information systems (GIS). The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking about economic processes at various scales, from local communities to global networks. Students also explore contemporary issues such as regional innovation, the impact of digital technologies on spatial economic patterns, and strategies for achieving balanced and inclusive economic development.

The programme is designed to prepare students for careers in urban planning, regional development agencies, governmental organizations, international institutions, and private sector consultancies. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, fieldwork, and project-based assignments, students develop practical skills in data analysis, policy evaluation, and strategic planning.

By engaging with multidisciplinary perspectives, students will understand the societal and environmental implications of economic activities across different regions. The programme fosters a global outlook while emphasizing regional specificity, empowering graduates to contribute to sustainable and equitable economic development in diverse contexts. With a strong focus on research and practical application, the Bachelor’s in Economic Geography at Radboud University enables students to become insightful analysts and innovative problem-solvers in the dynamic field of regional and economic development.

The Master’s specialisation in Economic Geography is taught the Nijmegen School of Management. It has a course load of 60 EC* (one-year). All the courses are 6 EC and the Master’s thesis is 24 EC. The structure is as follows:

Semester 1

• Economic Geographies (6 EC)
• City- and Region Marketing (6 EC)
• Preparing the Master’s Thesis (6 EC)
• Elective course(s) (12 EC)

Semester 2

• Economy, Space and Culture in Nijmegen (6 EC)
• Master’s thesis and Internship (24 EC)

Elective courses

You’re free to choose courses that add up to at least 6 EC and meet your interests as long as they, in some way, can be linked to this specialisation and are taught at Master’s level. You can choose courses within Human Geography that are compulsory for other specialisations or from other related Master’s programmes. You could for example take one of the following courses:

• Globalising Cities & Hinterlands (Geography)
• Multiculturalism, Diversity and Space (Geography)
• Urban and Cultural Geography (Geography)
• Locatie- en Gebiedsontwikkeling: proces en inhoud (Spatial Planning)
• Institutional Perspectives on Societal Change and Spatial Dynamics (Spatial Planning)
• Global Political Economy (Political Science)
• Tourism (Creative Industries)
• Trends economische geografie (Utrecht University)
• Ondernemerschap in de regio (Utrecht University)
• Multinationale ondernemingen (Utrecht University)

1. A completed Bachelor's degree from a geography-related discipline
   In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree from a geography-related discipline, such as Urban/Spatial Planning, Environmental Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Religion Studies, European Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Language Studies, Architecture, (Urban) Design Studies, Leisure and Tourism, Conflict Studies and Management Sciences. Your prior education needs to be approved by the Examination Board.
2. Proficiency in English
   In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
   • A TOEFL minimum overall score of 90, with subscores no lower than 18
   • An IELTS of minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores no lower than 6.0
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Bachelor's degree in Economic Geography at Radboud University offers students a comprehensive understanding of spatial and economic processes that shape our world. This program emphasizes the relationship between economic activities and geographical spaces, exploring how location, environment, and policy influence economic development locally and globally. Students are introduced to key concepts such as regional development, urbanization, sustainability, and the impact of globalization on different regions. The curriculum integrates theories from human geography, economics, and spatial planning, providing students with multidisciplinary insights necessary to analyze complex economic-geographical issues. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and practical projects, students learn to apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to real-world problems. The program encourages critical thinking about spatial inequalities, resource distribution, and environmental challenges, preparing graduates for careers in consultancy, government, non-profit organizations, and international agencies. Additionally, students have opportunities to engage with local communities and regional development projects, gaining practical experience and networking connections. The program also emphasizes sustainability and ethical considerations, aligning with contemporary global concerns. Graduates of this program will possess a solid foundation in geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis, and policy analysis, equipping them with skills in spatial data management and strategic planning. Radboud University supports students with expert faculty, research facilities, and international exchange opportunities, enhancing their academic and professional development. Overall, the Bachelor's in Economic Geography aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of addressing both academic and practical challenges related to economic spatial processes, contributing to sustainable development and policy-making at various levels.