Education Research Current Organisation and Cooperation NL
Login as
Prospective student Student Employee
Bachelor Master VU for Professionals
Student Desk Exchange programme VU Graduate Winter 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.

Quantitative Analyses for today and tomorrow

Econometrics and Operations Research

Quantitative Economics

Apply now
The Master's programme in Econometrics and Operations Research is an academic programme that consists of two tracks: Econometrics and Operations Research.

Directly from the start of the master you choose one of these tracks. Each track contains several specializations, as well as an “open specialization”, with a more broader focus on either econometrics or operations research.

The track Econometrics focuses on developments in theory, methodology and application of econometric and statistical methods for the analysis of financial, marketing, economic, climate data, nowadays often Big Data. Econometrics connects to many academic disciplines including mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, finance, and business studies, and is primarily concerned with the science and art of using statistics, data science and econometric methods for the analysis of economic/finance/marketing/climate data. Specializations within the Econometrics trace are Climate Econometrics, Econometric Theory, Econometrics and Data Science, Financial Econometrics, Marketing Data Science, and Quantitative Economics.

The track Operations Research focuses on the development and application of quantitative methods for analyzing economic issues. Operations Research connects to many academic disciplines including mathematics, computer science, finance and business studies, and is concerned with optimizing strategic and operational business processes that can be found in, for example, transport networks, stock management, and advanced decision support systems. Specializations within the Operations Research track are Financial Engineering, Operations Research Theory, and Quantitative Logistics.

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

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

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 econometric challenge for a life-time career enhancer

In the master specialization Econometric Theory, you explore and master the active research field of econometrics. This in-depth specialization into the foundations of econometric methods offers you the challenge to explore and master an active research field that will place you first in any academic or professional career.

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
  • Advanced Econometrics
  • Multivariate Econometrics
  • Time Series Models
  • Econometrics Research 

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

The Data Science of What, How and When: become the quantitative specialist in Marketing

This hands-on specialization into econometric methods for analyzing marketing data to facilitate better marketing strategies let you become the quantitative marketing specialist and place you at the forefront of a successful professional career.

You learn how data science can improve marketing strategies and gain a quantitative edge in the e-commerce of tomorrow. In the Marketing Data Science specialization you study econometrics and data science methods for the analysis of marketing data to facilitate better marketing strategies. We connect many academic disciplines including mathematics, statistics, economics, and marketing. This study is primarily concerned with the use of microeconomics, consumer behaviour and statistical techniques to analyse data sets with multiple hierarchies such as product, brand, location, distribution, etc. The econometric methods are used to analyse volume shares, advertising effects, sale strategies, consumer behaviour, brand loyalty schemes, TV and social media advertising, and many other topics.

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
  • Advanced Econometrics
  • Multivariate Econometrics
  • Time Series Models
  • Marketing Data Case

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Summary

This in-depth specialization dives into the cross-roads of applied econometrics and economics offers you the challenge to explore the active research fields of microeconomics, macroeconomics and/or macro-finance.

Quantitative Economics connects many academic disciplines including mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, and business studies, and is primarily concerned with the science and art of using economic theory and statistical techniques to analyse economic data. This specialization offers you the chance to explore the classical and general intersection of economics and econometrics. This study will enhance your analytical skills, will invest in your quantitative insights, will introduce you to a scientific approach of analytical thinking and will generally broaden your quantitative horizons.

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
  • Advanced Econometrics
  • Multivariate Econometrics
  • Time Series Models
  • Advanced Microeconomics
  • Intermediate Microeconomics
  • Advanced Macroeconomics
  • Research Project Economics

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Summary

Study at the frontiers of science: become a game changer for industry practice

If you are interested in a career defining the rules of the game of industry and production practice by having a deep understanding of the possibilities of cutting-edge techniques, if you want to pursue an academic career, or if you just love the mathematics of operations research, then the Operations Research Theory specialization is for you. It offers you deeper knowledge and understanding of this research area and eventually, through the thesis, participate in front-line research in operations research.

Next to the core courses of the programme, lectures are provided through the Dutch Network on the Mathematics of Operations Research, a collaboration of the top researchers from throughout the Netherlands. This way, the specialization offers the opportunity of learning from a wide range of leading researchers in the field.

