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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Research Master in Economics and Business - Research
Header image Research Master in Economics and Business

Research Master in Economics and Business

The Economics and Business research master's in Groningen is a tailor-made programme for ambitious students who want to pursue a career in research.

Are you interested in solving complex societal challenges, like climate change, public health, and poverty? Do you want to learn from the best researchers and interact with ambitious fellow students? Are you interested in a research career inside or outside academia? Are you highly motivated to initiate and perform innovative research? Then this is the programme for you.

In the research master's programme in Economics and Business, we offer talented and motivated students a tailor-made study programme. This programme gives you a solid foundation in economics and business, and you get the opportunity to specialize in the area that meets your personal interests.

The motto of the programme is “learning research by doing research”. The core courses give you thorough training in all aspects of academic research (30EC), including philosophy of science, research methodology, and academic writing. For the largest part, you can choose from a variety of dedicated research master's courses in economics and business that meet your interest (60EC). Courses are generally small-scale and offer close interaction with lecturers, enabling the development of important analytical skills. In addition, there are opportunities to participate in courses and workshops offered by other schools in Groningen, the Netherlands, and abroad. The master thesis (30 EC) allows you to further develop your research ideas under the supervision of experienced researchers.

To guide you in your course selection we provide support and have developed example programmes in a variety of specializations, for example, Leadership, Health management, Energy economics, and Operations management.

Do you want to contribute to solving important societal challenges of today?

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Research Master in Economics and Business (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60315
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
AACSB accredited
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • The programme consistently achieves outstanding results year after year, being chosen 'Top-rated programme' and 'Best Research Master' in Economics and Business in the Netherlands in 2020, 2019, and 2018 by Higher Education Guide Masters. In the years prior, it was rated as 'Best Research Master in the Netherlands' in 2016, 2015, and 2012 and as 'Top Programme' in 2016 and 2014.
  • Our research master offers a tailored learning experience, empowering students to craft their unique academic path. The flexibility to design your own programme is highly appreciated by our students.
  • What's unique in our small-scale programme is that you learn by doing. This way you develop critical research skills, that prepare you for your academic and professional pursuits.
  • Completing this programme enhances your prospects of securing a PhD position at the Faculty of Economics and Business.
  • You are individually supervised by high-quality researchers and in the programme we focus on research skills training, as well as deepening and broadening knowledge.
  • You will be part of the lively and tight community of students and researchers called MORE.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

In the first year, all students take 15 EC research courses, 10 EC research methods courses and 35 elective courses.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Philosophy of Science and Research Meth. (5 EC)
Electives ReMa (35 EC)
Electives ReMa-Research Methods (10 EC)
Learning and Practising Research (10 EC)

In the second year, students further specialize in their research field and take 25EC electives and a 5EC research course. In the last semester, students write a 30EC research master thesis.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Electives ReMa (25 EC)
Academic Writing for ReMa (5 EC)
Master's Thesis RM E&B (30 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

Study abroad is not offered unless students decide to take a summer school abroad.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International BusinessUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
PsychologyUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
SociologyUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.

Computer ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For profile Informatica & Economie.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Business EngineeringMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Global StudiesMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
International BusinessMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of TwenteNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and GovernanceWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Admission to the Research Master (RM) programme is selective, based on a thorough assessment of study results, personal competences and motivation. In principle, students with a BSc degree in Economics or Business are eligible for the RM programme.

Furthermore, students with a Bachelor degree in a related field, like psychology or sociology, may be admitted to some profiles of the programme. The Admission Board of the RM (appointed by the Examination Board) decides on admission. The Admission Board consists of the Director of Graduate Studies and the directors of the research programmes.

  • A strong motivation and talent for scientific research as exemplified by the motivation letter, course papers, thesis, and the activities listed in the curriculum vitae;
  • Excellent knowledge of the relevant fields and methods. In principle, students must have completed their Bachelor's or Master's degrees with an average grade of 8 (on a 10 point scale) and with a grade for their Bachelor research work (i.e. thesis) of at least 8;
  • Students with a relevant diploma from a Dutch university do not need to submit a GMAT/GRE score or an IELTS/TOEFL score.

For a complete overview of all the documents you need to upload, please visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc and the application checklist on https://www.rug.nl/feb/application-checklist.

