As of 21 December, VU Amsterdam will be largely closed. Questions, requests, and notifications will be taken up again as of 6 January 2025. Please allow for longer response times. Happy holidays!
Education Research Current Organisation and Cooperation NL
Login as
Prospective student Student Employee
Bachelor Master VU for Professionals
Exchange programme VU Amsterdam Summer School Honours programme VU-NT2 Semester in Amsterdam
PhD at VU Amsterdam Research highlights Prizes and distinctions
Research institutes Our scientists Research Impact Support Portal Creating impact
News Events calendar Energy in transition
Israël and Palestinian regions Women at the top Culture on campus
Practical matters Mission and core values Entrepreneurship on VU Campus
Organisation Partnerships Alumni University Library Working at VU Amsterdam
Sorry! De informatie die je zoekt, is enkel beschikbaar in het Engels.
This programme is saved in My Study Choice.
Something went wrong with processing the request.
Something went wrong with processing the request.

Mastering Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics

Econometrics and Operations Research

Apply now
The Master’s programme in Econometrics and Operations Research consists of two tracks: Econometrics and Operations Research. Directly from the start of the master you choose one of these tracks.

Each track offers three distinct specializations that allow you to focus your expertise in your chosen field.

Econometrics Track

The Econometrics track focuses on the development and application of advanced statistical and econometric methods for analyzing complex data. This track integrates mathematics, statistics, computer science, and knowledge of businesses to provide you with the tools needed to extract meaningful insights from data across various domains including economics, marketing, pricing, revenue management, finance, risk management, and climate science. The track offers three specializations:

  • Econometrics and Data Science: Master state-of-the-art techniques in econometrics and data science for analyzing large-scale datasets
  • Financial Econometrics: Develop expertise in analyzing financial markets and risk using advanced econometric methods
  • Climate Econometrics: Apply in-depth quantitative techniques to address climate-related challenges

Operations Research Track

The Operations Research track emphasizes the development and application of mathematical methods for analyzing and optimizing business processes. This track combines mathematics, computer science, and business studies to help you solve complex decision-making problems. Choose from three specializations:

  • Quantitative Logistics: Focus on optimizing transport networks and supply chains
  • Financial Engineering: Master the mathematical techniques needed for financial optimization and risk management
  • Business Engineering and Data-Driven Decision Making: Learn to optimize business processes using advanced analytical methods

Each specialization consists of:

  • Core courses that provide fundamental knowledge in your chosen field
  • Specialized courses that deepen your expertise in specific areas
  • Elective courses that allow you to broaden your knowledge
  • A master’s thesis where you apply your knowledge to solve a complex problem

Our courses combine theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring you develop both a deep understanding and hands-on experience. Through case studies, programming assignments, and research projects, you’ll learn to apply advanced methods to real-world challenges.

The academic year is divided into six periods, allowing for focused, intensive learning in each course. The programme begins in September and can be completed in one year of full-time study.

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

VU Master's Event

Saturday 8 March 2025

More information
International Master's webinar

Stream the on-demand recording on admissions, housing and more

Watch now via My Study Choice

Which specialisation do you choose?

Find out what the different possibilities are within the master's programme

Summary

Become the specialist in designing novel econometric methods in data science

In our specialization Econometrics and Data Science of the Econometrics and Operations Research master's programme, we welcome you in the fast-developing world of econometrics and data science methods for ultra-high dimensional data sets. In this specialization we cover statistical theory of high-dimensional spaces, the computer science skills of handling big data, the econometric methodology of identifying causal economic relations in a data-rich environment. You further learn the practical skills of analyzing, modelling and forecasting key financial and economic variables, for the purpose of improving policy and decision-making.

The specialization Econometrics and Data Science offers an excellent opportunity for those wishing to enhance their quantitative profile for a career in data science. The programme combines different academic disciplines including statistics, econometrics, computer science, economics and business, but it is more than a simple intersection of these. In essence, it is concerned with the theory and practice of transforming large and complex data sets into pieces of information that are potentially beneficial for a wide range of purposes relevant to corporates, economic and government institutions, and financial service companies. This will give you a distinct and strong profile, placing you at pole position for a successful career as a data scientist in professional, business and academic environments.

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
  • Advanced Econometrics
  • Multivariate Econometrics
  • Time Series Models
  • Asymptotic Statistics
  • Case Study in Econometrics and Data Science
  • Big Data Statistics

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Summary

Your road to Wall Street: Become the Quantitative Specialist in the Financial Industry

This hands-on study into the econometric methods used on a daily basis in the financial industry will let you become the quantitative financial specialist and will place you at the forefront of a successful professional career.