The specialization challenges you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the mathematics behind Operations Research models and methods, so that you will be able to contribute to the further development of the field. Next to the theory in the core courses, you will also get hands-on experience in turning the models and methods you learn, or design yourself, into practical code.

Courses

  • Thesis MSc EOR - Operations Research
  • Combinatorial Optimization
  • Optimization and Learning via Stochastic Gradient Search
  • Operations Research Case
  • Optimization and Multiagent Systems
  • Stochastic Gradient Techniques for Optimization and Learning (LNMB course)

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Econometric Theory

    Summary

    Your econometric challenge for a life-time career enhancer

    In the master specialization Econometric Theory, you explore and master the active research field of econometrics. This in-depth specialization into the foundations of econometric methods offers you the challenge to explore and master an active research field that will place you first in any academic or professional career.

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
    • Advanced Econometrics
    • Multivariate Econometrics
    • Time Series Models
    • Econometrics Research 

    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

  • Marketing Data Science

    Summary

    The Data Science of What, How and When: become the quantitative specialist in Marketing

    This hands-on specialization into econometric methods for analyzing marketing data to facilitate better marketing strategies let you become the quantitative marketing specialist and place you at the forefront of a successful professional career.

    You learn how data science can improve marketing strategies and gain a quantitative edge in the e-commerce of tomorrow. In the Marketing Data Science specialization you study econometrics and data science methods for the analysis of marketing data to facilitate better marketing strategies. We connect many academic disciplines including mathematics, statistics, economics, and marketing. This study is primarily concerned with the use of microeconomics, consumer behaviour and statistical techniques to analyse data sets with multiple hierarchies such as product, brand, location, distribution, etc. The econometric methods are used to analyse volume shares, advertising effects, sale strategies, consumer behaviour, brand loyalty schemes, TV and social media advertising, and many other topics.

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
    • Advanced Econometrics
    • Multivariate Econometrics
    • Time Series Models
    • Marketing Data Case

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • Quantitative Economics

    Summary

    This in-depth specialization dives into the cross-roads of applied econometrics and economics offers you the challenge to explore the active research fields of microeconomics, macroeconomics and/or macro-finance.

    Quantitative Economics connects many academic disciplines including mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, and business studies, and is primarily concerned with the science and art of using economic theory and statistical techniques to analyse economic data. This specialization offers you the chance to explore the classical and general intersection of economics and econometrics. This study will enhance your analytical skills, will invest in your quantitative insights, will introduce you to a scientific approach of analytical thinking and will generally broaden your quantitative horizons.

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Econometrics
    • Advanced Econometrics
    • Multivariate Econometrics
    • Time Series Models
    • Advanced Microeconomics
    • Intermediate Microeconomics
    • Advanced Macroeconomics
    • Research Project Economics

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • Operations Research Theory

    Summary

    Study at the frontiers of science: become a game changer for industry practice

    If you are interested in a career defining the rules of the game of industry and production practice by having a deep understanding of the possibilities of cutting-edge techniques, if you want to pursue an academic career, or if you just love the mathematics of operations research, then the Operations Research Theory specialization is for you. It offers you deeper knowledge and understanding of this research area and eventually, through the thesis, participate in front-line research in operations research.

    Next to the core courses of the programme, lectures are provided through the Dutch Network on the Mathematics of Operations Research, a collaboration of the top researchers from throughout the Netherlands. This way, the specialization offers the opportunity of learning from a wide range of leading researchers in the field.

    The specialization challenges you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the mathematics behind Operations Research models and methods, so that you will be able to contribute to the further development of the field. Next to the theory in the core courses, you will also get hands-on experience in turning the models and methods you learn, or design yourself, into practical code.

    Courses

    • Thesis MSc EOR - Operations Research
    • Combinatorial Optimization
    • Optimization and Learning via Stochastic Gradient Search
    • Operations Research Case
    • Optimization and Multiagent Systems
    • Stochastic Gradient Techniques for Optimization and Learning (LNMB course)

    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

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 are a highly sought-after candidate in all types of businesses. As a graduate, depending on your chosen track and specialisation, you can start work at a number of businesses and institutions. From doing 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 have the quantitative skills it takes 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