Bachelor Economics

Program and courses Economics BSc

Economics is all about what happens in our daily lives: how people, companies and governments make certain decisions (microeconomics), and how these decisions influence the economy as a whole (macroeconomics). In our Bachelor's program in Economics, you will learn how to use and apply economic models to study and analyze economic phenomena, and how to use this knowledge to your advantage.

Video: short overview of this Bachelor's program (02:43)

Program structure and content

The Economics program at Tilburg University takes a unique approach: where other universities in the Netherlands combine business and economics, Tilburg University offers a specialized program with a strong focus on economics in all its forms. Mathematics and Statistics will serve as tools: they are a language used to understand economic models. You will also develop your skills in programming, presenting, and writing for policymakers. In the third year, you can choose from a wide variety of electives, such as Experimental and Behavioral Economics, Competition Policy and Regulation, or The Economics of Banking and Finance.

First Year Content

The first year will give you a solid foundation in the core economics topics, supplemented with Mathematics and Statistics. You will also work on your programming skills. During this year you will explore the many facets of Economics in depth, which is a great way to discover where your strengths and interests lie. Additionally, you will take two business-oriented courses to learn what goes on both inside and directly outside the world of business, a mentoring program focusing on social cohesion, study success and personal development (PASS).

You will take the following courses in the first semester:

  • Micro 1: Principles
  • Macro 1: Principles 
  • Mathematics 
  • Accounting
  • Skills: Writing, Presentation, Information 
  • PASS-TiSEM for ECO (mentorship program) (0 ECTS)

And these courses in the second semester:

  • Micro 2: Welfare Economics
  • Macro 2: International Finance 
  • Finance and Investment
  • Statistics 
  • Programming in R and Python
  • PASS-TiSEM for ECO (mentorship program) (0 ECTS)
Second Year Content

The second year will build on the knowledge you have gained in the first year. You will delve into microeconomics and macroeconomics in more depth, gaining specialized knowledge in a range of courses such as Development Economics, which deals with the dynamics of a developing economy, or International Trade, where you learn more about the economic relationships between countries.

These are the courses you will follow in semester 1:

  • Micro 3: Information Economics
  • Macro 3: Dynamic Models and Policy
  • Econometrics
  • International Trade
  • Philosophy, Science and Free Markets
  • PASS: Career Development for ECO (0 ECTS)


In semester 2, you will follow these courses: 

  • Micro 4: Industrial Economics
  • Macro 4: Economic Growth and Institutions
  • Development Economics
  • Public Sector Economics
  • Skills: Visualizing Data and Writing for Policymakers
  • PASS: Career Development for ECO (0 ECTS)
Third Year Content

The third year has the most room for free study choices and electives. In the first semester, you can study abroad for one semester at one of our many partner universities around the world, or you can stay in Tilburg and choose a minor in economics and management and electives. You can also choose to do an internship along with an elective.

In the second semester you will write your thesis: a research report on a topic of your choice to showcase what you have learned in Economics.
In addition, you are taking a course in philosophy and you can choose two electives from the following courses: 

  • Experimental and Behavioral Economics
  • Competition Policy and Regulation
  • Environmental Economics
  • Labor Economics
  • The Economics of Banking and Finance

Lastly, the course 'Pass: Career Development' helps you in preparing for the job market.

Study abroad: going on exchange

We encourage all students to gain international experience. A popular and very exciting option is to go abroad on exchange. As an exchange student, you study at one of the many international partner universities of Tilburg University, typically for one semester.

The Study Abroad & Exchange Office of Tilburg University will be available to help you research the opportunities within your study program and a dedicated Study Abroad & Exchange Coordinator will be advising you before, during and after your exchange.

Most students will be eligible for a grant or scholarship to financially support them during their exchange experience. Additional grants for students with special needs or a difficult financial situation are also available.

More on studying abroad

Watch a trial lecture

You will find a detailed description of the courses and required literature in our course catalog.

Go to the course descriptions


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.


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Why Economics in Tilburg?

  • Specialize in Economics from the very start of your studies at the only university in the Netherlands which offers this possibility.
  • Tilburg University is well known for Business, Management and Economics, as is reflected in prominent international (subject) rankings.
  • Benefit from this excellent stepping stone to a prestigious Master’s program in the Netherlands or abroad, onwards to an international career.

Interested in the Bachelor's program in Economics?

Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application