The programme
The first 2 academic years of the BSc Econometrics and Data Science are in common with the Bachelor's programme in Actuarial Science. After the 2nd year you specialise in either Econometrics or Data Science.
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Macroeconomics for AEPeriod 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 Econometrics and Actuarial SciencePeriod 36
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Finance for AEPeriod 46
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Mathematics 2: Linear AlgebraPeriod 46
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Probability Theory and Statistics 2Period 56
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Programming and Numerical AnalysisPeriod 56
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Introduction Data Science: Data PreprocessingPeriod 66
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Life Insurance MathematicsPeriod 16
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Mathematics 3: Advanced Linear Algebra and Real AnalysisPeriod 16
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Mathematics 4: Multivariate AnalysisPeriod 26
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Probability Theory and Statistics 3Period 26
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Statistical LearningPeriod 36
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Econometrics 1Period 46
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Mathematical Economics 1Period 46
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Econometrics 2Period 56
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Empirical ProjectPeriod 66
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Restricted-choice electivesPeriod 56
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Free-choice electives: Minor's programme/Studying abroad/Company Internship/ElectivesPeriod 1Period 2Period 330
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Specialisation Data Science: Text Retrieval and MiningPeriod 46
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Specialisation Data Science: Time Series AnalysisPeriod 46
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Specialisation Data Science: Reinforcement LearningPeriod 56
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Specialisation Data Science: Bachelor's Thesis and Thesis Seminar Data SciencePeriod 5Period 612
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Specialisation Econometrics: Mathematical Economics 2Period 46
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Specialisation Econometrics: Time Series AnalysisPeriod 46
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Specialisation Econometrics: MicroeconometricsPeriod 56
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Specialisation Econometrics: Bachelor's Thesis and Thesis Seminar EconometricsPeriod 5Period 612
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Your study week
Expanding your knowledge and at the same time developing your skills is key. That is why you will participate in a variety of teaching activities. Most of the courses are evaluated with one or more tests. This is usually a written examination, but it can also be an essay, a report, or a presentation.
Lectures (8 hours)
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.Also, you can expect guest lectures from experts working in a wide range of economic organisations and fields.
Seminars (6 hours)
During seminars you will discuss specific subjects from the lectures in smaller groups. Exercises and practice assignments will help you to become adept with the theory. There are two types of seminars, those with plenary sessions and the small scale groups where you will work individually.
Practicals (2 hours)
During practicals you learn how to work with various mathematical and statistical computer programmes.Self-study (20 hours)
During your study week, you spend time to study theory, go over lectures and seminars, and prepare for exams and presentations. -
Year 1: develop a solid foundation
This year is all about your basic knowledge of mathematics, information science, probability theory, statistics and economics.
- Familiarise yourself with the possible specialisations: Econometrics and Data Science (of the BSc in Econometrics and Data Science) and Actuarial Science (BSc in Actuarial Science, you take lectures together with students from this programme).
- Examine case studies and learn to work with advanced mathematical and statistical software like R for programming.
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Year 2: extend the foundation
The 2nd year enhances your mathematical, statistical and research skills. You will start to apply these tools to econometrics and data science. You will take mandatory courses like Mathematical Economics, Econometrics 1&2 and Statistical Learning.
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Year 3: extend your knowledge and specialise
Specialisation
In year 3 you will specialise and choose one of the 2 specialisations:
- Econometrics
If the government increases excise duties to raise the price of petrol, fewer people will use their cars. By modelling reality, econometricians attempt to prove such statements. These econometric models are used to forecast the economy and make recommendations on economic policy. There is a great demand for people with an understanding of economics who are capable of quantitative analysis and modelling. Econometrics trains people to do this. - Data Science
Nowadays firms collect enormous amounts of data, so here is a large demand for data scientists. This data contains valuable information to improve sales and profits. Contrary to econometrics, the focus is on doing predictions and not so much on understanding the underlying processes. Consequently, the emphasis is more on programming and finetuning tools than on the statistical background of the methods. Machine learning and AI are at the core of this track.
First semester
My Semester: customise your programme
In the 3rd year you are offered the opportunity to design your own programme in the 1st semester. You can choose from a number of options:
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Study a semester abroad; participate in the UvA Exchange programme.