Financial Econometrics connects different academic disciplines including mathematics, statistics, finance, and business studies, and is primarily concerned with the use of financial economic theory and statistical techniques for an up-to-date quantitative analysis of finance-economic data sets. The econometric methods can be used to analyse financial risks, investment strategies, financial economic policies, monetary policies, high-frequency trading, capital markets, financial stability, and many other topics.

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
  • Advanced Econometrics
  • Multivariate Econometrics
  • Time Series Models
  • Financial Econometrics Case Study

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Summary

Tackling climate change in a data-driven world

How can we forecast extreme weather events using data-science techniques? What is the impact of climate change on economies and societies in an increasingly interconnected world? How are financial markets affected by the implications of disasters?

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century and affects people, economies and the environment all over the globe. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has underscored the complexities of the climate system. At the same time, econometrics and data science methods for ultra-high dimensional data sets are developing rapidly. Understanding the complexities of climate change require people with very strong data analytics skills and a thorough understanding of climate system dynamics. In this unique specialization, we cover econometrics, statistical theory of high-dimensional spaces, computer science skills for handling big data in a data-rich environment and apply those skills to climate change challenges. 

This specialization is the first in The Netherlands to bring together the field of econometrics and climate change science. In this specialization, you will enhance your data science skills and apply them to complex climate change science.  

The Climate Econometrics master specialization is therefore unique in the Netherlands. The programme allows you to understand, create, and estimate econometric (climate-)models in order to analyze economic effects and to assist in policy making on climate change.

The courses are taught by inspiring teachers, econometric researchers and renowned climate scientists, in a collaboration between the Faculty of Science and the School of Business Economics. 

In the Age of Data, climate change science requires strong data analytics skills. 

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
  • Advanced Econometrics
  • Multivariate Econometrics
  • Time Series Models
  • Land Use Change and Ecosystems 

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Summary

In an interconnected world, organizations increasingly collaborate in order to efficiently distribute their services to customers. This requires the integration of various key processes across organizations. The specialization Quantitative Logistics equips you with expertise on supply chains, as well as the sophisticated quantitative methods and tools from optimization, that you need to effectively design, implement and manage supply chain processes.

The core courses of this program are oriented to computation with a solid basis in mathematics. This will enable you to master a broad spectrum of models and solution methods, and to design and analyze novel methods applicable to new situations.

Logistics is the oldest area of application of optimization. Supply Chain Management is the most advanced and nowadays one of the most relevant topics in this field. Courses in supply chain management and a case study illustrate a wealth of practical situations in which the operations research models and methods that you learned can be applied or adapted to the particular problem. You will be able to work and communicate in teams with people who are not experts in operations research. You will learn how to report the results of your investigations, both in academic and business environments.

Supply chain management and logistics in general continues to provide operations research with new and challenging research questions, and is a major area of the job market for our programme’s graduates.

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Operations Research
  • Combinatorial Optimization
  • Optimization and Learning via Stochastic Gradient Search
  • Operations Research Case
  • Optimization and Multiagent Systems
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Geographical Information Systems
  • Transport Economics

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Summary

Become the expert on analyzing and designing financial products

Expanding markets and the increasing complexity and variety of financial products have generated a growing demand for skilled professionals to create, price and hedge complex derivatives. The specialization in Financial Engineering provides you with advanced qualifications in operations research and finance, from the management of financial portfolios to risk analysis in financial markets. Financial Engineering is the place where finance meets operations research!

Financial Engineering uses techniques from operations research such as simulation and simulation-based optimization for evaluating options or portfolio optimization. Financial analysts find work at major banks, brokers, and institutional investors such as insurance companies.

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Operations Research
  • Combinatorial Optimization
  • Optimization and Learning via Stochastic Gradient Search
  • Operations Research Case
  • Optimization and Multiagent Systems
  • Econometrics for Quantitative Finance
  • Stochastic Processes: the Fundamentals
  • Advanced Asset Pricing
  • Stochastic Processes for Finance and Derivatives Markets
  • Derivatives
  • Institutional Investments and Asset Liability Management

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Summary

How can organizations make better decisions using data and mathematical optimization? What quantitative methods can improve business processes and strategy? These are the kinds of questions you’ll learn to answer in our Business Engineering and Data-Driven Decision Making specialization.

This specializaton combines advanced operations research methods with business engineering principles, preparing you to optimize complex business processes and drive data-informed decisions. Business engineering represents the intersection of business strategy and technical development, using mathematical models and frameworks to design and optimize processes that drive growth and performance. In today’s fast-developing business world, decision-making has become increasingly data-driven, requiring the integration of data analytics, statistics, and predictive modeling with process optimization. This specialization bridges the gap between mathematical optimization and business strategy, equipping you with the tools needed to help organizations make informed, objective, and measurable decisions that optimize outcomes.

