Study economics in Groningen and learn to use groundbreaking theoretical knowledge and evidence-based policy to help solve tomorrow's national and international economic problems.
You start the programme by taking courses that provide you with a solid understanding of economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy recommendations. You will delve into topics such as competition policy, energy markets, household behavior, economic growth - also from a historical perspective, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and the dynamics of international trade. You are being trained to use quantitative methods for analyzing economic data and testing economic theories. Last but not least, you examine the role of economic policy in addressing societal challenges such as family policies, social security and savings for retirement, climate change and the social costs of carbon, social norms, and monetary policy rules. You can choose to follow the fully flexible General Economics Profile or specialize in one of the two topical profiles:
You can formally specialize in two topical profiles:
You will finish the programme by writing your MSc thesis on a
subject within the profile you have chosen.
Semesters | ||||
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CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
Current Topics in Microeconomics (5 EC) | ||||
Empirical Methods of Economics (5 EC) | ||||
Macroeconomics for MSc Economics (5 EC) | ||||
Electives A (5 EC) Options are: Economic Policy Workshop; World Economy in Historical Perspective; Please note that the topical profiles pre-define the elective courses that you choose. See Ocasys for details. | ||||
Electives B (10 EC) A few examples are: Competition Policy - Theory and Practice; Microeconomics of Household Behaviour; Theory of Monetary Policy; Monetary Policy, Strategy and Operations; Regulating Energy Markets. Please note that the topical profiles pre-define the elective courses that you choose. See Ocasys for details. | ||||
Electives C (10 EC) A few examples are: Econometric Methods; Sustainable Finance; Energy Transition & Innovation; Economic Development; Dependence & Extremes in Risk Management; Trade, Environment and Growth; Asset and Liability Management; Behavioural Finance. Please note that the topical profiles pre-define the elective courses that you choose. See for details. | ||||
Master Thesis (20 EC) |
Programme options |
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Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area (specialization) Focus on the sustainable developments in our current society by the increasing influence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The upcoming impact of the SDGs force companies to redefine their purpose and seek a path for meaningful contribution. But, what are companies responsible for, and who bears the burden of the consequences? Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to actively contribute to the strategic developments in this dynamic field. |
Healthy Society Focus Area (specialization) Focus on tackling problems that impact healthcare providers and their societal partners in their day-to-day work. Issues such as scarce human resources combined with a higher, more complex demand for care, and more demanding citizens require solutions, which you will think about and design. |
Double Degree Master Economic Analysis (Santiago) (specialization) Study economics and economic analysis in Groningen and Santiago and learn to use groundbreaking theoretical knowledge and apply it to help solve the challenges of emerging economies. Through this double degree master's with Universidad de Chile in Santiago, you will obtain a thorough understanding of the economies, economic policies, strategies, thoughts, and practices of Europe and Latin America. This programme is designed for students who wish to add a comparative perspective to their understanding of key economic issues. What’s more, you will have the chance to study in two distinct cultural contexts and obtain two degrees in only 18 months. The first year in Groningen, integrates critical thinking, empirical data, and practical applications to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to make an effect on societies. You will be able to apply economic reasoning to societal issues and policy problems and formulate policy suggestions based on the analysis of empirical facts. After completing your double degree master's programme, you will be able to create concise policy reports with thoughtful analysis and solutions that are supported by data and firmly based on the pertinent economics literature. |
Double Degree Master International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization) Are you interested in an international career in or involving China? Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture. |
Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialization) Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector. |
Master Internship (specialization) Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study. You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester. |
Specific requirements | More information |
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previous education |
To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Economics and Business Economics, Econometrics and Operations Research. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? We offer a tailor-made Pre-Master programme for eligible students with an academic degree and a 60EC Pre-Master for students with an HBO (University of Applied Sciences) degree. Please read more about: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade |
other admission requirements |
The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
International Business | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors |
Business Administration | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors |
Industrial Engineering and Management | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Psychology (NL) | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Sociology | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Econometrics and Operations Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:Via a Pre-Master's: More information: Profile Economics, Public Administration & Management: you might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. |
International Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:Via a Pre-Master's: More information: Profile Economics, Public Administration & Management: you might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/(...)s/pre-msc/tailormade. |
Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:Via a Pre-Master's: More information: Profile Economics, Public Administration & Management: you might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/(...)s/pre-msc/tailormade. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Public Administration Science | Leiden University |
Via a pre-master More information:Profile Economics, Public Administration and management: you might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. |
Computer Science | Leiden University |
Via a pre-master More information:Profile Informatica & Economie: you might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Analytics | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Business Engineering | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Econometrics and Operations Research | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Global Studies | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
International Business | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Accountancy | Nyenrode New Business School |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Business Administration | Nyenrode New Business School |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Economics and Business Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
International Business Administration | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Economics | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Econometrics and Operations Research | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Actuarial Science | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Business Administration | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Business Analytics | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Economics and Business Economics | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Fiscale Economie | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Econometrics and Data Science | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
International Business Administration | University of Twente |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Economics and Business Economics | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Business Analytics | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Econometrics and Operations Research | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Economics and Business Economics | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
International Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Business Administration | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Economics and Governance | Wageningen University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Management and Consumer Studies | Wageningen University |
Via a pre-master More information:You might be asked to complete a tailor-made Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Economics and Business Economics, Econometrics and Operations Research. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions. Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? We offer a tailor-made Pre-Master programme for eligible students with an academic degree. Please read more about: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/pre-msc/tailormade |
language test |
IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176). |
Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
As a graduate, you will be able to apply advanced economic theory and data analysis to understand economic issues related to society at large. The programme trains you for positions in which you can contribute as an economist to decision-making in (inter)national government bodies, public organizations, and the private sector. Think, for example, of private corporations, financial institutions, multinationals, and consultancy firms. You can also work as a researcher in business or with a governmental agency, or use your expertise for journalistic or educational goals.
Check these sources for more information about economics in general:
Our teachers work on a broad range of topics, show-casting the diversity of topics to which the economic toolkit can be applied:
Did you know you can combine economics with finance in Groningen? Find out more about our MSc Finance or find out more about our MSc Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies or MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development.