From individuals to businesses and governments, we all make choices every day. Economics is the science of choice, from the personal (Why do you buy what you do?) to the public (How do government policies affect consumer behaviour?). Business economics, meanwhile, is about solving specific problems within companies (How can we as a company get consumers to choose our product?). Understanding the choices that all these players make is essential in today’s globalising society, where consumer choices and business opportunities are multiplying by the hour. You’ll not only learn the economic theory but will also develop the practical skills for analysing specific problems and the professional skills for presenting your solutions. You’ll be well-qualified to advise businesses, consumers and even policy makers on economic issues. This opens up a wide range of career opportunities to you and will help you succeed at whichever path you choose.

In the Economics and Business Economics programme, you’ll analyse business problems using tools from both economics and business:

Economics: quantitative skills, economic modelling, information management, knowledge management, network economics
Business: strategy, finance, accounting, banking, managerial economics

Economics looks at broader problems that relate to individuals, governments, and national as well as international economies. It’s a science that examines how markets work, how businesses and consumers behave, and how legislative and regulatory changes impact businesses and consumers. Business Economics covers economic problems within companies and how to solve them. You’ll develop the skills to examine economic issues from all angles and to come up with appropriate solutions.

What you’ll actually do

• Learn by doing in small, intercultural teams
• Address the sorts of problems you’ll face in your career, in a study setting designed to resemble a real working environment
• Develop your knowledge of marketing, economics, finance and management
• Enhance your practical skills in mathematics, statistics and computer science
• Learn how to apply the insights you gain to run businesses more effectively

Specialisations

After the first year of the Economics and Business Economics programme, you will choose one of four specialisations:

1. Economics: focuses on the economic environment as a whole
2. Economics and Management of Information: focuses on the impact of information and information technology on economics and business
3. Emerging Markets: focuses on Growth Economies in Africa, Asia or South-America
4. International Business Economics: specialises in global business economics

Our graduates go on to work in:

• multinational organisations, such as the EU and the OECD
• major financial institutions, like national banks, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank
• university research departments
• the private sector, such as telecommunications companies
• strategic, advisory or consultancy roles, e.g. in mergers and acquisitions