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Education Bachelor's degree programmes Economics and Business Economics - Economics
Header image Economics and Business Economics - Economics

Economics and Business Economics - Economics

How do periods of high inflation affect the economy? And, how can monetary and fiscal policy be used to combat inflation? In the Economics profile, you learn to develop models to understand economic phenomena.

In the Economics profile of the BSc Economics and Business Economics in Groningen, you analyze big societal problems equipped with rigorous tools from economics while also using insights from politics, philosophy, and history.The courses taught focus not only on the problems of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory and policy but also on worldwide topics such as inequality and limits to growth.

You will get insights into a wide range of topics like banking, finance, fiscal and monetary policy issues, economic development and sustainability, economic theory, decisions made by consumers on markets, and strategic behavior between firms on markets. By studying economic problems with statistical data from real life, you will gain the necessary knowledge to analyze complex economic issues, interpret data, and make informed decisions.

The focus is on both theoretical and practical knowledge which prepares you for your professional life. Our programme is designed to shape students into future economists with a solid and strong analytical foundation. An economist who can understand historical trends and interpret today’s policies and economic data is able to make predictions about the future.

Do you want to learn more about the other two profiles in Business Economics or Economic Development and Globalization ?

Facts & Figures
Degree
BSc in Economics and Business Economics
Course type
Bachelor
Duration
36 months (180 ECTS)
Croho code
50950
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • The Economics profile in Groningen develops you into future economists with a solid and strong analytical foundation.
  • During the programme, there are many opportunities to work on professional skills that are highly valued on the job market.
  • In the course “History of Economic Thought” you analyze big societal problems via the lenses of philosophy, politics, economics, and history. Issues covered are for example inequality and limits to growth.
  • In the course “Political Economics” you study the impact of political systems on the economy and the impact of democracy or autocracy on economic growth.
  • You can tailor-make your programme: in your 2nd year, you specialize in one of three profiles and in the 3rd year you can choose from a lot of minor possibilities (at the faculty, university or go study abroad at one of our many international partners) and electives.
  • The programme ensures high-quality education. It 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, you will tackle the fundamentals of Micro-, Macro- and International economics. You also get an introduction into Finance, Accounting and the basics of Mathematics and Statistics. In various other courses, you will develop many skills, such as research and data skills, writing skills and presentation skills.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Introduction to E&BE (5 EC)
Mathematics for E&BE (5 EC)
Microeconomics for E&BE: Consumers&Firms (5 EC)
Financial Accounting for E&BE (5 EC)
Macroeconomics for E&BE (5 EC)
Mathematics and Data Analysis for E&BE (5 EC)
Marketing for E&BE (5 EC)
Statistics for E&BE (5 EC)
Academic English for E&BE (5 EC)
Research Paper for E&BE (5 EC)
Asset Pricing and Capital Budgeting (5 EC)
International Economics for E&BE (5 EC)

In the second year, you will learn to conduct applied research based on economic data and choose from one of the three profiles. The Economics profile focuses on problems of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory and policy. For this profile, you will follow a specific set of courses.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Matrix Analysis and Optimization (5 EC)
Monetary Macroeconomics (5 EC)
Trade Policy and Economic Integration (5 EC)
Intermediate Mathematics (5 EC)
Microeconomics - Industrial Organization (5 EC)
Public Finance (5 EC)
Capital Structure and Financial Planning (5 EC)
Econometrics for E&BE (5 EC)
Growth, Institutions and Business (5 EC)
Economics of Banking (5 EC)
Empirical Research Paper for E&BE (5 EC)
History of Economic Thought (5 EC)

In the third year, you will choose a minor (faculty, university or study abroad). You can pick from: a minor offered by your own degree programme, a minor from a different faculty of the University of Groningen or a minor that involves studying abroad for a full semester at one of our international university partners in Europe, Latin America, Australia, Canada, China, the USA, to name a few. At the end of the third year, you will write your Bachelor's thesis.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Minor (30 EC)

Minor Business and Taxation, minor E&BE, minor Innovation & Entrepreneurship, minor Management Control, Foreign minor or University minor

Intermediate Macroeconomics (5 EC)
Labour Economics (5 EC)

This course can be replaced by a course from the E&BE-Economics electives (see Ocasys).

Bachelor's Thesis E&BE-Economics (10 EC)
Electives (10 EC)

Growth and Development Economics, Intermediate Asset Pricing, International Financial Markets, Marketing Research for E&BE, Financial Statement Analysis for E&BE, Intermediate Corporate Finance, Sustainability and Globalization, Trade and Firms.

Intermediate Microeconomics (5 EC)
Political Economics (5 EC)

This course can be replaced by a course from the E&BE-Economics electives (see Ocasys).

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

You can choose to spend one semester (30EC) in the third year studying abroad at one of our exchange partners. For an overview of university partners, please visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/exchange/partners/.

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

  • VWO Natuur & Techniek
  • VWO Natuur & Gezondheid
  • VWO Economie & Maatschappij
  • VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij

    Wiskunde A of 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 A or B (previously mathematics A12 or 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 finished VWO-degree with mathematics A or B.

Choice of degree programme check

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.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 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 requirementsMore 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 standard/methods level 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.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 11200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Most of our graduates continue their studies with a Master's degree.

A Master's degree in Economics grants you access to the world of banking or the government sector, where you could help develop economic policy. After completing these degrees, you can find yourself in positions in which you contribute as an economist to decision-making in (inter)national government bodies, public organizations and private corporations such as financial institutions, multinationals and consultancy firms. If you choose the Research Master's degree programme you could move into academia and perhaps decide to go further and earn a PhD at a university in the Netherlands or abroad. 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.

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 is offered.

Job examples

  • Risk analyst
  • Policy maker
  • Financial advisor
  • Financial or asset manager
  • Consultant
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Also right from the start of your degree programme attention is paid to academic research and professional development. An analytical and critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire to. In collaboration with external partners, we conduct research projects on e.g banking, local government, customer insights, leadership, energy, healthy ageing and lean operations.

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

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Contact

You can build a good understanding of the foundations of economics (Jelte Tirion)

I wanted to study in Groningen because of the city, it is young and full of students, a perfect place to live during your study. The BSc Economics and Business Economics appealed to me because it offers great opportunities for choosing interesting courses after you have completed the first year.

In my second year, I chose the Economics profile because I am mostly interested in the theoretical foundations of economics. Within this profile, there are many courses that help build a good understanding of the foundations of economics, both on a mathematical and intuitive level. You also follow tutorials where you make sure you fully understand the theory. The teachers in this programme are always helpful and approachable for questions or to further talk about the study topics. Besides theory, there are interesting applications, mostly in policy areas that you work on. If you are interested in policy issues, this profile may be the right one for you.

My advice for new students is to work hard from the beginning. Although it is challenging at first, it will definitely help as you go further in your study because the courses become more and more interesting.

Read more

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/
Read more
(Binding) study advice

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.

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