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During the Bachelor's in Economics and Business Economics, you will gain in-depth knowledge of theories from the fields of economics and business economics. In addition, you will train your analytical, statistical and practical skills. You will also be trained in the research methods needed when applying your knowledge to current issues within the field. Furthermore, you will be exposed to relevant real-world cases.

The programme

You will complete assignments in small teams, though some courses may also include individual components. This process will teach you to cooperate quickly and effectively with fellow students, each of whom has a different (potentially international) background. Employers increasingly value this skill as well.

Dutch or English?

If you are a Dutch-speaking student, you can also opt for our Dutch track. Both programmes are identical in terms of level and content. If you’re looking for a smoother transition to a fully English-taught programme, the Dutch track could be the right choice for you.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Mathematics 1 for Economics
    Period 1
    6

    In this course, you learn to identify economic problems that require mathematical techniques to help solve them. What methods are there? How can you correctly apply them and interpret the conclusions correctly?

  • Principles of Economics and Business 1
    Period 1
    6

    What are the main theories and topics in economics and business? How do they help to understand the behaviour of individuals and organisations? Current subjects in the media and business cases serve as illustrations and content for practical assignments.

  • Principles of Economics and Business 2
    Period 1
    Period 2
    Period 3
    6

    The first part of this course helps you to acquire practical study skills and connect with your fellow students and the university. During the second part, you learn how to carry out a literature review to answer a research question.

  • Financial Accounting 1 for Economics
    Period 2
    6

    This course is your introduction to identifying and recording an organisation's economic transactions (accounting) and communicating its financial statements and economic results to investors, banks and government agencies (financial accounting).

  • Microeconomics 1
    Period 2
    6

    Economics deals with questions about the distribution of scarce products and services in a society. With microeconomics, you investigate these questions at the level of consumers, companies and other micro-level organisations. Among other things, with the help of game theory.

  • Macroeconomics 1
    Period 4
    6

    In macroeconomics, we look at large-scale economic activity and examine how the economy behaves globally. We discuss, among other things, the history and development of macroeconomics. And you learn basic concepts such as national accounting and the role of (central) banks.

  • Statistics 1 for Economics
    Period 4
    6

    Statistics helps you to investigate trends, patterns and relationships using data. It is therefore an important tool for scientists, students, governments and (commercial) organisations. We start with the basic concepts and techniques to answer a simple research question.

  • Research Project
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    6

    During this course, you acquire the skills and knowledge to execute your own research. You learn the basics of research methodology and practical skills like setting up a dataset, creating tables and graphs and effectively presenting your research pitch.

  • Economics of Markets and Organisations
    Period 5
    6

    The main question we will tackle in this course is how organisations can optimally incentivise their employees. You get acquainted with a range of different contracts and incentive schemes, including their (dis)advantages.

  • Finance 1
    Period 5
    6

    In this course you get acquainted with some basic principles in finance, such as the law of one price applied to financial markets, time value of money and discounting and compounding. Also, you learn about working capital management of corporations.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Money and Banking
    Period 1
    6

    This course provides you with a thorough introduction to the theory and practice of banking and to monetary economics and policy. Also, we analyse the big financial crisis of 2007-2008. What were the dynamics and what lessons can we learn?

  • Statistics 2 for Economics
    Period 1
    6

    In this course you learn how to correctly apply estimation techniques and test hypotheses. Also, you practice how to correctly interpret the output of the statistical analyses for drawing conclusions.

  • Econometrics
    Period 2
    6

    With econometrics, you learn to answer economic questions by analysing 'real data' with statistical models. In this course we look at linear regression, logit and probit models. You also learn to use estimation techniques to test hypotheses and interpret estimation results.

  • International Money and Finance
    Period 2
    6

    In this course, you focus on the monetary/financial side of money and finance. We discuss its main concepts, theoretical models and practical dimensions such as foreign exchange markets, international capital flows and the balance of payments.

  • Economic Methodology
    Period 3
    6

    The diverse aims of economics as a science require diverse forms of methodological appraisal. In this course you acquire the current approaches towards knowledge and methodology in economics.

