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Economics

Leerdoel

In the Economics master's programme, you will study the problems that firms, organisations and society simultaneously face. The interaction of technological progress, globalisation and demographic trends implies a shift to a knowledge-based economy. Due to this shift, external relations between firms and internal relations within firms and organisations are very dynamic. Highly educated economists are needed to handle the complex and dynamic problems of the modern economy. The master�s programme focuses on various economic topics. As a policy-oriented economist you will: learn to employ the tools of the economic trade to provide practical policy advice; apply economic theories to analyse current trends and fluctuations in economic performance, growth, competitiveness and income distribution in the world economy; deal with policy issues concerning labour economy on a national and international level. Several social aspects concerning natural resources in relation to production and consumption processes are integrated in your programme. The programme also includes a workshop in which you will refresh the relevant statistical and mathematical techniques.

Afstudeervarianten

Within the broad field of economics, you are given the opportunity to deepen their understanding of how markets function and which challenging problems companies, market organisations and governments face because of increased globalisation and ongoing market integration. At Tilburg University, you can choose among three tracks within the Master’s programme in Economics:

1. Competition and Regulation
2. Socio-economic Policy
3. Resources, Development and Growth

In each of the tracks, you will learn how to handle the complex and dynamic problems of the modern economy and are taught how to gather information, process it, and how to communicate the results of economic analyses in an effective way.

Competition and Regulation
The track ‘Competition and Regulation’ consists of courses that focus on how markets should be organised. This track has a clear Industrial Organisation focus, as evidenced by the key courses Seminar Game Theory and Industrial Organisation, Seminar Privatisation, Regulation, Productivity and Competitiveness, Seminar Competition Policy: Advanced theory and cases, and the Seminar Liberalisation and Regulation: Advanced theory and cases.

This track is advised to students who wish to work for competition authorities (e.g., NMa), regulatory bodies (such as DTe and OPTA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, large consultancy firms (PriceWaterhouseCoopers), specialised economic consultancies on competition and regulation (Lexecon, Nera, Oxera), international organisations such as EU and OECD, and economic departments of large firms.

Socio–economic Policy
The track ‘Socio–economic Policy’ consists of courses that focus on how governments can achieve their domestic policy objectives, taking into account the constraints associated with ongoing economic integration. It is centered around the Seminars Public Economics and Labour Economics.

This track is advised to students who wish to pursue a career as policy advisor in national governments (Ministry of Social Affaires, or other Ministries) or in international organisations such as the EU, as a researcher in applied research institutes (e.g., Netherlands Bureau of Economic Research (CPB)), or as a consultant with nationally or internationally oriented consultancy firms.

Resources, Development and Growth
The track ‘Resources, Development and Growth’ focuses on the sources of economic growth, the barriers to growth and development, and on the negative consequences of growth. Key courses here are the Seminars Development and Growth, and Environmental Economics.

This track is advised to students who wish to pursue a career in international organisations (World Bank), national governments (Ministry of Development Cooperation, Ministry of the Environment), non–governmental organisations, or internationally oriented consultancy firms.

Programma

The programme consists of 60 Credits (ECTS), equivalent to 1680 hours of study, offered over two semesters. The first semester starts in September, with exams in December and January. The second semester runs from February to June, but is divided in two. From February to April, you will take two courses. From April on, you will be able to focus on writing your Master’s Thesis.

Toelatingseisen

If you have an FEB Bachelor's degree in Economics or International Economics and Finance, you will have direct access to the Master's programme in Economics.

If you do not meet these criteria, please make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to discuss your options.

 
University bachelors in Economics
In order to have access to the Master's programme in Economics, candidates must meet two entry requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in Economics or in a similar programme (e.g., in Econometrics) from a university that is recognized by the programme management, is compulsory. More precisely, a solid academic background is required in the fields of:

• Macroeconomics (5 ECTS)
• Microeconomics (5 ECTS)
• Mathematics (10 ECTS)
• Statistics (10 ECTS)
• Game Theory ( 5 ECTS)
• Industrial Organisation ( 5 ECTS), and either

• Labour Economics (10 ECTS)
• Environmental Economics (10 ECTS)
• Public Economics (10 ECTS)

Proficiency in English is required. Students who did their Bachelor’s in the Netherlands, native English speakers and applicants with a Bachelor’s degree from a programme entirely in English are admitted without a test. All other students should have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, or, alternatively, a minimum TOEFL score of 575 is necessary. Scores on separate parts are also evaluated, since candidates must possess good reading, writing, and oral skills. Even if these requirements are met, the programme management reserves the right to refuse a candidate because of, for example, capacity constraints or diversity of the student population.

The following characteristics are not required: Candidates with work experience are welcome, but work experience is not a prerequisite to enter the programme. Proficiency in Dutch or any other language apart from English.

If you meet these requirements, you have a good chance of being accepted to the Master's programme in Economics. If you wish to apply for this programme, please note that there are different procedures for Dutch students and international students.

Beroepsperspectief en arbeidsmarkt

In terms of professional orientation, an Economics graduate should be able to achieve careers in all areas of Economics:

Also, the Economics programme provides a very good background for entering into an MPhil/PhD programme, either in the Netherlands or abroad.

Due to the excellent reputation of the Economics Department in both teaching and research, alumni of the Economics Master’s have a competitive advantage in all jobs for which sound economic knowledge, strong economic intuition, and sharp analytical and problem-solving skills are required.