Program and courses Economics: Public Policy track
Learn how public policies and tax schemes can be designed to create the right incentives and nudges to bring important societal goals within reach.
Program structure:
This one-year track of MSc Economics consists of 60 credits (ECTS):
- 7 core courses (27 ECTS)
- 3 elective courses (18 ECTS)
- Master’s thesis (15 ECTS)
You can start at the end of August or at the end of January. However, the curriculum is primarily designed for the program to start at the end of August (fall semester), as courses in the fall semester lay groundwork for courses in the spring semester. If you believe that you have sufficient knowledge to enter directly into the spring semester, you are also welcome to start end of January.
Program content
Core courses
You will follow 7 core courses (27 ECTS)
Please note: the MSc Economics is a flexible program in which you are also free to specialize in another track or freely choose from the courses of different tracks.
- Methods: Python Programming for Economists
The experience course Methods: Python Programming for Economists gives you a proper exposure to the practice of the economic analyst and culminates in thesis writing and/or project work. - Research Proposal
- Methods: Econometrics 1
- Methods: Econometrics 2
- Methods: Game Theory 1 or 2
- Seminar Taxation
- Seminar Labor Economics
Elective courses
Choose 3 elective courses (18 ECTS)
First choose 2 electives from the following courses (12 ECTS):
- Seminar Data Science and Society (recommended for this track)
- Seminar Sustainable Economic Growth (recommended for this track)
- Seminar Environmental and Resource Economics (recommended for this track)
- Seminar Competition Policy (recommended for this track)
- Seminar Health Economics (recommended for this track)
- Seminar Financial Markets and Institutions
- Seminar Economics and Psychology of Social Norms and Strategic Behavior
- Seminar Economics and Psychology of Risk and Time
- Seminar Data Science for Economics
- Seminar Financial Economics
- Seminar Gender Economics (3 ECTS)
- The Economics and Finance of Pensions
Choose a free elective from another Master's program (6 ECTS), or one more seminar course
Follow this optional, but highly recommended course (0 ECTS):
- Career Development Economics
Master's thesis
The Master’s thesis addresses a well-defined economic research question, using theory and empirics, reviewing and contributing to existing literature.
Most students write their thesis during the spring semester. In case you started the program at the end of January, you can write your thesis during the summer (and proceed with coursework in the following fall semester) or write it in the fall semester (possibly while also taking some coursework).
Examples of thesis subjects:
- Attitude of Dutch citizens towards immigrants: An empirical study based on a large sample
- The informational role of rating agencies in the 2008/09 economic crisis
- How does technological development affect economic sustainability and labor market inequality?
Watch a trial lecture
You will find a detailed description of the courses and required literature in our course catalog.
Please note: programs are subject to change. We advise you to look up the current program in OSIRIS Student at the start of the year.
Do you want to know more about this Master’s program?
Find out more during one of our events
Make the most of your Master's
In the first semester of the regular program, ambitious students can apply for the following additional advanced programs:
Entrepreneurial Literacy Initiative: online extracurricular program
Entrepreneurial Literacy Initiative (ELI) is an online extracurricular program that provides Master's students with tools to reflect and plan for an entrepreneurial career. Overall, ELI can be a very useful experience if you have entrepreneurship on your mind. —either right after graduation or later in your career! If you are unsure whether entrepreneurship fits you and your goals, ELI will help you find out.
Application and admission
All students enrolled in a Master's program at TiSEM are invited to apply.
More information about the Entrepreneurial Literacy Initiative
Extended Master's Program: traineeship (+0.5 years)
Short overview of the Extended Master's Program
During your traineeship, you work on practical assignments for a company, follow professional skills courses, and receive mentoring and guidance. By increasing your professional experience, skills, and network like this, you seriously boost your chances in the job market.
- If selected, you will fulfill your traineeship from April to October. On average, you will work four days at the company, and attend skills training once a week at Tilburg University. In addition to this, company visits will be organized in the Extended Master's Program network.
- If both you and the company are happy with the results, you are welcome to extend the traineeship by writing your Master's thesis at the company. Your research topic then needs to be approved by the Tilburg University thesis coordinator.
- There are no administrative or participation fees for taking part in the Extended Master's Program. You will pay the regular tuition fees for the extra six months the Extended Master's Program takes.
Application and admission
You can apply for the Extended Master's Program once you've started the regular Master's program.
Short overview of the Economics: Public Policy track
Learn how public policies and tax schemes can be designed to create the right incentives and nudges to bring important societal goals within reach.
- Learn what it means to be a policy advisor in national governments and international organizations such as the EU, a researcher in applied research institutes or a consultant at an (inter)nationally oriented consultancy firm.
- Great diversity in nationalities, with about 60% international fellow students.
Interested in the MSc Economics?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application