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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Economics
Header image Economics

Economics

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.

Economics plays a crucial role in analyzing and addressing societal problems by understanding how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices in the face of limited resources, like time or money. While united in the methodological approach, the questions economics seeks to answer are diverse:
  • Why are some countries rich and some poor?
  • What drives inflation, and how can policymakers keep it low?
  • What is the best way to reduce CO2 emissions?
  • How to organize healthcare to make it more accessible and affordable?
  • Why do women earn less than men?
As an economist, you have an analytical mindset and you use data to study and assess economic policies: in short, you keep a cool head when it comes to making decisions for burning social problems.

Our MSc Economics combines rigorous thinking, state-of-the-art economic tools, data analysis, empirical evidence, and practical applications. Upon finishing your degree, you can apply economic insights from theory and methods to socially relevant topics and real-life policy questions in various fields of economics, business, and policy.
Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Economics
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
66401
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business

Design your study programme

  • You have maximum flexibility to shape your study programme with three core courses (microeconomics, macroeconomics, empirical methods), a paper-writing course, and a selection of over 25 elective courses.
  • You can concentrate on topics such as Competition and Regulation, Data Science, Development and Sustainability, Energy, Finance and Banking, Health Economics or Monetary Policy.
  • You can study abroad by taking one of our Double degree programmes with the Universidad de Santiago in Chile or with Fudan University in Shanghai, China .

Why study this programme in Groningen?

  • In our research-driven education, you will study state-of-the-art economic tools and methods and apply them to a wide range of societal problems.
  • You learn to handle and analyze big data in empirical research, to discover patterns, and to assess the state of the economy through data.
  • Our popular Economic Policy Workshop gives you a unique opportunity to dive into topics such as entrepreneurship, gender, employment and labor markets, fiscal policy, ethics, responsibility, and sustainability. It focuses on formulating policy advice based on the latest insights from economic research.
  • Regular Economic Afternoons and internal events expose you to the current economic debate, and you can discuss important topics such as antitrust cases or Europe’s threatened economic competitiveness with external and internal experts alike.
  • You can formally specialize in two topical profiles: Monetary Policy and Market Competition and Regulation.
  • You are taught by professors and specialists with an international reputation in their field and/or a key role in public debates.
  • Our programme is small-scale and we have a close community of students; the programme and the study associations offer many activities to deepen your economics education and to have fun; and we foster personal supervision to guide students in their independent research.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

Programme

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:
  • Get equipped to join the current debate in our Monetary Policy profile, which is built on our long and rich experience in the field. We are one of two universities offering this specialization, and we have strong linkages with policymakers and practitioners, with input from renowned alumni like Klaas Knot, president of the Dutch Central Bank, or courses being taught by Lex Hoogduin, the former vice-president of the Dutch Central Bank.
  • In the profile Market Competition and Regulation, you will take up the lively and challenging debate of recent decades by exploring the literature and practice of competition and regulation through topics like market power, mergers, vertical restraints, abuse of dominant position, monopolization, and Big Tech platforms.


You will finish the programme by writing your MSc thesis on a subject within the profile you have chosen.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
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
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.

More information about this option

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.

More information about this option

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.

More information about this option

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.

More information about this option

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.

More information about this option

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.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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.

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.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International BusinessUniversity 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 AdministrationUniversity 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 ManagementUniversity 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.

SociologyUniversity 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 programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus 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 AdministrationErasmus 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 AdministrationErasmus 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 programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden 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 ScienceLeiden 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 programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht 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 EngineeringMaastricht 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 ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieMaastricht 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 StudiesMaastricht 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 BusinessMaastricht 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 programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode 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 AdministrationNyenrode 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 programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud 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 EconomicsRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg 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.

EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg 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 ResearchTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieTilburg 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 programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity 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 AdministrationUniversity 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 AnalyticsUniversity 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 EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity 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 ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity 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 programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU 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 ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU 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 AdministrationVU 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 programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and GovernanceWageningen 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 StudiesWageningen 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.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
01 May 202601 September 2026
15 October 202601 February 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
01 May 202601 September 2026
15 October 202601 February 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
01 May 202601 September 2026
15 October 202601 February 2027

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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).

Registration procedure

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.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
01 May 202601 September 2026
15 October 202601 February 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
01 May 202601 September 2026
15 October 202601 February 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
01 May 202601 September 2026
15 October 202601 February 2027

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 21400full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

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:

Job examples

  • Scientific or policy-oriented researcher (DNB, CPB, OECD, IMF)
  • Applied researcher (NEI, TNO and research bureaus)
  • Financial analyst (bank, insurance company)
  • Policy-maker: mainly in large organizations
  • Manager: especially in businesses
  • Lecturer
  • Journalist

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our teachers work on a broad range of topics, show-casting the diversity of topics to which the economic toolkit can be applied:

  • Microeconomics and Market Dynamics: Auctions; Competition in markets, market power, and regulation; Household finance, savings, credit, and consumption; Behavioral economics
  • Macroeconomics and Finance: Monetary policy and theory; Financial stability and banking regulation; Credit market failures
  • Public policy : Environmental policy; Climate policy; Energy economics, energy transition, regulation of energy markets; Inequality; Government debt and fiscal policy
  • Economic Growth and Development: Economic growth, also from a historical and global perspective; Development economics and inclusive finance; Evaluations of policies to reduce poverty and inequality
  • Labor, Gender, and Education: Labor markets, labor market dynamics; Gender disparities in the workforce, family economics, and how family policies such as parental leave and child care affect labor market choices; Education choices and outcomes and their effect on labor market outcomes
  • Institutional Economics: Institutions, democracy, and elections; Structural reforms
  • Health: Health care provision; Evaluations of the social effects of health policies; Public health; Mental health



The MSc helped me gain a lot of confidence solving problems analytically and working with econometric models (Alice Foster)

One of the main reasons I decided to study MSc Economics at FEB is the wide range of courses on offer. There are many different specialisations and focus areas to choose from. There is so much freedom to customise and tailor your degree programme to what interests you.

For me, the lecturers were a standout aspect of the programme. They were not only knowledgeable but also extremely enthusiastic about their subjects. Their openness to questions and discussions, both in and out of the classroom, which created a really nice learning environment. It was very inspiring to be taught by lecturers at the forefront of their respective fields.

The programme helped me gain a lot of confidence solving problems analytically and working with econometric models. The skills and knowledge I learnt during my studies have been invaluable in preparing me for a career in the field of economics.

As an international student I found it very easy to make friends. Groningen is an amazing student city with so much to do. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Groningen and would highly recommend studying here.

Related Master's programmes

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.

Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/
Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.