- Take a minor programme at the UvA or elsewhere. For the specialisations the chosen minor should be relevant and offer a valuable contribution to it.
- Attend a special programme at the UvA: 3 compulsory courses plus an internship or 2 electives.
- Econometrics
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Thesis
There is some coursework in semester 2 of year 3, but a large part will be devoted to conducting and reporting on your own research. Is there a particular recent development that sparks your enthusiasm or do you have a great idea of your own? Writing your thesis, you have the chance to explore it fully while simultaneously training your ability to independently conduct relevant research.
Your thesis is the final requirement to be completed for your graduation. Under the supervision of 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
Online information session Econometrics and Data ScienceWatch the online information session
Learn more about the Bachelor's programme in Econometrics and Data Science and in Actuarial Science. Our Programme directors explain what you can expect of these challenging Bachelor's programmes. Additionally, our students share their experiences with this Bachelor’s, study association VSAE and student life in Amsterdam.
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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 1st year student.
In the 1st semester 2 hours per week are scheduled as Skills & Connect to let you adjust to the new environment. You will learn about studying strategies, time management, and also get help with basic math & stats skills.You can also count on individual support during the rest of your studies. Support is offered through our team of experienced student counsellors
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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 can be very useful for your future career.
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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. 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.
Experience the study

The availability of satellite imagery makes it possible to estimate crop yields on the basis of weather conditions and crop growth. Machine learning techniques are used to transform the imagery to useful data, that would be hard to get otherwise. In this way particularly vulnerable populations can be identified, and help by NGO’s like the WFP can be effectively targeted. In the 2nd year of your Bachelor’s you will learn how to identify relevant characteristics in various data resources, and how to use these to make reliable estimates and predictions.
Responsibility, sustainability and ethics integrated to the curriculum
In this Bachelor's programme, you’ll learn how to use mathematics, probability and statistics to quantify (financial) risks and solve problems in society or the business world. Social issues increasingly play a role in this. The study programme therefore regularly covers topics such as sustainability, ethics and social responsibility. For example, you will learn how to research how many people choose more sustainable ways of travelling if fuel excise duty is increased.
How are these themes integrated into the curriculum?
Through practical assignments, you will directly apply the knowledge you acquire during your studies to current topics in the media and real business cases. These topics are often related to ethics, corporate social responsibility and/or sustainability. This starts in the 1st year in Introduction Econometrics and Actuarial Science and Introduction Data Science. Furthermore, there is an explicit focus on ERS themes in courses such as Mathematical Economics 1 and 2, Econometrics 1 and 2, and Empirical Project.
Throughout this 3-year programme, themes related to sustainability, ethics and corporate social responsibility will remain important topics.
Data analysis, programming and statistics suit me down to the ground. It's like doing extremely advanced puzzles. You can get stuck sometimes, but once I find that solution, I'm over the moon.Liselotte Siteur, student Econometrics and Data Science Read about Liselotte's experiences with this Bachelor's
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What is the difference between Econometrics and Data Science and Actuarial Science?
In both Econometrics and Data Science and Actuarial Science, mathematics, statistics, and economics have focus. Econometrics and Data Science is concerned with analysing and making sense of economic relationships from a broader perspective. Goal is to help organisations in making better business and policy decisions. Actuarial Science is more about understanding and managing financial risks, especially in insurance and finance.
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Do you need to excel in mathematics before you start with Econometrics and Data Science?
This Bachelor’s programmes is very focused on mathematics. Therefore it is an advantage if mathematics is one of your favourite subjects and you excel in it. If you want to know which level of math is required, please take a look at the entry requirements.
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Do you need programming skills before you start with Econometrics and Data Science?
You don't need any programming skills before you start Econometrics and Data Science or Actuarial Science. You will learn everything you need to know in terms of programming during the Bachelor's.
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The Bachelor's in Actuarial Science and Econometrics and Data Science are also offered in Dutch. Is there any difference in the English and Dutch Taught programmes?
No, there are no differences.
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Can you switch between the Bachelor's programmes in Actuarial Science and Econometrics and Data Science after the first 2 years?
The first 2 years of the programmes are nearly identical. Therefore it is possible to switch between the two programmes until the end of the 2nd year. Depending on the time of your switch, you may need to take an extra course to comply with the requirements of your new programme.
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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.