Economics

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When and why should governments help companies that are in trouble because of the global financial crisis? In this programme you will learn to assess different strategies to handle economic problems.

The objective of the programme is to teach you economic theories at a high analytical level. An additional goal is to familiarize you with the application of theory and research methods on economic practice and policy. Such a combination of rigorous academic thinking with practical application is essential for any professional active in the field of economics policy or research.

The focus of the programme is on up-to-date economic theories of industrial organization and monetary economics. Other areas within the field of economics are covered as well. You will learn about the influence of economic factors on society and how economic theory can be applied to interpret and analyse economic problems. You will complete this degree by writing a thesis to prove your ability in conducting economic research.

Job perspectives
The MSc in Economics trains students for positions in which they contribute to economic decision-making processes. This can be in (inter)national government bodies, public organizations and private corporations like financial institutions, multinationals and consultancy firms. In addition, economists can work as researchers in academia, business or governmental agencies. You can also use your expertise to write for journals and newspapers.

Programme
* 1 year Your master year starts with the core of the programme: the courses Empirical Methods, Macroeconomics and Games and Industrial Organization. Next, you take track-specific and other electives and the programme is concluded with your MSc thesis.



Specialisations / Tracks
* Double Degree China and the World Economy(specialization) 2 year Double Degree programme in Groningen and Fudan University Shanghai.

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* Macroeconomic Theory and Policy(track) (MTP) The track aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of the structure of and changes in the aggregate economy. You choose 3 out of 4 possible eclectives.

The programme is firmly founded on three pillars, namely theory, empirics, and policy. Both real and monetary perspectives are treated in detail. Among other things you will learn why economies grow over time, how the life-cycle choices made by individuals affect the aggregate economy, how governments can use public policy instruments to affect the economic performance and social welfare; and how monetary policy and regulation can ensure the smooth working of financial markets.

Upon completion of this profile, you will be in the possession of the tools needed to independently carry out theoretical and empirical analyses of an aggregate nature.


* Microeconomics of Markets and Incentives(track) (MMI) Students will gain a thorough understanding of the incentives that shape the economic decision-making of individuals, households and firms. You choose 3 out of 4 electives.

You will learn how the strategic interaction between firms shapes market outcomes and affects profits and consumer welfare; how households trade off consumption and saving in planning their life-cycle consumption pattern; how governments can use taxes and subsidies to influence behavior; and how competition policy and regulation can ensure the efficient working of markets.

Upon completion of this profile, you will master the theoretical and empirical tools needed to recognize the incentives of individual firms and households in novel economic situations and be able to describe how these incentives translate into market outcomes and welfare. You will have the knowledge and self-confidence to independently carry out theoretical and empirical micro-economic analyses.


* Double Degree Economic Analysis(specialization) 1.5 year Double Degree programme in Groningen and Universidad de Chile, Santiago.



Programme schedule
Courses

* Master's thesis Economics (20 EC)

* Macroeconomics for MSc Economics (5 EC)

* MMI | Economics of Regulating Markets (5 EC, optional)

* Electives (Economics, Econometrics, Finance) (10 EC, optional)

* Empirical Methods of Economics (5 EC)

* Games and Industrial Organization (5 EC)

* MMI | Competition Policy - Theory and Practice (5 EC, optional)

* MMI | Microeconomics of Household Behaviour (5 EC, optional)

* MMI | Public Economics and Social Policy (5 EC, optional)

* MTP | Monetary Policy and Financial Regulation (5 EC, optional)

* MTP | Economics Growth in History (5 EC, optional)

* MTP | Empirical Macroeconomics (5 EC, optional)

* MTP | Public Economics and Social Policy (5 EC, optional)

The MSc Economics has a straightforward structure. Its main focus is on up-to-date economic theories in microeconomics/industrial organisation and macroeconomics/monetary economics, but a wide scope of other areas within the economics discipline is also covered.

Study abroad

* Study abroad is optional

Study abroad is optional.

International studentsTo be eligible for admission to this Master, you need one of the following diplomas of the RUG: Economics, Econometrics or Economics and Business Economics.To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades that you have obtained. This evaluation is carried out by the Admissions Officer and the Admissions Board. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Accreditation

Accredited by the Dutch Government