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Economic solutions to global challenges

Become an all-round economist

The Master's in Economics is a high-quality one-year programme. The first part of the programme consists of five compulsory core courses focusing on the foundations of the discipline at an advanced level. You also take three elective courses that can be combined into a specialization. Two pieces of independent academic work, a research project and a final thesis, complete the programme requirements. Thanks to the compact, personal nature of the programme there is plenty of interaction with the teaching staff.

The programme is highly esteemed by its students and is one of the top Economics programmes in the Netherlands.

To break it down:

  • The core of the program prepares you for any career in Economics and consists of:
    • Introduction to Econometrics
    • Applied Econometrics
    • Intermediate Microeconomics
    • Advanced Microeconomics
    • Advanced Macroeconomics
    • Research project
    • Thesis
  • In addition, you’ll take three electives, chosen from:
    • Economics of Climate Change
    • Economics of the Welfare State
    • Globalization, Growth and Development
    • Industrial Organization and Competition Policy
    • Macroeconomic Policy in the EU
    • Microeconomics for Development
    • Macro and International Finance 
    • Data Analytics for Economists

The electives and the topic of your thesis determine your specialisation within the programme. The four specialisations are determined below.

You may choose to select one elective from outside of the programme, upon prior approval from the examination board.

  • You’ll conduct a research project that will allow you to apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills, as well as preparing you to write your Master’s thesis.
  • You’ll write a Master’s Thesis on the topic of your choice, in consultation with your advisor.

If you choose to specialise in a particular area of Economics, your choice of electives and thesis topics becomes more focused.

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

Which specialisation do you choose?

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

Summary

This specialization studies economic aspects of pressing global issues. Course work straddles areas of environmental policy, global warming and climate change, but also the division between developed countries and the developing world, affecting life and decisions of billions (poverty, access to health and education, migration). All courses feature the application of relevant theoretical and empirical insights to practical issues. You will learn to use modern tools of analysis to investigate potential solutions and formulate policy recommendations. Global challenges are much wider, and thesis work can further delve into issues of, for instance, global diffusion of technical change and innovation, international tax and welfare competition, or international political economy.

The specialization is jointly supported by teaching staff from the Department of Economics and of Spatial Economics. Both host internationally renowned staff, all actively participating in national and international economic policy debates. After completing course work and thesis you are well equipped for a career as a policy economist in international or national government agencies such as the European Commission or ministries, policy analysis institutions, internationally operating consultancy firms, or NGOs.

Courses

  • Intermediate Microeconomics (P1)
  • Introduction to Econometrics (P1)
  • Advanced Microeconomics (P1)
  • Applied Econometrics (P1)
  • Advanced Macroeconomics (P2)
  • Economics of Climate Change (P2)
  • Research Project (P3)
  • Globalization, Growth and Development (P4)
  • Free Elective Course (P4)
  • Thesis (P5/6)

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • Global Challenges

    Summary

    This specialization studies economic aspects of pressing global issues. Course work straddles areas of environmental policy, global warming and climate change, but also the division between developed countries and the developing world, affecting life and decisions of billions (poverty, access to health and education, migration). All courses feature the application of relevant theoretical and empirical insights to practical issues. You will learn to use modern tools of analysis to investigate potential solutions and formulate policy recommendations. Global challenges are much wider, and thesis work can further delve into issues of, for instance, global diffusion of technical change and innovation, international tax and welfare competition, or international political economy.

    The specialization is jointly supported by teaching staff from the Department of Economics and of Spatial Economics. Both host internationally renowned staff, all actively participating in national and international economic policy debates. After completing course work and thesis you are well equipped for a career as a policy economist in international or national government agencies such as the European Commission or ministries, policy analysis institutions, internationally operating consultancy firms, or NGOs.

    Courses

    • Intermediate Microeconomics (P1)
    • Introduction to Econometrics (P1)
    • Advanced Microeconomics (P1)
    • Applied Econometrics (P1)
    • Advanced Macroeconomics (P2)
    • Economics of Climate Change (P2)
    • Research Project (P3)
    • Globalization, Growth and Development (P4)
    • Free Elective Course (P4)
    • Thesis (P5/6)

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Want to find out more?

Björn Brügemann: b.a.brugemann@vu.nl

A personal word

What is it like to study Economics at VU Amsterdam? Listen and watch what Economics means for Bas van der Klaauw, Professor of Economics.

Economics: Research Master

Do you want to challenge yourself even further? The Tinbergen Institute offers a two year research master in Economics, which is a joint degree operated by Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam. It is the entry point to fully paid positions at 3 faculties in The Netherlands. This research master prepares you for obtaining a PhD in Economics.

Learn more about the Research Master in Economics

Change your future with the Economics programme

Change your future with the Economics programme

On completing this Master’s programme, you are able to design policies for the public sector but can also start as an analyst in the market sector. As a graduate you’ll be a valuable addition to any research or analytics team. Your skills in data analysis will make you a top consultant in any Economics-related field.

Explore your future prospects
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