  • Specialisation courses
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    30
COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Free-choice electives: Minor programme, or Studying abroad, or Company Internship, or Electives
    Period 1
    Period 2
    Period 3
    30

    Minor programme, or Studying abroad, or Company Internship, or Electives Specialisation courses + thesis

  • Specialisation courses + thesis
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    30

    Is there a recent development or business idea that sparks your enthusiasm? While writing your thesis, you have the chance to explore it while simultaneously training your ability to independently conduct relevant and valuable research.

  • 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.
    • Tutorials (4 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.
    • Self-study (24 hours): During your study week, you spend time to study theory, go over lectures and seminars, and prepare for exams and presentations.
    • Skills & Connect: In the 1st year of your studies, you will receive weekly coaching from a senior student in a small group. This mentor will help you learn to study more effectively. In the meantime, you will also get to know your fellow students. 
  • Year 1: develop a solid foundation

    In the 1st year, you will become familiar with the basic concepts of economics and business economics. You will start with the course on Principles of Economics and Business. This course will introduce you to the fundamental issues as well as the underlying concepts of Economics, Business Economics and Business Administration. 

    For the rest of the year, you will follow introductory courses on 5 major topics: 

    • Accounting
    • Microeconomics
    • Macroeconomics
    • Finance 
    • Economics of Markets and Organisations.

    You will also take supporting classes in Mathematics and Statistics. You will round off your year with an exciting research project. This project will give you a chance to practise conducting research and, by doing so, develop your research skills.

  • Year 2: deepen your basic knowledge and choose your major

    In the 1st semester, you will deepen your knowledge of statistics and econometrics. You will also learn all about the concept of money, which is a vital component of both economists’ and business economists’ work. To do so, you will complete the courses on Money & Banking as well as International Money and Finance. 

    Finally, you will ‘zoom out’ to explore the nature of economics as a science during the course on Economic Methodology.

    Choose your specialisation
    In the 2nd semester, you will continue your chosen major in either Economics or Business Economics. If you have chosen Business Economics, you will follow courses in Corporate Law, Strategy, Accounting and Finance. Those who opted for Economics will take courses in Game Theory, Microeconomics, Mathematics and Macroeconomics.

    Take part in the Research Lab
    You will conclude the year with a Research Laboratory. Within the laboratory, you will gain knowledge in existing research projects related to economics or business economics. This is an excellent way to get acquainted with conducting research.

  • Year 3: internship, study abroad or minor and specialise

    First semester

    My Semester: customise your programme

    Your 3rd year is all about exploring your individual academic interests. The 1st semester of this year is all yours to construct. Options include an internship, studying abroad, pursuing a minor or taking a number of electives.

    • Doing an internship: work at a company where you can put the experience and skills that you have gained into practice.
    • Studying abroad: spend a semester studying at a different university to give you an exciting experience.
    • Take a minor programme at the UvA or elsewhere: this gives you a chance to broaden and differentiate your knowledge. Expand your knowledge and stand out from the crowd with a mini study programme in a completely different field. Pick up a few courses in Philosophy, Law or Chinese Language and Culture. You can choose between over 120 Dutch and over 70 English minors at the UvA.
    • Free-choice electives: choose between more than 40 specialised courses in the area of business and economics to deepen your economic knowledge.

    Second semester

    During the 2nd semester of this year:

    • Business Economics students will specialise in either Accounting and Control, Finance or Organisational Economics.
    • If you choose a major in Economics, you will be able to design your own curriculum from a list of suitable courses. 
  • Thesis

    Is there a particular topic that sparks your enthusiasm? 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.

Hi, I'm Yun Jin! I'm a Bachelor’s student in Economics and Business Economics from Korea. Got questions about studying at the UvA? Get in touch. Chat with Yun Jin
Additional options during your studies
  • Dutch or English track

    This Bachelor’s offers a Dutch and an English track. If you are a Dutch-speaking student, you can choose to follow our Dutch track. Both tracks are identical in terms of level and content.

    Dutch track

    In the Dutch track, tutorials, assignments and exams will be in Dutch. The lectures will be conducted in English, and you will attend them alongside your (international) fellow students. In the 3rd year, the amount of English used in the programme increases, ensuring you a smooth transition to a fully English-taught follow-on Master’s programme. The Dutch track can be a good choice if you want some time to adjust to the English language and prefer a gradual transition to a fully English-language programme.

    English track

    If you opt for the English track, all courses are in English. From year 1 you will study with both Dutch students and students from around the world. This creates a diverse and international classroom.

    In both the English track and the Dutch track, all literature is in English.