Why Choose Business Engineering and Data-Driven Decision Making?

Modern business decisions require advanced quantitative analysis and optimization. This specialization combines operations research methods with business strategy, preparing you to transform complex business challenges into data-driven solutions that drive organizational success.

  • Transform business challenges into mathematical models
  • Develop expertise in data-driven decision making
  • Master process optimization techniques for business applications
  • Apply operations research methods to strategic business problems
  • Create solutions through business case studies and projects

Curriculum

The specialization features five core courses, two electives and a thesis that build your expertise:

  • Combinatorial Optimization
  • Optimization and Learning via Stochastic Gradient Search
  • Operations Research Case
  • Optimization and Multiagent Systems
  • AI for Data Driven Decision Making
  • Thesis MSc EOR - Operations Research
  • Two electives

  • Econometrics and Data Science

    Summary

    Become the specialist in designing novel econometric methods in data science

    In our specialization Econometrics and Data Science of the Econometrics and Operations Research master's programme, we welcome you in the fast-developing world of econometrics and data science methods for ultra-high dimensional data sets. In this specialization we cover statistical theory of high-dimensional spaces, the computer science skills of handling big data, the econometric methodology of identifying causal economic relations in a data-rich environment. You further learn the practical skills of analyzing, modelling and forecasting key financial and economic variables, for the purpose of improving policy and decision-making.

    The specialization Econometrics and Data Science offers an excellent opportunity for those wishing to enhance their quantitative profile for a career in data science. The programme combines different academic disciplines including statistics, econometrics, computer science, economics and business, but it is more than a simple intersection of these. In essence, it is concerned with the theory and practice of transforming large and complex data sets into pieces of information that are potentially beneficial for a wide range of purposes relevant to corporates, economic and government institutions, and financial service companies. This will give you a distinct and strong profile, placing you at pole position for a successful career as a data scientist in professional, business and academic environments.

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
    • Advanced Econometrics
    • Multivariate Econometrics
    • Time Series Models
    • Asymptotic Statistics
    • Case Study in Econometrics and Data Science
    • Big Data Statistics

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • Financial Econometrics

    Summary

    Your road to Wall Street: Become the Quantitative Specialist in the Financial Industry

    This hands-on study into the econometric methods used on a daily basis in the financial industry will let you become the quantitative financial specialist and will place you at the forefront of a successful professional career.

    Financial Econometrics connects different academic disciplines including mathematics, statistics, finance, and business studies, and is primarily concerned with the use of financial economic theory and statistical techniques for an up-to-date quantitative analysis of finance-economic data sets. The econometric methods can be used to analyse financial risks, investment strategies, financial economic policies, monetary policies, high-frequency trading, capital markets, financial stability, and many other topics.

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
    • Advanced Econometrics
    • Multivariate Econometrics
    • Time Series Models
    • Financial Econometrics Case Study

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • Climate Econometrics

    Summary

    Tackling climate change in a data-driven world

    How can we forecast extreme weather events using data-science techniques? What is the impact of climate change on economies and societies in an increasingly interconnected world? How are financial markets affected by the implications of disasters?

    Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century and affects people, economies and the environment all over the globe. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has underscored the complexities of the climate system. At the same time, econometrics and data science methods for ultra-high dimensional data sets are developing rapidly. Understanding the complexities of climate change require people with very strong data analytics skills and a thorough understanding of climate system dynamics. In this unique specialization, we cover econometrics, statistical theory of high-dimensional spaces, computer science skills for handling big data in a data-rich environment and apply those skills to climate change challenges. 

    This specialization is the first in The Netherlands to bring together the field of econometrics and climate change science. In this specialization, you will enhance your data science skills and apply them to complex climate change science.  

    The Climate Econometrics master specialization is therefore unique in the Netherlands. The programme allows you to understand, create, and estimate econometric (climate-)models in order to analyze economic effects and to assist in policy making on climate change.

    The courses are taught by inspiring teachers, econometric researchers and renowned climate scientists, in a collaboration between the Faculty of Science and the School of Business Economics. 

    In the Age of Data, climate change science requires strong data analytics skills. 

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
    • Advanced Econometrics
    • Multivariate Econometrics
    • Time Series Models
    • Land Use Change and Ecosystems 

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • Quantitative Logistics

    Summary

    In an interconnected world, organizations increasingly collaborate in order to efficiently distribute their services to customers. This requires the integration of various key processes across organizations. The specialization Quantitative Logistics equips you with expertise on supply chains, as well as the sophisticated quantitative methods and tools from optimization, that you need to effectively design, implement and manage supply chain processes.

