Would you like to become an economic expert in topics such as financial decision-making by firms, fiscal or monetary policy of governments, or economic development and international trade?
During the three-year BSc Economics and Business Economics (E&BE), you will study 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. You will learn how business experts and policymakers attempt to stimulate both corporate and general economic activity. This programme will give you the theoretical tools and analytical skills needed to address complex issues.
During the 1st year - the foundation year - all students take the same course units. In year two, you will either specialize in Business Economics, Economics or Economic Development and Globalization.
In the 3rd year, you have the chance to choose a minor at the faculty, university or study abroad at one of the university partners.
In the first year, you will tackle the fundamentals of finance, micro- and macroeconomics, the basics of mathematics and statistics, and write a short research paper. These include introductions to Financial Accounting, International Economics, and International Business. You will also tackle the fundamentals of Micro- and Macroeconomics, Mathematics and Statistics.
You will write a short research paper, an essential aspect of academic life. Finally, you will take an Academic English language course to develop academic writing and presenting skills.
| CoursesCourse Catalog > |
|---|
| Academic English for E&BE (5 EC) |
| Asset Pricing and Capital Budgeting (5 EC) |
| Financial Accounting for E&BE (5 EC) |
| International Business for E&BE (5 EC) |
| International Economics for E&BE (5 EC) |
| Macroeconomics for E&BE (5 EC) |
| Marketing for E&BE (5 EC) |
| Mathematics and Data Analysis for E&BE (5 EC) |
| Mathematics for E&BE (5 EC) |
| Microeconomics for E&BE: Consumers & Firms (5 EC) |
| Research Paper for E&BE (5 EC) |
| Statistics 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:
| CoursesCourse Catalog > |
|---|
| BE - Business Ethics, Sustainability and Law (5 EC) |
| BE - Capital Structure and Financial Planning (5 EC) |
| BE - Econometrics for E&BE (5 EC) |
| BE - Economics of Banking (5 EC) |
| BE - Empirical Research Paper for E&BE (5 EC) |
| BE - Human Resource Management for BE (5 EC) |
| BE - Management Accounting for BE (5 EC) |
| BE - Matrix Analysis and Optimization (5 EC) |
| BE - Microeconomics - Industrial Organization (5 EC) |
| BE - Monetary Macroeconomics (5 EC) |
| BE - Operations and Logistics Management (5 EC) |
| BE - Trade Policy and Economic Integration (5 EC) |
| ECO - Capital Structure and Financial Planning (5 EC) |
| ECO - Econometrics for E&BE (5 EC) |
| ECO - Economics of Banking (5 EC) |
| ECO -Empirical Research Paper for E&BE (5 EC) |
| ECO - Growth, Institutions and Business (5 EC) |
| ECO - History of Economic Thought (5 EC) |
| ECO - Intermediate Mathematics (5 EC) |
| ECO - Matrix Analysis and Optimization (5 EC) |
| ECO - Microeconomics - Industrial Organization (5 EC) |
| ECO - Monetary Macroeconomics (5 EC) |
| ECO - Public Finance (5 EC) |
| ECO - Trade Policy and Economic Integration (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Capital Structure and Financial Planning (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Econometrics for E&BE (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Economics of Banking (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Empirical Research Paper for E&BE (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Global Development Studies (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Growth, Institutions and Business (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Matrix Analysis and Optimization (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Microeconomics - Industrial Organization (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Monetary Macroeconomics (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Technological Change & Innovation (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Trade Policy and Economic Integration (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 – be that in Europe, Latin America, Australia, Canada, China, the USA or elsewhere in the world. At the end of the third year, you will write your Bachelor's thesis.