  • 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.

  • Minors and electives

    The UvA offers a variety of minors and a wide selection of elective courses that you can undertake during your university years to broaden or deepen your knowledge.

  • 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.

  • Internships

    During your Bachelor's programme, you could put your knowledge into practice by means of a work placement.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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 student panel. You can also stand for election and dedicate your efforts to the programme and your fellow students.

Tibor Kalános
Copyright: EB
'The lecturers are generally of a high quality, which you notice when you attend classes. This makes it so much easier to study and to understand the subject matter. You feel taken seriously by the teachers.' Tibor Kalános, student BSc Economics and Business Economics Read Tibor's full review
Real life case: moral limits of markets

Markets are great at distributing resources and maximising utility. They are so effective that more things are being bought and sold in them. This trend often comes from the belief that if people are willing to pay more, it benefits everyone. But, is this always the case? Can markets influence our sense of right and wrong? Are there limits to this kind of free-market reasoning? Understanding the role of morals in markets is crucial. Learn how moral considerations affect market behaviour and how they are relevant to economic and business decision-making. Learn to analyse economic theories regarding moral responsibilities and critically discuss key research on the moral boundaries of markets.

Responsibility, sustainability and ethics integrated to the curriculum

In this Bachelor’s programme, you will not only learn all about theories from the fields of economics and business economics, but also about the concepts and theories of sustainability, ethics and corporate social responsibility. You will learn how ethical, social and sustainability issues factor into business decisions and can be integrated into business strategy and management practices.

How are these themes integrated into the curriculum?

Throughout this 3-year Bachelor’s programme, ethics, (corporate social) responsibility and sustainability will remain important topics and come back during the different courses. The course Principles of Economics and Business 1 and 2 focusses on main theoretical concepts in economics and business administration. Through practical assignments based on current topics in the media and real business cases, you will learn how to apply the literature to a current problem. These problems are related to ethics, corporate social responsibility or sustainability.

Ján Gercák, student BSc Economics and Business Economics
Copyright: EB
This programme opens up numerous doors. It connects fields such as finance, governance, sociology and even psychology. It reveals how the world works and why it looks the way it does Ján Gercák, student BSc Economics and Business Economics Read about Ján's experiences with this Bachelor's
Frequently asked questions
  • What is the difference between Economics and Business Economics?

    Economics is about making choices when there is scarcity and the impact such choices have on our daily lives and society. A distinction is made between 2 fields: micro-economics and macro-economics.

    In Business Economics, you apply economic theories to decisions made by businesses. You consider the way they are organised, as well as the way they operate and their role in the economy.

  • What's the difference between the Bachelor's in Economics and Business Economics and Business Administration?

    Although these 2 Bachelor’s programmes share certain aspects, there are major differences between them. Economics and Business Economics is an economics-focused, analytical Bachelor’s programme that is based on mathematical models. The Bachelor’s programme in Business Administration deals with everything involved in running and administrating a business, especially from a strategic perspective and in light of aspects related to people (customers, staff). The 2 Bachelor’s programmes overlap in the sense that the issues being studied relate to figures, such as in bookkeeping and financing.

  • Do you need to be good at mathematics before you start with this Bachelor’s programme?

    Mathematics is an essential aspect of this 3-year Bachelor’s programme. Quantitative and analytical skills are very important in economics, since they allow you to do such things as view economic phenomena from a mathematical perspective. It’s therefore important that you enjoy mathematics and are good at it.

  • 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.

  • The Bachelor's programme is also offered in Dutch. Is there any difference in the English and Dutch-taught programmes?

    No, both tracks are identical in terms of level and content. If you choose the English track, you will study alongside Dutch students and students from around the world. All courses will be taught in English. If you find the transition to a fully English-language programme a bit challenging, the Dutch track might be a better fit for you. In the Dutch track, the tutorials, assignments and exams will be conducted in Dutch during the first 2 years. The lectures will be in English. In the 3rd year, the amount of English in the programme increases, helping you become more familiar with academic English. This ensures a smooth transition to fully English-taught Master's programme.
    Overview of the Dutch track:

    • Year 1 and 2: Tutorials, assignments and exams are in Dutch. Lectures are in English
    • Year 3: All lectures and tutorials are in English. You can write your thesis in Dutch.

    In both the English track and the Dutch track, all literature is in English.