Program and courses Economics
Develop the skills, knowledge and attitude to become a professional economic analyst.
Program structure
The program covers 60 Credits (ECTS), over two semesters, in which you choose the following type of courses:
- 4 methods courses, to acquire quantitative skills and qualitative analytical tools: the course Econometrics 1, Python Programming for Economists, plus 2 out of 4 other methods courses (3 ECTS each)
- 5 field courses (or 4 field courses and one free elective, 6 ECTS each), to build your expertise
- The mandatory course Research Proposal, which culminates in your thesis (18 ECTS together)
If you do not choose a track, you do core courses indicated below and you choose 2 more methods courses, 5 seminars (or 4 seminars, and 1 free elective). Check the diamond table for a complete overview of core courses and electives per track.
You can start at the end of August or at the end of January
- The curriculum is primarily designed for starting at the end of August (Fall semester), as courses in the Fall semester lay the groundwork for the courses in the Spring semester. Most students write their thesis in the Spring semester.
- If you believe that you have sufficient knowledge to enter directly into the Spring semester, you are welcome to start at the end of January. In most cases, it will then take 1.5 years to complete the program. One valuable option is to do the Extended Master’s Program, with an internship or traineeship in the first Spring semester.
Program content
Core courses
- Methods: Python Programming for Economists
- Research Proposal
- Methods: Econometrics 1
The experience course Python Programming for Economists gives you the proper exposure to the practice of the economic analyst and culminates in thesis writing and/or project work.
Elective courses: choose a certain field or compose your own curriculum
Seminars (choose 4):
- Seminar Data Science and Society
- Seminar Financial Markets and Institutions
- Seminar Economics and Psychology of Social Norms and Strategic Behavior
- Seminar Sustainable Economic Growth
- Seminar Taxation
- Seminar Economics and Psychology of Risk and Time
- Seminar Competition Policy
- Seminar Data Science for Economics
- Seminar Environmental and Resource Economics
- Seminar Financial Economics
- Seminar Health Economics
- Seminar Labor Economics
- Seminar Gender Economics
- The Economics and Finance of Pensions
Method courses (choose 2):
- Methods: Experiments and Surveys
- Methods: Game Theory 1
- Methods: Game Theory 2
- Methods: Econometrics 2
Free electives (choose 1):
An additional seminar course, or a course from another Master's program.
Follow the optional, but highly recommended course:
- Career Development Economics
Specialize within a certain field by choosing a specific track
Each track has its own set of compulsory courses. Visit the program pages of the specific tracks to see the course list.
Master's thesis
The MSc thesis (15 ECTS) addresses in depth a well-defined economic research question, using theory and empirics, reviewing and contributing to existing literature.
Most students write their thesis in 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 your thesis during the fall semester (possibly in line with some coursework).
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, you can also apply for the following 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 program
An excellent choice if you want to develop the skills, knowledge and attitude to become a professional economic analyst.
- Compose your own curriculum by selecting courses from thirteen different seminars and five methods courses, giving you the option to specialize in one of six different tracks.
- Great diversity in nationalities, with approximately 60% international fellow students.
- Taught by internationally renowned economic professors of Tilburg University.
Interested in the MSc Economics?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application