Research Master in Economics
CentER's Research Master (RM) in Economics is an intensive two years program. It prepares you for academic research in economics with graduate level coursework and research training. After completing the RM program most students continue with PhD research in economics. RM graduates who performed well in their course work and have a strong research proposal supported by one or two supervisors will be admitted to CentER's three-year PhD program. The RM and PhD program together form an integrated graduate program in Economics.
US News Best Global Universities, 2023
Small classes, personal guidance and active involvement in our international research community
Excellent track-record in graduate placements at top universities worldwide
Program structure
Year 1
The first year of the program is fully devoted to rigorous training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. After this year, you will have a sound foundation in economic and econometric theory and methods and their applications. You will be able to read and discuss state-of-the-art research papers, and apply modern economic and econometric models and techniques.
Year 2
The second year allows you to explore the many exciting research areas in economics through specialized field courses taught by the Tilburg School of Economics and Management Faculty, by getting a first taste of research, writing a short field paper, and, finally, by writing a Research Master Thesis that will be the basis for your first major research paper. Current research areas include behavioral and experimental economics, industrial organization, macroeconomics, econometric theory, empirical microeconomics and microeconomic theory.
Collaboration with leading experts
The program typically admits less than 25 students per year and allows for intensive interaction with and guidance from your professors, both inside and outside the classroom. You will collaborate with excellent students from all over the world and with junior and senior researchers at CentER, including leading experts in their fields. CentER typically ranks among the top 5 of economics schools in Europe and the top 25 worldwide. Some of our PhD graduates find positions at the best universities in the world.
As a student you will be actively involved in our research community early on, have the opportunity to attend several research seminars on a weekly basis, and join reading groups on topical issues.
In order to provide this personalized teaching approach, we only admit a selected number of excellent students with strong quantitative and analytical skills and a sincere interest in economics or econometrics. During the Research Master, students will receive their own academic mentor (a Graduate Program Coordinator) who will guide them through the Research Master and, hopefully, the subsequent PhD-phase.
A program for excellent students
Students with outstanding study results in their (under) graduate program in economics, econometrics or other relevant disciplines (e.g. business, mathematics, physics, engineering) and with a strong motivation for pursuing an academic career in economics or econometrics, are cordially invited to apply.
The CentER Graduate School:
Excellent track record in publications, awards and student placements
CentER conducts fundamental top research in every field of economics and business management, and strives to create optimal conditions for the research and investigation of important issues in these areas. The goal is to create an open atmosphere conducive to intellectual exchange. Because scientific developments are inherently unpredictable, CentER does not devise elaborate research programs.
Researchers are encouraged to follow their intellectual curiosity rather than adhere to previously formulated paths. PhD candidates play a crucial role. They not only dedicate themselves to learning the trade; they also stimulate faculty members to remain critical and alert.
You will find our former Research Master's students at universities all over the world, like:
- University of Chicago, Booth School of Business (USA)
- Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management (USA)
- University of Rochester (USA)
- University of Toronto, Joseph L. Rotman School of Management (Canada)
- University of British Colombia, Sauder School of Business (Canada)
- HEC Montreal (Canada)
- Bocconi University (Italy)
- HEC Paris (France)
- University of Warwick (UK)
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands)
- University of Melbourne (Australia)
- University of New South Wales (Australia)
- University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
- Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Business School (Singapore)
- Singapore Management University (Singapore)
And at renowed organizations, such as:
- UNICEF
- State Bank of Pakistan
- Quintiq
- Rabobank
- Philips Medical Systems
- Deloitte
- Dutch Central Bank
- TNO Delft
- Central Bank of Sweden
- Washington Federal Reserve Systems
You can also have a look at the full overview of placements.
Graduate Students' Society to support you
The Graduate Students' Society (GSS) consists of and represents over 160 CentER graduate students from both the Business and Economics programs. Our main goal is to support you in your professional development while enabling you to enjoy your time at Tilburg University.
The GSS is active in three main areas:
- Organizing social events and sporting activities
- Planning professional events and promoting communication among graduate students
- Voicing your concerns on matters and issues
Various seminars and informal workshops
CentER has seven seminar series, providing many opportunities for visiting researchers, Research Master's and PhD students, and CentER faculty members to discuss current research and ongoing projects.
- Each year about 200 seminars and 30 informal workshops are organized.
- Every week on Thursday the Graduate Students’ Society organizes a special seminar for the Research Master’s students to present and discuss their research papers.
Become an integral part of the Economics department
We want our students to share the faculty’s passion for research.
- Students are an integral part of the Economics, and Econometrics & Operations Research department, benefiting from the many workshops, conferences, and visitors and overall lively, informal but intellectual culture.
- We encourage students to work together with faculty on their research ideas and students have easy access to all the department’s research resources.
Short overview of the Research Master in Economics
| Language | English |
| Start | End of August |
| Duration | Two years |
| Title | Master of Science with a Master of Philosophy supplement |
| Tuition fee | Tuition fees |
| Specifics | Specialized program to prepare for a PhD or for a professional career in a (international) research-based environment |
| More information | Graduate Officers: center-gs@tilburguniversity.edu |
Related Research Master’s / PhD programs:
Overview of all CentER Business and Economics Research Master’s / PhD programs
Study choice events
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13:30 - 16:00
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Join our Campus Experience on October 18 or January 31! Discover our compact and green campus with one of our students and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.
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09:15 - 17:00
Master's Open day
Are you interested in doing a Master's program? Do you want to specialize or are you looking for a Master that broadens your possibilities? Join us at the Master's Open Day on November 18th to find out which (pre-)Master's program suits you best. Learn all about our (pre-)Master’s programs and tracks, and ask teachers, students, and education coordinators your questions.
Interested in the Research Master in Economics?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application