Prepare to get convinced. Take 90 seconds to find out why you should study MSc Economics at the University of Amsterdam. View the highlights of this study programme.
Learn to use up-to-date theories and tools
Our own internationally recognised researchers will introduce you to the latest techniques and theories. They will provide you with up-to-date tools which you can use in your first job.
Experience guest lectures from top experts
Within each track you can expect guest lectures from experts working in a wide range of economic organisations and fields. We have had representatives from the Dutch Central Bank, the CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis and the World Bank.
The programme
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Choose from 6 tracks
The Amsterdam School of Economics is one of the few Dutch universities to offer a selection of no less than 6 tracks. After the common 1st block, you can choose the track that suits you best.
You can choose from the following tracks:
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Choose your electives
Depending on the track of your choice, you can also choose 1 of our electives:
- Economic Growth
- Empirical Market Analysis
- Financial Institutions and Banking
- Financial Regulation
- Globalisation, Growth and Development
- Human Development
- Public Finance and Fiscal Policy
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Macroeconomics
In this course you will learn about modern macroeconomic models. You will learn how to use these models to explain and evaluate recent events and policy interventions. For example, the effect of uncertainty on savings, welfare and investment, the causes and nature of unemployment and inflation and the role of monetary and fiscal authorities.
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Microeconomics and Game Theory
In this course you will learn to understand the workings and limitations of the market. You will learn how to analyse consumer and producer behaviour and how to use basic game theory. The central question is: what can markets do and when do they fail? What determines the outcome, and how does that depend on market structure?
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Applied Econometrics
In this course you will learn about regression analysis. In applied economics this is a powerful tool to analyse empirical relationships. You will learn how to interpret estimation and testing results and build a satisfactory empirical model. You will follow lectures and take part in lab sessions to acquire practical econometric skills by making computer exercises.
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Thesis
The Master’s thesis is the final requirement for your graduation. It is your chance to dive deep into an economics topic that you are enthusiastic about. You will present your research and findings in your thesis. A professor in your business economics field of choice (track) will supervise and support you in writing your thesis.
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Honours programme
Highly motivated students can participate in the MSc Economics Honours programme. This challenging programme is a great chance to stand out for future employers.

MSc Economics was a great preparation for my current job, where policymaking and economic analysis are combined. A wide range of those policy questions were discussed in the classroom at the UvA.Jesper Hanson Read about Jesper's experiences with this Master's
Add extra value to your studies
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Internship and exchange
If you have completed your curriculum, you can do an internship or go on an exchange abroad. For international students it is an excellent opportunity to experience the Dutch labour market.
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Dutch language course
Are you interested in learning Dutch? There are different options to give you the opportunity to maximise your Dutch experience and prepare for your future job in the Netherlands.
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Study associations
Many of our students are members of a study association. It is fun and useful for your future career at the same time. Faculty student associations are a great way to meet fellow students and future employers. They organise study trips (abroad), career events, weekly debates, parties and receptions with drinks. Sometimes you can also purchase your textbooks and course syllabi at reduced rates.
Overview Study Associations
- Faculty student association Sefa
- International Student Committee (ISC, part of Sefa)
- International Student Network Amsterdam (ISN, part of Sefa)
- Study Association Actuarial Sciences, Econometrics and Operational Research (VSAE)
- Financial Study Association Amsterdam (FSA)
- International study association (AIESEC)
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Student associations
Amsterdam has a thriving student community with many activities organised outside of the university’s grounds. You will find student associations focusing on networking, specific interests and sports. It is only at sororities and fraternities that you can expect an initiation ritual (hazing).
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Student participation
At university, you are entitled to make your voice heard and assess the quality of your own education. Students can participate in the discussion on the university's education policy in various ways, such as by joining the Programme Committee or the Faculty Student Council. You can also stand for election and dedicate your efforts to the programme and your fellow students.
Online meets offline in our Hybrid Learning Theatre. The future-proof setting is the stage for dynamic interaction and inspirational education. Students watching the lecture online are projected on a large Zoom wall of 5x3 metres. Together with students who are physically present in the theatre and the lecturer there can be energetic interaction in the class room. In class the material is studied actively, for example by having debates, discussions and case assignments.
Interactive Online Learning at UvA Economics and Business
During your Master’s, you will experience an inspiring combination of both offline and online education. We work with a blended learning teaching method. By applying this method, you will be able to combine different types of learning into 1 approach and enjoy mastering knowledge at your own pace. During class there will be more time for in-depth analyses and interaction with your lecturer other students.
Types of education
In this programme, you will find that in your education there’s a balance between innovative teaching methods and traditional forms. Writing an academic paper can be alternated by an online challenge. A peer-feedback assignments or a video recording with explanation can also be part of the teaching method.
Our Centre for Educational Innovation and our Teaching and Learning Centre are continuously working on improving our teaching methods. We take the interactions between students, teachers, and learning resources into account. In doing so, we hope to offer you the right combination of challenging, effective, and efficient education.