Economics Master's Programmes
Master's programs
Full Time
Utrecht University, the Dutch Government and other organisations offer scholarships, fellowships and grants.
Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) offers the following English-taught Master's programmes:
- Banking and Finance (1 year, fulltime)
- Business and Social Impact (1 year, fulltime)
- Business Development and Entrepreneurship (1 year, fulltime)
- Economic Policy (1 year, fulltime)
- International Management (1 year, fulltime)
- Financial Management (1 year, fulltime)
- Strategy, Competition and Regulation (1 year, fulltime)
- Sustainable Finance and Investments (1 year, fulltime)
- Research Master: Multidisciplinary Economics (2 years, fulltime)
WHY STUDY ECONOMICS AT UTRECHT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS?
- Learn from experienced practitioners from the field
- Tailor the programme to your ambitions and interests
- Be part of a small and international community
- Experience the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach
- Ideal preparation for a career in a wide range of companies and institutions
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT UTRECHT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
- The real world perspective: The statement ‘the real-world perspective’ summarises succinctly U.S.E.’s mission. It indicates a strong awareness of the complex socio-economic reality: human behaviour is not always ‘rational’ and markets are not always in equilibrium. Read more here.
- Utrecht University in the rankings: The Shanghai Ranking places UU as the top research university in the Netherlands, 15th in Europe, and 52nd in the world. Get to know more about Utrecht University here.
- Top quality facilities: The campus is approximately ten minutes by bicycle from Utrecht’s beautiful historic city centre and is very close to Utrecht Science Park, our main campus. You will have access to a wide range of high-quality facilities such as the best modern technology to support your studies, cross-campus library access, and online access to academic books, journals, and databases. Read More about student facilities here.
- Grants and Scholarships available! Check general information about scholarships here!
BANKING AND FINANCE
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: International Economics and Business
- Programme: Banking and Finance
- Credits: 60
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
Financial markets play a key role in the stability and prosperity of economies, governments and organisations, with profound effect on the individual and society as a whole. Are you fascinated by the dynamic context of today’s financial markets, and do you want to make a positive impact on the future of international finance and banking? Then the Master’s in Banking and Finance at Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is the programme for you.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE
Based on Utrecht University’s research expertise, this unique and state-of-the-art Finance Master’s gives you a deep understanding of the interaction between the economic environment, economic policy, financial markets and financial institutions.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME
In the Master in Banking and Finance you will focus on:
- investment banking in international financial markets
- regulation of banks and other financial institutions worldwide
- central bank policies and commercial banks’ strategic allocation, funding and investment decisions
- risk management and the sustainability of financial systems and investments.
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
BUSINESS AND SOCIAL IMPACT
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: International Economics and Business
- Programme: Business and Social Impact
- Credits: 60
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
Businesses increasingly have to reinvent themselves to meet the demands of a world characterised by societal challenges such as climate change, population growth, migration and globalisation. Pressure from consumers, regulators and other stakeholders stimulates organisations to combine financial and social goals, rather than focusing solely on shareholder value. More than ever, businesses need strategic renewal and value creators with transformative leadership qualities to help steer them in the desired direction. Do you want to experience the opportunities, challenges and dilemmas that businesses face today? Do you want to develop the knowledge and skills required to assess and enhance business ecosystems? Do you want to become an expert in designing new strategies for societal value creation? Our new and innovative Master’s programme in Business and Social Impact provides you with a solid grounding in economics & management, and equips you with practical skills, tools and networks for a rewarding career with organisations that lead the way on corporate social responsibility.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE
This programme is based on Utrecht University’s world-class research in business strategy, organisation, marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation. The academic staff of Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) excel in integrating business perspectives with broader socio-economic issues. This comes to the fore in our Sustainable Finance Lab, the Social Entrepreneurship Initiative and its link with the business world and policy practice.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME
In this Master’s in Business and Social Impact, you will focus on:
- The role of business in today’s society;
- Understanding and appreciating the wider context of business and business ecosystems, along with the various stakeholders;
- Developing strategies for doing business for society, in connection with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Dealing with the challenges, opportunities, tensions and dilemmas that come with combining financial and social value;
- The role of marketing in doing business;
- Obtaining and managing finance for business that combines financial and social goals.