If you want to know more about the programme, please contact:

(For general information on the application procedure and requirements)

(coordinator Research Master)

other admission requirements

Application date with scholarship: January 1

Application date: May 1

Read more about scholarship opportunities for EU/EEA-students (http://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-economics-and-business/master-programme/scholarships)

Note: Late submissions may be processed, please first contact the coordinator.

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.

Registration procedure

Follow these steps to apply to the Research Master.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Admission to the Research Master (RM) programme is selective, based on a thorough assessment of study results, personal competences and motivation. In principle, students with a BSc degree in Economics or Business are eligible for the RM programme.

Furthermore, students with a Bachelor degree in a related field, like psychology or sociology, may be admitted to some profiles of the programme. The Admission Board of the RM (appointed by the Examination Board) decides on admission. The Admission Board consists of the Director of Graduate Studies and the directors of the research programmes.

  • A strong motivation and talent for scientific research as exemplified by the motivation letter, course papers, thesis, and the activities listed in the curriculum vitae;
  • Excellent knowledge of the relevant fields and methods as exemplified by BSc or MSc grades and GMAT or GRE scores (our GMAT code is 7207). In principle, students must have completed their Bachelor's or Master's degrees with an average grade of 8 (on a 10-point scale) and with a grade for their Bachelor research work of at least 8. All applicants with a non-Dutch diploma need to have a GMAT/GRE.
  • Good abilities to read, write and speak in English, as exemplified by a TOEFL score of at least 90 (internet-based) with speaking at least 20 and writing at least 24. SOM's TOEFL code is 9077.
  • Alternatively, a score of at least 6.5 (speaking at least 6, writing at least 6.5) should have been obtained at an IELTS test of English proficiency.

For a complete overview of all the documents you need to upload, please visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc and the application checklist on https://www.rug.nl/feb/application-checklist.

If you want to know more about the programme, please contact:

(for general information on the application procedure and requirements)

(coordinator Research Master)

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). SOM's TOEFL code is 9077.

other admission requirements

Application date with scholarship: January 1 Application date: May 1

Read more about scholarship opportunities for EU/EEA-students (http://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-economics-and-business/master-programme/scholarships) Note: Late submissions may be processed, please first contact the coordinator

Registration procedure

Follow these steps to apply to the Research Master.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

As a graduate of the Research Master in Economics and Business, you are ideally placed to become a PhD student or to obtain a research position in a public or private organization like banks, consultancy firms, and ministries. So far, graduates from this programme have obtained PhD positions at, amongst others, the Universities of Antwerp (Belgium), Bocconi (Milan, Italy), Rotterdam, Sydney (Australia), and of course Groningen.

As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in the labour market. The Faculty of Economics and Business is internationally accredited and belongs to the 1% of business schools around the world accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.

The Faculty of Economics and Business offers a range of facilities to help you prepare for the job market through, for example, a future job talk, a job assessment workshop, and a mock job interview.



Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

The study programme has a strong focus on scientific and academic skills. Before students can contribute to a field of study, they will need to know a great deal about that field and have sufficient knowledge about research methods and techniques. Students will, therefore, be provided with in-depth knowledge about a certain field of economics and business on the one hand, and will be trained in a wide range of research methods on the other.

The specialized courses offered throughout the Research Master reflect the state-of-the-art research performed by experienced scholars in their respective fields. Moreover, Research Master's students are individually supervised in their area of interest by renowned researchers. Read more about our seven research programmes within FEBRI- the research institute of FEB.

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Contact

Aukje Nieuwenhuis

Coming from a math background, the research master was an intensive crash course into academic economics. I learned about a wide range of economic models, explored diverse research areas and perspective, all the while maintaining a solid foundation in maths.

Read more

Jean Pierre Bolanos

The small scale of the programme allowed me to work with top-level researchers in my field and with other equally motivated students. These enduring relationships have proven invaluable now I am undertaking my PhD studies.

Read more

Study associations

MORE

MORE is an acronym for Masters Of REsearch. As the name suggests, it is the study association for all Research Master students of the Faculty of Economics and Business.
Its primary purpose of existence is to counterbalance the stressful Research Master program. It does so by hosting social events for all Research Master students within the faculty, thus keeping students from all profiles in touch with each other.
http://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-economics-and-business/master-programme/more

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/
Read more
Study support

The coordinator of the Research Master acts as a dedicated study advisor. He will give you plenty of advice about your curriculum, keep a close eye on the progress of your research projects, and coach you on the road from a Research Master degree to a PhD, or to any other future career you may aspire to.