Dian van Rooi_alumnus Economics

Program and courses Economics: Financial Economics track

Become skilled in both Finance and Economics, and learn, among other things; how international bodies function (e.g., the European Central Bank), why tax policies are designed the way they are, and what the consequences are for European companies.

Program structure

This one-year track of MSc Economics consists of 60 credits (ECTS):

  • 5 core courses (21 ECTS)
  • 5 elective courses (24 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 immediately into the spring semester, you are also welcome to start at the end of January.

Program content

Core courses

You will follow 5 core courses (21 ECTS)

Please note: the MSc Economics is a flexible program in which you are also free to specialize in another track or freely choose courses from different tracks.

  • Methods: Python Programming for Economists
    The experience course Methods: Python Programming for Economists gives you proper exposure to the practice of the economic analyst and culminates in thesis writing and/or project work.
  • Research Proposal
  • Methods: Econometrics 1 
  • Seminar Financial Markets and Institutions 
  • Seminar Financial Economics 
Elective courses

Choose 5 elective courses (24 ECTS)

Choose 2 from the following courses (12 ECTS):

  • Seminar Taxation (recommended for this track)
  • Seminar Economics and Psychology of Risk and Time (recommended for this track)
  • The Economics and Finance of Pensions (recommended for this track) 
  • Seminar Data Science and Society
  • Seminar Economics and Psychology of Social Norms and Strategic Behavior
  • Seminar Sustainable Economic Growth
  • Seminar Health Economics
  • Seminar Competition Policy
  • Seminar Data Science for Economics
  • Seminar Environmental and Resource Economics
  • Seminar Labor Economics
  • Seminar Gender Economics (3 ECTS)

Choose 1 of the following two courses (6 ECTS):

  • Corporate Governance & Social Responsibility
  • Investment Analysis

Choose 2 out of 4 possible methods courses (6 ECTS)

  • Methods: Game Theory 1 
  • Methods: Game Theory 2
  • Methods: Experiments and Surveys
  • Methods: Econometrics 2 (recommended for this track)

Follow the optional, but highly recommended course (0 ECTS):

  • Career Development Economics 
Master's thesis

The Master’s thesis addresses in depth 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 during the fall semester (possibly while taking some coursework).

Examples of thesis subjects are:

  • Analysis of the Shadow Banking system and its effect on the economy
  • Equity market and economic growth: an empirical analysis for the case of India
  • How much do the individual Eurozone countries benefit from the European single currency?

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.


Do you want to know more about this Master’s program?

Find out more during one of our events

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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.

More on the Extended Master's Program

Short overview of the Financial Economics track

Become skilled in both Finance and Economics, and learn, among other things; how international bodies function (e.g., the European Central Bank), why tax policies are designed the way they are, and what the consequences are for firms in Europe.

  • Tailored for a career in banking, in private businesses regularly dealing with international policy making, or in inter)national governments.
  • Great diversity in nationalities, with about 60% international fellow students.
  • Closely connected to the European Banking Center, a Tilburg based research network on banking and financial markets.

Interested in the MSc Economics?

Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application