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: International Economics and Business
- Programme: Business Development and Entrepreneurship
- Credits: 60
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
Our globalised, digital economy and disruptive new technological innovation is creating virtually unlimited opportunities for new ventures. Human creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset are needed to initiate successful new ideas, and develop sustainable new markets and business models that benefit society as well as business. If you are energised by the dynamic possibilities of the rapidly-evolving new world of business, the Utrecht University MSc in Business Development and Entrepreneurship gives you the practical abilities, networks, and strong academic foundations you need.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE
This Master’s programme is based on Utrecht University’s world class research in the domain of entrepreneurship and innovation, and the interaction with business strategy and policy practice by U.S.E. staff members and lecturers. It also draws upon the broad international research network of the Utrecht Center for Entrepreneurship.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME
In the Master in Business Development and Entrepreneurship you focus on:
- venture development, creating the right environment and context for new ventures to thrive;
- capturing value from innovation;
- product and service development;
- entrepreneurial marketing using methods like co-creation with customers and design thinking;
- obtaining and managing (venture) capital.
Read more about the study programme.
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
ECONOMIC POLICY
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: Economic Policy
- Programme: Economic Policy
- Credits: 60
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
How do we deal with the long term challenges from new technologies, globalisation, demographic shifts and environmental change? What policies are required to achieve environmental sustainability - and who is responsible for taking action? If you are strongly motivated to contribute to just and effective decisions in economic policy-making, the Master’s in Economic Policy at Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is the right choice for you.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE
Based on Utrecht University’s research expertise, this multidisciplinary Master’s gives you 360-degree picture of the importance of economic policy-making for business, government, and society.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME
In the Master in Economic Policy you focus on
- the role of government policies in complex societal issues such as care and insurance, sustainable economic growth, and energy transition;
- applying modern economics to societal questions such as international policy competition, inequality, and the future of work.
Read more about the study programme.
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: International Economics and Business
- Programme: International Management
- Credits: 60
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
Today, many firms operate internationally, whether that entails limited regional exporting or extensive sales or supply chain operations in foreign markets. Is the ability to navigate international market opportunities and manage complex cross-border operations, core to your ambitions and interests? Then the Master’s programme in International Management at Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is for you.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE
Based on Utrecht University’s research expertise, this multidisciplinary Master gives you a deep theoretical understanding of the complex interactions at play in international business. While this programme is very practically oriented it teaches you to draw on a firm basis in international economics and business theories in order to deliver excellent results for an organisation.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME
In the Master in International Management you will focus on:
- Effective and ethical management and leadership in a complex international environment;
- The interaction between economic policy, financial markets and institutions in an international business context;
- Strategy, corporate social responsibility, ethics and human behaviour, as key aspects of international management;
- The role culture and incentives play in the behaviour of managers, firms and governments in cross-border interactions;
- Developing the ability to effectively adapt and operate in any international working environment in many different fields and organisations.
Read more about the study programme.
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: International Economics and Business
- Programme: Financial Management
- Credits: 60
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
Today financial management operates in a highly complex, interconnected and fast-moving international arena. Organisational objectives have to integrate a wide variety of considerations, from long-term stakeholder value to the short-term financial growth that is desired and demanded. Do you want to take on the challenge of being one of the new generation of chief financial officers (CFOs) with the complex skills to effectively manage the finances of large, SME and start-up businesses? Then the Master’s in Financial Management at Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is for you.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE
Based on Utrecht University’s research expertise, this multidisciplinary Master’s gives you a broad and specific understanding of the financial management of organisations. You study with some of the world’s leading academics in the field of financial management.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME
In the Master in Financial Management you will focus on:
- How to raise capital (i.e. issuing shares and bonds);
- How to allocate capital (capital and operational budgeting);
- How to manage short-term resources;
- How to deal with new alternative financing forms such as crowdfunding or fintech;
- How to manage different corporate risks;
- How to align individual motives to organisational motives via performance management and compensation systems;
- How to effectively introduce changes in financial management policies within organisations.
Read more about the study programme.
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
STRATEGY, COMPETITION AND REGULATION
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: Economics of Competition and Regulation
- Programme: Strategy, Competition and Regulation
- Credits: 60
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
In the past two decades, many aspects of business and social life have been disrupted by high-growth organisations such as Google, Apple and Airbnb. The market power of corporate organisations is based on brilliant but sometimes debatable strategies. These strategies present challenges for the organisations themselves, as well as policymakers, regulators and supervisors such as the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets and the European Commission. In this highly dynamic and international environment, strategy, competition and regulatory challenges require broad expertise related to industrial organisations, strategic management, competition law and econometrics. This Master’s programme focuses on the academic and practical toolkit to operate in the arena of powerful corporates and international policymakers.
