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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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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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
How much mathematics is there in the Bachelor's programme Econometrics and Data Science? Bachelor's student Koen Vleugels will give you all the details in this video.
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.
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. These can be online quizzes, Perusall assignments, computer assignments, essays, presentations, or the more classical written midterm and final examination.
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Lectures (8 hours)
Lectures give an introductory overview into the course content and are offered as (interactive) video materials and live sessions. You will attend the latter ones 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.
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Seminars (6 hours)
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.
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Practicals (2 hours)
During practicals you learn to work with state-of-the-art mathematical and statistical software.
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Self-study (20 hours)
During your study week, you spend time to study theory, and prepare lectures and seminars, exams or presentations.

In your 1st year you already do your own research. For example: how do wages develop in the US? What factors determine the wage of an individual? Do women earn less than males and to what extent? Is personal health an important factor? Learn how to answer these questions by using real data, economic theory and econometric techniques. Moreover, you will learn under what assumptions your conclusions are valid and when they are not. In the 2nd year of your Bachelor’s you learn what to do if certain assumptions do not hold.
Additional options during 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 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.
'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.'

Interactive Online Learning at UvA Economics and Business
During your Bachelor’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 and peers.
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.