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. 

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.

The 2^nd 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.

Specialisation

In year 3 you will specialise and choose one of the 2 specialisations: 

1. 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.
2. 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 3^rd year you are offered the opportunity to design your own programme in the 1^st semester. You can choose from a number of options:

• 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.

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.

The transition from secondary school to university can be a major step. For this reason, you will receive intensive academic counselling as a 1^st year student.
In the 1^st 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

At UvA there are all sorts of activities you can undertake during your university years to explore and develop your network, talents and skills.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

No, there are no differences.

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.

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.