Are you interested in international competitive strategies, economic and legal perspectives on market power, the role of private equity, and mergers and acquisitions? Do you want to make a difference in increasing social welfare by balancing private and public interests in the functioning and regulation of markets? Do you want to have a professional role at leading, fast-growing businesses, policymaking organisations, regulatory and supervisory bodies, or economic and legal consultants? If so, we think you’ll be well suited to a Master’s in Strategy, Competition and Regulation.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The Master’s in Strategy, Competition and Regulation provides you with:
- Knowledge and understanding of key competition challenges at the interface of private and public interests faced by international high-growth businesses and public regulators;
- The skills and expertise required to understand the strategic, economic and regulatory aspects of competition issues in markets, to evaluate such issues and to draft prospective plans to resolve or leverage such issues; and
- The ability to adopt a reasoned position in the strategic, economic and regulatory debate on the justifications, principles, practices, causes and consequences of the management, monitoring and regulation of markets and institutions.
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND INVESTMENTS
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: International Economics and Business
- Programme: Sustainable Finance and Investments
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
More than ever, today’s financial markets play a key role in tackling global environmental and social challenges. Regulators and society expect major capital suppliers to demonstrate the purpose they serve beyond financial goals. At the same time, the financial sector recognises that considering issues such as climate change and societal well-being in financial decision-making is not just the right thing but also a smart thing to do.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE
In this Master’s programme, you will learn from academic staff with more than a decade’s experience in research and education on sustainable finance and business. Utrecht University School of Economics’ (U.S.E) academic staff excel in integrating financial and economic perspectives into broader societal issues. U.S.E promotes the translation of science into practice and policy through initiatives such as the Sustainable Finance Lab and the Social Entrepreneurship Initiative.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME
During this Master’s Sustainable Finance and Investments, you will focus on:
- Acquiring the fundamental finance knowledge and tools you can use to assess the returns, risks and value of investments;
- The sustainability risks and opportunities that financial professionals are experiencing – such as climate change, resource scarcity, social inequality and stakeholder well-being;
- Implementing sustainable and ‘impact investments’;
- Measuring the financial performance and social impact of investments;
- The pros and cons of using ESG metrics in the financial analysis of companies, investing and shareholder engagement;
- What externally financed companies can do to identify, prioritise and report on material sustainability issues; and
- Learning from finance and related disciplines on how the financial sector can promote the transition to a more sustainable economy and society.
Read more about the study programme.
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ECONOMICS
- Title: MSc
- Master's degree in: Multidisciplinary Economics (research)
- Programme: Multidisciplinary Economics
- Credits: 120
- Status: Full Time
- Application Deadlines: Dutch & EU/EER students: 1 June; Non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
The highly regarded Keuzegids Master’s Selection Guide 2019 ranked Utrecht University’s Multidisciplinary Economics as a top rated Master's programme in the Netherlands. With a score of 78 out of a 100, the Research Master Multidisciplinary Economics has been assessed as one of the best in its category.
From upheavals in the housing market to high bonuses for bankers, from rising taxes to the global credit crisis, economics is no longer a straightforward matter of money and finance. Economics today is a multifaceted discipline with real impact on global politics, law, and society. In the Utrecht University MSc in Multidisciplinary Economics, you learn to cross the borders of economics into other scientific disciplines – a real strength of the Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) - in order to provide sound research and applicable solutions to real-world problems, now and in the future.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE
The two-year Research Master in Multidisciplinary Economics is taught by academics and lecturers who bring the true excitement and breadth of multidisciplinary perspectives on economics into the classroom. This multidisciplinary context will encourage you to look at complex economics issues from different perspectives and help you to apply that knowledge in academia, industry or government.
CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME
In the Research Master in Multidisciplinary Economics you will focus on:
- compulsory first-year courses designed to give you a solid foundation in economics necessary to conduct economic research and analysis;
- looking at economic problems from the perspectives of other disciplines;
- a second year that you can tailor with elective courses that match your personal areas of research interest, to be chosen from a list of U.S.E. electives, complemented with electives from other research masters at UU, and with electives from the University of Groningen;
- developing interpersonal and social skills in a highly international programme by working closely with fellow students;
- the development of essential research skills such as data handling, academic writing, and presentation.
Read more about the study programme..
Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
Heidelberglaan 8
3584 CS Utrecht , Netherlands
