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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Minor programme, or Studying abroad, or Company Internship, or Electives Specialisation courses + thesis
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
During the 2nd semester of this year:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 student panel. You can also stand for election and dedicate your efforts to the programme and your fellow students.
'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
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.
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.
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.
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 doesJán Gercák, student BSc Economics and Business Economics Read about Ján's experiences with this Bachelor's
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
In both the English track and the Dutch track, all literature is in English.