| CoursesCourse Catalog > |
|---|
| BE - Bachelor's Thesis (10 EC) |
| BE - Faculty Minor, University Minor or Foreign Minor (study abroad) (30 EC) |
| BE - Financial Statement Analysis for E&BE (5 EC) |
| BE - Intermediate Asset Pricing (5 EC) |
| BE - Intermediate Corporate Finance (5 EC) Students of profile BE are advised to take the two courses Marketing Research and Financial Statement Analysis for E&BE. However, these courses might be replaced by electives (see Ocasys). |
| BE - Marketing Research for E&BE (5 EC) Students of profile BE are advised to take the two courses Marketing Research and Financial Statement Analysis for E&BE . However, these courses might be replaced by electives (see Ocasys). |
| ECO - Bachelor's Thesis (10 EC) |
| ECO - Faculty Minor, University Minor or Foreign Minor (study abroad) (30 EC) |
| ECO - Intermediate Macroeconomics (5 EC) |
| ECO - Intermediate Microeconomics (5 EC) |
| ECO - Labour Economics (5 EC) Students of profile Economics are advised to take the two courses Labour Economic and Political Economics. However, these courses might be replaced by electives (see Ocasys). |
| ECO - Political Economics (5 EC) Students of profile Economics are advised to take the two courses Labour Economics and Political Economics. However, these courses might be replaced by electives (see Ocasys). |
| ED&G - Bachelor's Thesis (10 EC) |
| ED&G- Faculty Minor, University Minor or Foreign Minor (study abroad) (30 EC) |
| ED&G - Growth and Development Economics (5 EC) |
| ED&G - International Financial Markets (5 EC) Students of profile ED&G are advised to take the two courses International Financial Markets and Trade and Firms. However, these courses might be replaced by electives (see Ocasys). |
| ED&G - Sustainability and Globalization (5 EC) |
| ED&G - Trade and Firms (5 EC) Students of profile ED&G are advised to take the two courses International Financial Markets and Trade and Firms. However, these courses might be replaced by electives (see Ocasys), |
| Programme options |
|---|
| Business Economics (BE) (profile) . Does it pay for firms to invest in corporate social responsibility? Do stocks of environmentally friendly firms provide a better risk-return tradeoff? In the Business Economics profile, you learn to understand decision-making within organizations from an economic point of view.After the first year in the BSc Economics and Business Economics in Groningen, you have the opportunity to specialize in Business Economics in year two and three. In this profile, you will learn about corporate finance, asset pricing and accounting. Students who choose this profile are interested in learning more about the functioning of organizations from an analytic, microeconomic as well as macro- and international economic point of view.During your study, you will find a balanced mix of theory and practice that is applied to current and worldwide trends. You will study how firms create value in their operational and financing decisions and have the chance to work in project teams on real-life assignments. Moreover, you will learn about business ethics and sustainability and get an insight into corporate responsibility and its impact on organizations at both local and global levels.We work closely with companies from various industries and regularly offer talks and guest lectures by our alumni, business leaders, and economists. By engaging with the labour market, you see how research and theory are applied into the real world and you get insights that will help you prepare for your future career. Do you want to learn more about the other two profiles in Economics or Economic Development and Globalization? |
| Economics (ECO) (profile) . 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? |
| Economic Development and Globalization (ED&G) (profile) How is economic development initiated and maintained? Which threats and opportunities arise as a result of economic globalization? If you are interested in these types of questions, this profile is the perfect fit for you. In the last decades, millions of people have been lifted out of poverty in many developing countries. Development Economics deals with the theories, policies and patterns underlying this process. It also seeks to analyze why some regions of the world have managed to develop successfully, while other regions are struggling. At the same time, the world has become increasingly integrated by international trade and capital flows. This has major consequences for e.g. labor markets, internationalization decisions of firms and environmental sustainability, but also for the determinants of international capital flows, exchange rates and financial crises. The ED&G profile gives you the tools to understand the process of economic development and globalization. The core of the profile consists of courses in both Development Economics and International Economics. In your Bachelor's thesis, you will investigate a problem related to one of these topics. |
Study load of 30 EC.
Wiskunde A of wiskunde B.
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).
You can enroll, as long as you have a finished VWO-degree with mathematics A or B.
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
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.
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 .
| 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 |
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
| 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 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). |
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.
| 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 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 2314 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 11200 | full-time |
Practical information for:
Graduates continue their studies with a Master's degree in various fields such as finance, economics, and economic development and globalization.
A Master's degree in Finance offers career opportunities in corporate finance, corporate governance, financial markets and portfolio management, with job opportunities at multinationals such as PwC, Google, Coca-Cola, or Toyota.
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. A Master's degree in Economic Development and
Globalization opens the gateway to multinationals,
intergovernmental institutions or international organizations. All
of these degrees could help you become an analyst for a research
institute, consulting firm or university.
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.
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Everything you need to enter the labour market.
A Master's degree in Finance offers graduates attractive career opportunities in many different areas. You could end up as a financial or asset manager. Or maybe corporate governance, risk analysis or stock trading is your thing. You will be ready to start work at multinationals such as PwC, Google, Coca-Cola or Toyota. Studying Finance will open a wide range of opportunities for you.
A Master's degree in Economics may lead you to the world of banking, where you might become an analyst or financial advisor, or you could work in the policy department of a central bank, perhaps analyzing the impact of monetary and economic policy. You might choose the government sector, beginning in an advisory role and moving on to a management position. You could help develop important socio-economic programmes and devise ways of administering them.
A Master's degree in Economic Development and Globalization will provide you with the credentials to work for a multinational or any kind of governmental institution or international organisation. You might become an analyst for a research institute, consulting firm or university.
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. Since an analytical and critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire. 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.
Studying this programme in Groningen allows me to get a profound understanding of the most essential economic models and theories as well as to enjoy all the aspects of student life. What I like about the Business Economics profile is the in-depth focus on the characteristics of finance and business. You get to follow different courses and work on diverse projects and learn about various perspectives of understanding the economic world. Putting knowledge into practice helps and prepares you for the future. (BSc Economics and Business Economics - Sebastian Virsik)
I chose this programme because it allowed me to touch upon some main economic subjects such as Microeconomics and Macroeconomics but also on topics like Philosophy and Business Ethics. I particularly like that I could pick a specialization - ED&G - where I learned about the economic impact of a globalized world and how decisions and policies are made within such an environment. The lectures and tutorials enhance the learning process and make it easier to structure the theory and put it into practice.
(BSc Economics and Business Economics - Karishma Hiro Ramchand)
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.
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 advisers 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. You will follow most tutorials with the same group. 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.
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