Economics: Data Science
Become an economist with hands-on experience in processing and interpreting unstructured (big) data sets. With a strong foundation in statistical modeling and additional training in programming languages, you will have the right skillset to understand the economic value of data and to become an ''analytics translator'': a person who can bridge the technical expertise of data engineers with the end user in any organization (managers, policy makers, etc.). This is a track of MSc Economics.
National Student Survey, 2018 | n=39
US News Best Global Universities, 2020
Program and courses
The track 'Data Science’ trains economics students in programming languages that are used in firms, the public administration, and research to work with big data and algorithms (Python and R), including hands-on exercises that analyze and present (big) data sets from structured and unstructured sources, such as Internet and Social Media data, e-mails, company reports, images, or data from diverse administrative data sources.
- Moreover, it offers a deeper understanding of innovation economics, the consequences of datafication, and, thereby, how innovation affects markets, political landscapes, and our societies – and what to do about it as policy maker.
- Finally, your strong foundation in Econometrics and Economic Analysis gives you the ability to make sense of data from an economist’s perspective.
- This is a track of MSc Economics. You can choose to follow the main program or one of the tracks.
Typical courses are:
- Data Science for Economics
- Governance of Innovation
- Econometrics 1 & 2
Career prospects
Upon graduating, you will have obtained the following title (as stated on your diploma): Master of Science.
Data scientists are highly sought after in today’s economy by all types of private and public organizations, as they enable those organizations to make better decisions (based on data). Students taking this track will become ‘translators’ between data miners (who have a computer science or engineering background) and economic and political decision makers, who rely on advice based on data.
Some examples of our graduates' jobs:
- Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Finance
- Statistical Analyst at De Nederlandsche Bank
- Doctoral student at the University of Oxford
Alumni facts
- 96% are (very) satisfied with the Master program
- 43% work abroad
- Gross average monthly income 1.5 years after graduation: €3,682
Source: National Alumni Survey, 2018 | n=23 (response rate 28% of graduates 2016-17)
Application and admission
This Master’s program starts:
End of August and end of January
Best preparatory programs:
A Bachelor’s degree in Economics or in a similar program (e.g., in Econometrics)
Pre-Master’s program:
Open to Research University students, not to students from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO).
Tuition fees and scholarships
International students find the information about the tuition fees and the scholarships available here.
Interested in this Master’s program?
More information
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