Econometrics and Operations Research

What is the most cost-efficient location for placing windmills in the Netherlands? If you enjoy solving a problem like this, Econometrics and Operations Research could be right for you.

The BSc Econometrics and Operations Research (EOR) in Groningen teaches you all about mathematical modelling. The combination of the four profiles makes this programme unique: econometrics, operations research, actuarial science and mathematical economics. If you like economics, mathematics and statistics, enjoy finding solutions to complex problems and have an interest in mathematical modelling and software-assisted computations, then this could be the programme for you.

Econometrics is about the statistical methods needed to estimate the relation between variables. How does the gas price influence travel behaviour?
Operations research focuses on optimal decision-making and finding approximate solutions to complex real-life problems. What is the most efficient route (time/distance) to deliver a number of packages?
Actuarial science is about modelling the risks faced by, for instance, insurance companies and pension funds. How are pensions related to people living longer?
Mathematical economics studies how economic actors (individuals, government, companies) interact with each other.

The combination of these four profiles provides an extensive modelling toolkit for solving a wide range of economic and business problems. Many course units in the programme provide the opportunity to practise modelling on the basis of real-life cases and data, thus providing optimal preparation for your future career as an econometrician, operations research specialist, or actuary.

Facts & Figures

Degree: BSc in Econometrics and Operations Research
Course type: Bachelor
Duration: 36 months (180 ECTS)
Croho code: 56833
Language of instruction: English
Start: September
Faculty: Economics and Business

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Why study this programme in Groningen?

You acquire a sound background in economics, mathematics and statistics and become familiar with a range of important models. You learn how they can be put to the best use. You develop an aptitude for research and become skilled in communicating mathematical and quantitative results. With this, you can address a wide range of economically relevant problems.

Important features of the programme are small-group teaching, personal contact with lecturers, and the combination of theory and empirical applications.

The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.

In your third year, it is possible to choose a foreign minor and study abroad at one of our partner universities.

Programme

The first year starts with an intensive entry programme, in which you take your first course units, meet your fellow students and obtain important study information. You will take introductory courses in mathematics, statistics, economics and modelling skills. These course units lay the foundation for the rest of the programme.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Estimation and Testing (5 EC)
Finance (5 EC)
Linear Algebra (5 EC)
Mathematics I (5 EC)
Mathematics II (5 EC)
Microeconomics (5 EC)
Multivariate Calculus (5 EC)
OR Modelling (5 EC)
Probability Distributions (5 EC)
Probability Theory (5 EC)
Programming (5 EC)
Statistical Modelling (5 EC)

In the second, you will take course units in the core areas of econometrics, operations research, actuarial science and mathematical economics.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Difference- & Differential Equations (5 EC)
Dynamic Econometrics (5 EC)
Introduction to Actuarial Science (5 EC)
Introduction to Econometrics (5 EC)
Introduction to Mathematical Economics (5 EC)
Introduction to Operations Research (5 EC)
Linear Models in Statistics (5 EC)
Macroeconomics (5 EC)
Matrices, Graphs and Convexity (5 EC)
Queueing Theory and Simulation (5 EC)
Risk Insurance (5 EC)
Statistical Inference (5 EC)

In the first part of the third year, you take a minor. You can choose one from a minor at the faculty or the university or a study abroad minor. In the second semester of the third year, you will write your Bachelor's thesis to prove your modelling skills.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Bachelor's Thesis (10 EC)
Elective BSc EOR (5 EC) See course catalog for the list of electives.
Game Theory (5 EC)
Minor (30 EC) You can choose from a minor at the faculty, university minor or study abroad. Check the course catalog for more information.
Numerical Methods (5 EC)
Stochastic Models (5 EC)

Programme options
Econometrics (profile) Econometrics is about the statistical methods needed to estimate the relation between variables. How does the gas price influence travel behaviour
Operations Research (profile) Operations research focuses on optimal decision-making and finding approximate solutions to complex real-life problems. What is the most efficient route (time/distance) to deliver a number of packages?
Actuarial Science (profile) Actuarial science is about modelling the risks faced by, for instance, insurance companies and pension funds. How are pensions related to people living longer?
Mathematical Economics (profile) Mathematical economics studies how economic actors (individuals, government, companies) interact with each other

Study abroad

Study abroad is optional
Maximum of 30 EC

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

VWO Natuur & Techniek
VWO Natuur & Gezondheid

wiskunde B
VWO Economie & Maatschappij

wiskunde B
VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij

wiskunde B
HBO propedeuse

It is also possible to enter the programme with an HBO propaedeutic certificate, on condition that you meet the required level of mathematics and the English language skills. For mathematics, you must at least have completed B (previously mathematics B1) at Dutch VWO level. For English, you must also have completed this at VWO level or obtained one of the English certificates: IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); C1 Advanced (with minimum score 169).
academic propedeuse

You can enroll, as long as you have a finished VWO-degree with mathematics B.

Choice of degree programme check

The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.

Explanatory notes

Matching is a way for first year students of a Bachelor's degree programme without a selection procedure to find out whether their chosen degree programme matches with what they want.

If you want to register as a first year student for a Bachelor's degree programme without a selection procedure, you must do so no later than 1 May. That is a statutory requirement. When you have applied via Studielink on time, you are entitled to participate in a matching activity. Through matching you can find out whether your chosen Bachelor's degree programme matches with what you want. Every Bachelor's degree programme has a different matching procedure. After you have registered for a degree programme via Studielink, you will automatically receive a message explaining the procedure for the degree programme of your choice.

Registration procedure

Students have to apply online via Studielink. After you have applied, you have the right to participate in a matching activity. Matching is a procedure for students who want to apply for a Bachelor programme without a decentral selection procedure. Read more about the matching procedure.

