What are the primary tasks of government in a market-based society? How do we deal with the long term challenges from new technologies, demographic shifts and environmental change? Are our current pension and healthcare systems strong enough to cope with an ageing population? What policies are required to achieve environmental sustainability and who is responsible for taking action? If you are strongly motivated to contribute to just and effective decisions in economic policy-making, the Master’s in Economic Policy at Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is the right choice for you. The MSc in Economic Policy deals with complex societal issues, with a focus on the role of government policies, ranging from the organisation of care and the provision of social insurance to policies of sustainable growth. In this programme you will learn to apply modern economics to questions relating to labour market reform, inequality, the future of education and health care, energy transition and sustainable economic growth.

This one-year MSc in Economic Policy will equip you with the skills, mindset and multidisciplinary knowledge, needed to give informed responses to the questions facing contemporary society. You will take courses that combine economic theory with socio-economic policy-making in a small group of students representing diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. This diversity helps to create a learning environment that encourages intense discussion and interaction.

Career Perspectives

As a graduate of this Master’s programme, you will be well-prepared for a range of careers in both the public and private sector. Our alumni have gone on to develop careers as economics policy advisors for government agencies at a national, European and international level; as economic professionals in the public domain of public administration, health care, education and social security; or as consultants in sustainable transitions and energy economics.

Programme Objective

The MSc in Economic Policy will provide you with the sound theoretical knowledge and advanced analytical skills required to work in the complex, challenging and important field of economic and public policy. As a graduate, you will contribute to societal development by designing and implementing new solutions to the complex and multifaceted issues facing governments organizations and society today.

You will consolidate your expertise in both economics and the social sciences by studying the following core subjects:

• Econometric Methods in Empirical Economics
• Public and Political Economics
• Sustainable Growth
• Labour Market Reform
• Behavioural Economics
• Energy transition
• Social Security

You will actively participate in major research projects, conduct your own research, present your results, and write short essays and a master’s thesis. By the end of this programme in Utrecht you will be able to:

• put academic knowledge and skills into practice;
• conduct independent research which contributes to the field of economics and policy;
• solve problems independently and in a team, while taking social factors into consideration;
• demonstrate mastery of subject-specific English terminology;
• manage your own personal and professional development.