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Master
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Development Economics (Economics)

The study programme

In this research-based track you learn how to formulate your balanced, but critical views on matters of developmental policy, unravelling complex interdependencies using empirical evidence. Collaboration between the Amsterdam School of Economics and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam fosters diverse perspectives and stimulating discussions.This specialisation applies a more microeconomic approach to the international economy. The track International Finance and Trade is its more macroeconomics focused counterpart.

The programme

Development Economics is one of the tracks of the Master's Economics. During your Master's you will follow 3 general courses and 3 track-specific courses. You will finish with a thesis. 

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Macroeconomics
    5

    In this course you will learn about modern macroeconomic models. You will learn how to use these models to explain and evaluate recent events and policy interventions. For example, the effect of uncertainty on savings, welfare and investment, the causes and nature of unemployment and inflation and the role of monetary and fiscal authorities.

  • Microeconomics and Game Theory
    5

    In this course you will learn to understand the workings and limitations of the market. You will learn how to analyse consumer and producer behaviour and how to use basic game theory. The central question is: what can markets do and when do they fail? What determines the outcome, and how does that depend on market structure?

  • Applied Econometrics
    5

    In this course you will learn about regression analysis. In applied economics this is a powerful tool to analyse empirical relationships. You will learn how to interpret estimation and testing results and build a satisfactory empirical model. You will follow lectures and take part in lab sessions to acquire practical econometric skills by making computer exercises.

  • Policy Evaluation: Development and Public Policy
    5

    This course introduces you to contemporary methods of policy evaluation. You will study their applications related to topics such as education, health, nutrition, crime, microfinance, gender and labour issues. You will read and prepare papers in order to explain important aspects of these papers during the weekly meetings.

  • Microeconomics for Development
    5

    You will apply microeconomics to topics in development economics. The aim is not to be complete, but to select a number of 6 well-studied topics, stressing their empirical foundation. Topics in previous years included: Poverty, Inequality, Firms and missing markets, Corruption and political economy, Risk and development, Access to finance.

  • Restricted-choice elective
    5

    You can choose one of the following electives: Climate Change Economics or Empirical Market Analysis.

  • Restricted-choice elective
    5

    You can choose one of the following electives: Globalisation, Growth and Development (Taught at VU) or Economic Growth.

  • Human Development
    5

    This course is about the formation and returns to human capital, covering health, education and gender inequality with a focus on developing countries. Tutorials are used for student presentations and guest lectures of researchers working on related topics.

  • Research Seminar
    5
  • Master's thesis
    15

    The academic programme culminates in a thesis, which allows you to engage with state-of-the-art data analysis and statistical techniques. The Master’s thesis is the final requirement for your graduation. It is your chance to dive deep into a topic in your field of choice (track) that you are enthusiastic about, and allows you to do an independent research project. A professor of your track will supervise and support you in writing your thesis.

Compulsory course
Elective
Specialisation
Send me the clickable course schedule + programme summary Check more detailed information about the specific courses in the course catalogue

Honours programme

If you are a student of the Master's Economics and you have a record of academic excellence, a critical mind and an enthusiasm for applied research, then our Economics Honours programme is a great opportunity for you.

More about the Honours programme
This Master's perfectly blends my two passions: economics and policy analysis. It's a challenging programme, that teaches you hard and soft skills. Anouk Roethof Read about Anouk's experiences with this Master's
Experience the programme
Some professors had a big influence on my career choices, and I would love to be that person for my students. Menno Pradhan, Professor in Development Economics Read the full interview
Real-life case: Does raising teacher salaries improve the quality of education?

It is often argued that the quality of education in developing countries is low because teachers are underpaid, forcing them to do jobs on the side leaving them less time to focus on their main job. Does raising teacher salaries increase the quality of education? The Indonesian Government in 2006 adopted a policy that doubled teacher salaries. The policy was phased in, with more senior teachers receiving their raise first. Working with the Indonesian Government, researchers evaluated the programme by selecting a random set of districts in which the policy was phased in at a higher pace. While it was found that in these treatment districts teachers took on less second jobs, there was no difference between treated and control districts in terms of learning outcomes.

Frequently asked questions
  • When do I need to select a specialisation track?

    A specialisation track must be chosen when applying for the Master’s programme. However, track modifications are still possible until late October. The criteria for all tracks are identical and do not impact the likelihood of being accepted into the programme.

  • How many students are accepted into the programme?

    Our Master’s programme admits around 25 students per specialisation track. If you meet the entry requirements, you will always be accepted; this Master’s does not have a numerus fixus.

  • What are the weekly contact hours?

    Most courses have one 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour tutorial per week. Some courses also offer a Q&A or self-study clips. Generally, students take 3 courses at a time, so count on about 12-15 contact hours per week.

  • Will all lectures be held in person, or will there be options for online attendance?

    Only the 3 courses (microeconomics & game theory, macroeconomics, and applied econometrics) at the beginning of the year use (online) clips. In addition to clips, these 3 courses offer weekly on-campus tutorials and Q&As. All other courses are fully taught on campus, so in person. Some courses even have mandatory participation, especially for tutorials.

  • Is attendance compulsory for lectures, tutorials, and other sessions?

    Attendance usually is not compulsory for lectures, but commonly for tutorials and other sessions. Students greatly benefit from being present and engaging in discussions with both the instructor and their fellow classmates.

  • What is the typical method of assessment for most courses?

    Most courses have a combination of a written on-site exam and additional assessment methods, including oral presentations, developing research proposals, conducting experiments, and writing up results. The written on-site exam often makes up most of the grade. Finally, some courses require attendance, which is reflected by presence and activity in tutorials and online assignments.