More information on the steps to apply.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2024	01 September 2024
EU/EEA students	01 May 2024	01 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2024	01 September 2024

Choice of degree programme check

If you intend to start with a bachelor degree programme at the University of Groningen in September, make sure to apply before May 1 in Studielink. The degree programme will give you the option to participate in a matching activity to see if you and the degree programme are a match. Which matchings activity they provide depends on the faculty and programme.

Any questions about matching? Check www.rug.nl/matching

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	To meet the general entry-level requirements, you will need an educational background equivalent to the Dutch pre-university education (VWO). For an overview of VWO-equivalent qualifications, please check https://www.rug.nl/vwo-equivalent-qualifications. If you have any questions concerning admission to the programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.
additional subject	Mathematics should have been passed as a higher level (advanced) subject in your secondary school education. Please note that the level of mathematics will need to be assessed by the Admissions Board.
language test	IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 80 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 169, Speaking 169, Writing 162).

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the 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.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2024	01 September 2024
EU/EEA students	01 May 2024	01 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2024	01 September 2024

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2023-2024	€ 2314	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2023-2024	€ 11200	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

After your studies

Job prospects

Almost all students decide to continue with a Master's degree in EOR or a related field. Acquiring such a Master's degree will expand your career opportunities in the short and long term, at home and abroad. Graduates with an MSc degree in EOR are found in a broad spectrum of occupations where mathematical, programming and problem-solving skills are needed.

You can continue your education with the MSc in Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies at the University of Groningen.

The world of business offers jobs in areas such as finance, insurance, logistics, and marketing. Also, the public sector hires econometricians. Finally, moving into academia is another possible career path. 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.
FEB Career Services
When you become a student at the faculty, we want to support you in developing your career and strengthening your employability skills. You can count on a dedicated on-campus Career Services team offering you a wide range of courses, workshops, events and career-related support during your studies. Everything you need to enter the labour market.

Job examples

Quantitative analyst (logistics, finance, banking, insurance, marketing, healthcare)
Consultant (logistics, finance, insurance, marketing, healthcare)
Actuary (insurance, pensions)
Risk manager (financial sector)
Researcher (university, government, research institute, central banks)

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

From the start of your degree programme, attention is paid to both pre-professional development and academic research. In this way, our education is strongly rooted in business practice and research. The lecturers involved in our program conduct research projects on various economically relevant topics and often integrate such research in their lectures. Furthermore, alumni are regularly asked to give guest lectures in order to show how specific course topics can be used in practice.

Read more about the research conducted at the Faculty of Economics and Business.

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Contact

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Interaction between students and professors

The programme in Groningen is relatively small scale. This allows for interaction among students as well as between students and professors and it helps to understand all the courses and to learn as much as possible. I like mathematics and wanted to apply this to economics, for this EOR is the perfect study. My advice for new students is to work hard to pass all your courses but also take enough time to enjoy the great student life in Groningen.

(BSc EOR student Femke van den Bos)

I chose Groningen because it is the most vibrant student city in the Netherlands

I have always been good at mathematics and interested in how economics work, so I decided to sign up for the web classes offered by the university. I enjoyed the EOR web class the most. Where to study was an easy decision: I chose Groningen because it is the most vibrant student city in the Netherlands. I am almost done with my first year and my experience is that the EOR programme is challenging but not impossible as many people think. If you put in the work and attend the lectures and tutorials, there is a big chance to pass your exams successfully. What is special about this programme is how involved the lecturers are. I really enjoy the study and have made amazing friends this year!

(BSc EOR student Melanie Davids)

Alumni ambassador - Zexuan Yuan from China

In my high school, I majored in the science track and I decided to study the BSc in Econometrics and Operations Research. The first two reasons that brought me here is the English teaching environment and the top 100 ranking of the university. Most professors speak English quite well and it is easily understandable, there are also a lot of chances to practice. There are many international students in the city and Dutch people also speak English very well, so as long as you wish, your English can improve dramatically within a short period. Read the full interview with Zexuan Yuan, alumni ambassador China.

Study associations

VESTING

VESTING is the association for students of Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial studies.

Her purpose is to tighten the gap between the abstract theory and the practical use regarding Econometrics and Operations Research. Also, VESTING wants to ameliorate the contact between her members and offer them the possibility to deploy themselves on other aspects than their studies. This is achieved by the organisation of formal as well as informal activities.

https://www.devesting.nl/home

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/

(Binding) study advice

A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Study support

As a student, you are expected to work independently, but of course, the faculty will help you do so. Together with other first-years, you will participate in a mentor group. The mentor, a senior student, will help you learn the ins and outs of the faculty. In addition, you will discuss your study progress with your tutor (a lecturer-supervisor) at regular intervals. The study advisors are available to help you with specific study problems.

During the first year, your mentor group, called Study Performance and Academic Attitudes (SPAA) group, will meet on a regular basis, supervised by your student-mentor. Assignments and discussions will help you gain insight into your own way of studying and how to develop effective study skills. This small-scale approach enhances contact between students and between students and lecturers. You will also have a lecturer-tutor, whom you will meet individually at the start of your studies and after the first two exam periods. This way you receive personal and regular feedback on your study progress. Successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert with whom you can discuss your study progress and personal circumstances. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.

Related master's programmes

Econometrics and Operations Research

Study abroad

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

Choice of degree programme check

Explanatory notes

Registration procedure

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Choice of degree programme check

Admission requirements

Registration procedure

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Job prospects

Job examples

Linking education to research and career preparation

Contact

Interaction between students and professors

I chose Groningen because it is the most vibrant student city in the Netherlands

Alumni ambassador - Zexuan Yuan from China

Study associations

VESTING

EBF

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