Economics: Sustainable Development
Analyze the sources of economic growth in a country or region, the obstacles to growth and development they face, and their potential negative environmental consequences. Upon graduation you have become trained to evaluate and write policies and strategies towards economic development and sustainable resource use. This is a track of MSc Economics.
Education as of September 2022
All education takes place on campus again, now that the coronavirus measures have been scaled back. Of course, we will always maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. Therefore, a few basic measures still apply. For the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation, see our FAQs for prospective students.
US News Best Global Universities, 2021
in 2020/2021
Program and courses
Evaluate people’s willingness to pay for environmental improvements, measure the effectiveness of structural reform policies, and write policy proposals regarding income inequality and growth, educational policies, and innovation strategies.
- Gain an understanding of how markets function, when they fail and how various markets are interrelated, which is essential in companies' strategic decision process as well as in solving social economic and development problems.
- Great diversity in nationalities, with about 50% international fellow students.
- This is a track of MSc Economics. You can choose to follow the main program or one of the tracks.
Typical courses are:
- Growth and Regional Development
- Environmental and Resource Economics
- Governance of Innovation

Career prospects
Upon graduating you will have obtained the following title (as stated on your diploma): Master of Science. With a specialization in Sustainable Development you are fully prepared to evaluate and write policies and strategies towards development and sustainable resource use. These skills are tailored for a career in international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, or internationally oriented consultancy firms.
Some examples of our graduates' jobs:
- Consultant at The World Bank
- Credit Risk Analyst at FMO
- Financial-Economic Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
Alumni facts
- 84% are (very) satisfied with the Master's program
- Gross monthly income one year after graduation: € 2,734
- Average number of months between graduation and first job: 3.7
Source: National Alumni Survey, 2020 | n=12

Application and admission
This Master’s program starts:
At the end of August and at the end of January
Best preparatory programs:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Economics or in a similar program (e.g., in Econometrics)
- Please note: Students with a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) Bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply for this program.
Pre-Master’s program
Only available for Research University students, not for students from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO).
Tuition fees and scholarships
International students, please find all information about the tuition fees and the scholarships available.
Interested in this Master’s program?
More information on this Master's program
Download the brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, housing and immigration matters, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.
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To be announced
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Discover our compact and green campus during the Campus Experience and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.
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09:30 - 17:00
Master's Open day
Interested in doing a Master's program? Find out which Master's program suits you best during our Master's Open day on November 19. Learn all about our (pre-)Master’s programs and tracks, and ask teachers, students, and study advisors your questions. Sign up for the Open day now!
Interested in the MSc Economics?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application