    The core courses of this program are oriented to computation with a solid basis in mathematics. This will enable you to master a broad spectrum of models and solution methods, and to design and analyze novel methods applicable to new situations.

    Logistics is the oldest area of application of optimization. Supply Chain Management is the most advanced and nowadays one of the most relevant topics in this field. Courses in supply chain management and a case study illustrate a wealth of practical situations in which the operations research models and methods that you learned can be applied or adapted to the particular problem. You will be able to work and communicate in teams with people who are not experts in operations research. You will learn how to report the results of your investigations, both in academic and business environments.

    Supply chain management and logistics in general continues to provide operations research with new and challenging research questions, and is a major area of the job market for our programme’s graduates.

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Operations Research
    • Combinatorial Optimization
    • Optimization and Learning via Stochastic Gradient Search
    • Operations Research Case
    • Optimization and Multiagent Systems
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Geographical Information Systems
    • Transport Economics

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • Financial Engineering

    Summary

    Become the expert on analyzing and designing financial products

    Expanding markets and the increasing complexity and variety of financial products have generated a growing demand for skilled professionals to create, price and hedge complex derivatives. The specialization in Financial Engineering provides you with advanced qualifications in operations research and finance, from the management of financial portfolios to risk analysis in financial markets. Financial Engineering is the place where finance meets operations research!

    Financial Engineering uses techniques from operations research such as simulation and simulation-based optimization for evaluating options or portfolio optimization. Financial analysts find work at major banks, brokers, and institutional investors such as insurance companies.

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Operations Research
    • Combinatorial Optimization
    • Optimization and Learning via Stochastic Gradient Search
    • Operations Research Case
    • Optimization and Multiagent Systems
    • Econometrics for Quantitative Finance
    • Stochastic Processes: the Fundamentals
    • Advanced Asset Pricing
    • Stochastic Processes for Finance and Derivatives Markets
    • Derivatives
    • Institutional Investments and Asset Liability Management

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • Business Engineering and Data-Driven Decision Making

    Summary

    How can organizations make better decisions using data and mathematical optimization? What quantitative methods can improve business processes and strategy? These are the kinds of questions you’ll learn to answer in our Business Engineering and Data-Driven Decision Making specialization.

    This specializaton combines advanced operations research methods with business engineering principles, preparing you to optimize complex business processes and drive data-informed decisions. Business engineering represents the intersection of business strategy and technical development, using mathematical models and frameworks to design and optimize processes that drive growth and performance. In today’s fast-developing business world, decision-making has become increasingly data-driven, requiring the integration of data analytics, statistics, and predictive modeling with process optimization. This specialization bridges the gap between mathematical optimization and business strategy, equipping you with the tools needed to help organizations make informed, objective, and measurable decisions that optimize outcomes.

    Why Choose Business Engineering and Data-Driven Decision Making?

    Modern business decisions require advanced quantitative analysis and optimization. This specialization combines operations research methods with business strategy, preparing you to transform complex business challenges into data-driven solutions that drive organizational success.

    • Transform business challenges into mathematical models
    • Develop expertise in data-driven decision making
    • Master process optimization techniques for business applications
    • Apply operations research methods to strategic business problems
    • Create solutions through business case studies and projects

    Curriculum

    The specialization features five core courses, two electives and a thesis that build your expertise:

    • Combinatorial Optimization
    • Optimization and Learning via Stochastic Gradient Search
    • Operations Research Case
    • Optimization and Multiagent Systems
    • AI for Data Driven Decision Making
    • Thesis MSc EOR - Operations Research
    • Two electives

Change your future with the Econometrics and Operations Research programme

Change your future with the Econometrics and Operations Research programme

On completing this Master’s programme, you will be a highly sought-after candidate in all types of businesses. As a graduate, depending on your chosen track and specialization, you can start working at a number of businesses and institutions. From conducting active research in the field of econometrics to understanding supply chain management; or from analysing Big Data to improving marketing strategies using data science, you will have the quantitative skills needed in the job market of today and the future.

Explore your future prospects
Woman making calculations

Quick links

Homepage Culture on campus VU Sports Centre Dashboard

Study

Academic calendar Study guide Timetable Canvas

Featured

VUfonds VU Magazine Ad Valvas

About VU

Contact us Working at VU Amsterdam Faculties Divisions Privacy Disclaimer Veiligheid Webcolofon Cookies Webarchief

Copyright © 2024 - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam