The programme
Our Bachelor’s in Business Analytics integrates 3 important fields: Analytics, (Business) economics and Computer science. Together they make up the international working environment of the business analyst. It is this distinctive combination that will make your degree stand out to future employers. Although the focus differs significantly from that of our Bachelor’s in Econometrics and Data Science, you will share lectures and study groups in some parts of the programme.
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Analytics for a Better WorldPeriod 16
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Mathematics 1: CalculusPeriod 16
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Microeconomics for AEPeriod 26
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Probability Theory and Statistics 1Period 26
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Introduction to ProgrammingPeriod 36
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Finance for AEPeriod 46
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Mathematics 2: Linear AlgebraPeriod 46
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Business Law and Ethics for Business AnalyticsPeriod 56
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Probability Theory and Statistics 2Period 56
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Introduction Data Science: Data PreprocessingPeriod 66
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Algorithms and Data Structures in PythonPeriod 16
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Mathematics 3: Advanced Linear Algebra and Real AnalysisPeriod 16
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Machine LearningPeriod 26
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Operations Research - Deterministic MethodsPeriod 26
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Management Consulting - Operational ExcellencePeriod 36
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Econometrics 1Period 46
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HR AnalyticsPeriod 46
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Accounting and ControlPeriod 56
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Operations Research - Stochastic MethodsPeriod 56
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Entrepreneurship - HackathonPeriod 66
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Free-choice electives: Studying abroad, or Minor, or ElectivesPeriod 1Period 2Period 330
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Marketing AnalyticsPeriod 46
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Text Retrieval and MiningPeriod 46
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Computer Systems and Engineering - Information and Data managementPeriod 56
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Bachelor’s Thesis and Thesis Seminar Business AnalyticsPeriod 5Period 612
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Your study week
All courses are taught in English and combine theory and practice. You will work on exciting business cases and learn how to execute data science and business analytics projects from beginning to end.
- Lectures: Lectures give an introductory overview into the course content. You will attend them together with your fellow students. You take notes and have the opportunity to ask questions.
- Seminars: During seminars, you will discuss specific subjects from the lectures in small groups. Exercises and practice assignments will help you to become adept with the theory.
- Practicals: During practicals, you learn how to work with various mathematical and statistical computer programmes.
- Self-study: During your study week, you spend time to study theory, and prepare lectures and seminars, exams or presentations.
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Year 1: develop a solid foundation
You will gain a basic understanding of how organisations work and interact with their environment. At the same time, you learn how to apply quantitative methods and techniques to analyse these processes and activities.
- Mathematics 1: Calculus (6 EC)
- Analytics for a Better World (6 EC)
- Probability Theory and Statistics 1 (6 EC)
- Microeconomics for AE (6 EC)
- Introduction to Programming (6 EC)
- Mathematics 2: Linear Algebra (6 EC)
- Finance for AE (6 EC)
- Probability Theory and Statistics 2 (6 EC)
- Business Law & Ethics for Business Analytics (6 EC)
- Introduction Data Science: Data Preprocessing (6 EC)
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Year 2: specialise in business analytics & develop entrepreneurial skills
You will acquire entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to develop a new company with a digital business component. You will also further develop your ability to model business problems in different fields of business, using analytic methods from data science, AI/machine learning and computer science.
- Mathematics 3: Advanced Linear Algebra and Real Analysis (6 EC)
- Algorithms and Data Structures in Python (6 EC)
- Operations Research: Deterministic Methods (6 EC)
- Machine Learning (6 EC)
- Management Consulting / Operational Excellence (3 EC)
- Econometrics 1 (6 EC)
- Operations Research – Stochastic Methods (6 EC)
- HR Analytics (6 EC)
- Accounting and Control (6 EC)
- Entrepreneurship Hackathon (6 EC)
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Year 3: customise your programme
In the 1st semester of your 3rd year you can choose from a number of options:
- Choose 5 electives from a list of Bachelor’s courses.
- Study a semester abroad.
- Do an internship.
- Take a minor programme in a completely different field.
Besides this, you take common courses:
- Text Retrieval and Mining (6 EC)
- Marketing Analytics (6 EC)
- Computer Systems and Engineering / Information and Data Management (6 EC)
- Bachelor Thesis and Thesis Seminar Business Analytics (12 EC)
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Thesis
Is there a particular recent development that sparks your enthusiasm or do you have a great business idea of your own? While writing your thesis, you have the chance to explore it fully while simultaneously training your ability to independently conduct relevant and valuable research.
Your thesis is the final requirement to be completed in order to graduate. Supervised by our researchers, you will follow a clearly defined path that will lead to your graduation with a Bachelor's degree.
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Watch the recording of the online information session
Information session Business AnalyticsWatch the recording of the online information session
Dr. Umut Konus, programme director of the Bachelor’s programme in Business Analytics, explains during this online information session what you can expect of this challenging Bachelor's programme. Additionally, 2 of our students share their experiences with this Bachelor’s and student life in Amsterdam.

Hi, I'm Melis! I'm a Bachelor’s student in Business Analytics from Turkey. Got questions about studying at the UvA? Get in touch.Chat with Melis
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Student coaching
The transition from secondary school to university can be a major step. For this reason, you will receive intensive academic counselling as a 1-year student. You can also count on individual support during the rest of your studies.
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Minors and electives
At UvA there are all sorts of activities you can undertake during your university years to explore and develop your network, talents and skills.
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Honours programme
If you are ambitious, you can choose to take part in our Honours programme. You take the Honours programme alongside your regular studies. Completion results in you graduating 'with honours': an internationally recognised qualification.
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Internships
During your Bachelor's programme, you could put your knowledge into practice by means of a work placement. Internships are not part of the programme, although they can be very useful.
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Studying a semester abroad
Studying abroad allows you to get to know a different culture, language and country, and we strongly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity. We have made collaborative and exchange agreements with over a 100 universities abroad, enabling you to study there for a semester.
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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. VSAE is the main study association where Business Analytics students gather and mingle among themselves and with other students. 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)
- Marketing Association Amsterdam (MAA)
- 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, the Faculty Student Council or the first-year focus group. You can also stand for election and dedicate your efforts to the programme and your fellow students.
The introduction of self-driving cars raises various ethical dilemmas. Consider the following scenario: someone suddenly runs onto the road. Should the car try to avoid them, potentially endangering its passengers? How should self-driving cars act in different accident scenarios? Learn how to give data-driven, concrete, and ethically responsible answers to these questions. This is done using empirical data, advanced statistical models, and programming and data processing skills.
Sustainability, responsibility and ethics integrated in the curriculum
In this Bachelor’s programme, you will not only learn all about business, big data, AI/machine learning and computer science, but also about significant social issues such as the environment, sustainability, climate and famine. You’ll learn how ethical, social and sustainability issues factor into business decisions and can be integrated into a business strategy.
How are these themes integrated into the curriculum?
For example, the course Analytics for a Better World revolves around real-life cases with a high societal impact. Ethics is also a key and recurring topic in the study programme: what are and aren’t you allowed to do with data? In the course Business Law and Ethics for Business Analytics, along with main concepts and topics in business law, you also focus on topics such as data protection, privacy and data in digital world and the ethics in the context of data centric business.
Throughout this 3-year Bachelor’s programme, ethics, (corporate social) responsibility and sustainability will remain important topics.
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What's the difference between the Bachelor's in Business Analyics and Econometrics and Data Science?
The difference between the Bachelor’s programme in Business Analytics and in Econometrics is that Business Analytics is data-driven and Econometrics is theory-driven. Students of the Bachelor’s programme in Business Analytics use data yielded by AI/machine learning technologies to address complex business-related issues. Business Analytics bridges the gap between analytics and computer science on the one hand and economics (including business economics) on the other. Students of the Bachelor’s programme in Econometrics and Data Science develop econometric models, apply them to micro- and macro-economic issues and analyse the impact of these on economic policy.
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Do you need to excel in mathematics before you start with Business Analytics?
It is important that you both enjoy and are good at mathematics. In the 1st year in particular, foundational courses in mathematics and statistics will feature heavily.
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Do you need programming skills before you start with Business Analytics?
No, all you need to know about programming will be taught in the course of the degree programme.
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What kind of courses will you take?
The Bachelor’s programme in Business Analytics focuses on 3 main areas of study: analytics, (business) economics and computer science. You will take courses in programming, artificial intelligence, mathematics, statistics and econometrics. Besides, you will take courses in finance, marketing, logistics, organisational studies and strategy. All courses have a fun practical component, so that you will be able to apply what you have learned in practice immediately.
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Does this Bachelor's programme solely focus on business matters or does it also focus on societal issues?
By studying this Bachelor’s programme, you will not only find out all about business, but also about significant social issues such as the environment, climate and famine. Ethics is a key and recurring topic: what are and aren’t you allowed to do with data?
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Why is this a unique Bachelor's programme?
This Bachelor’s programme prepares you comprehensively for the future. After obtaining your Bachelor’s degree, for example, you will be able to build a self-driving vehicle or calculate the best price for a plane ticket or hotel room. During our 3-year Bachelor’s programme, you will learn everything there is to know in the fields of mathematics, statistics, business administration and artificial intelligence; knowledge and skills you need, to tackle the challenges described above. There are just a few Bachelor’s programmes in the Netherlands that offer this combination of knowledge and skills.
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Will you be mentored during your studies?
To make the transition from secondary school to university as easy as possible, you will receive extra guidance in the 1st year and will be assigned a tutor. This tutor will introduce you to both the campus and the city of Amsterdam, so you will quickly feel at home. This senior student will also give you tips on how to study smart and you can discuss your study goals and progress. Also during the rest of your studies you can count on support from our study advisers, mentors, tutors and our Economics and Business Career Centre. You can contact our experienced student advisers for questions about your Bachelor's programme, study planning or personal circumstances that may affect your studies.