BSc in Economics and Business Economics

Imagine understanding the complex economic dimensions of today's challenges. From environmental sustainability to inflation and beyond. The Bachelor's program in Economics and Business Economics equips you with the skills to analyze, predict and improve economic situations and choices.

Something for you?

• You will learn to link theoretical insights and concepts to current developments and debates, both societal and organizational.

• You learn about theories and evidence from different disciplines to gain a deeper understanding of economic choices.

• After the first year, you chose a specialization according to your own interests (financial economics, international economics, and business, business economics, or international economics and policy)

• You will develop critical, analytical, and professional skills.

Study duration - 3 years (180 EC)

Average contact hours first year - 15-18

Year 1

During the first year, you will explore the content of the field of Economics and Business Economics. You will learn how the scientific field is related to the real world and you will get acquainted with research methods. At the end of the first year, you will conduct your own research project with fellow students. During this project you will combine the theoretical knowledge of the first year with practical insights.

About this study curriculum

Within the Bachelor’s of Economics and Business Economics each year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is then divided into two blocks, during which you will have lectures and seminars. At the end of each block you will be expected to take exams to conclude the module. A certain number of study credits (ECTS) is contributed to each module. 1 ECTS equals a study load of 28 hours.

Year 2

After the first year of Economics and Business Economics, you can choose from five specialisations to continue your studies in the second and third year. These specialisations will be more in depth than the first year. The specialisation International Economics and Management is a dual degree programme and will take four-and-a-half years to complete.

In comparison tot the Dutch programme Economie & Bedrijfseconomie, Economics and Business Economics offers two additional specialisations: International Economics & Business and the International Bachelor in Economics and Management. These specialisations are only available when choosing the English programme. Note: for the International Bachelor in Economics and Management there are additional entry requirements.

Study programme Bachelor's Economics and Business Economics: International Economics and Business

When studying International Economics and Business, you will be trained to become an expert in policies of multinational companies. You will study the role of human behaviour, culture and ethics on the financial position of companies. The focus will be on global markets and internationally-operating companies.

An obligatory semester of studying abroad is part of the programme: all students have to acquire international experience when studying this specialisation. The Nijmegen School of Management maintains a partner network with around 150 partner universities across the globe, so that you can choose between a large offer of different countries and cultures.

Compulsory courses

• Corporate Finance 6EC

• International Economics 6EC

• Econometrics and Integration: Multinationals and Finance 6EC

• Economic Methodology 6EC

• International Financial Policy 6EC

• Economic Development 6EC

• Network Economics 6EC

• Econometrics and Integration: Multinationals and Economic Development 6EC

• Cross Cultural Management and Communication 6EC

• Comparative Economic and Business Systems 6EC

Study programme Bachelor's Economics and Business Economics: Business Economics

During the specialisation Business Economics, you will be provided with the skills and knowledge that is needed to become an expert in corporate financial management. You will be trained in accounting and corporate finance. The specialisation can be related to the professional fields of accountant, controller and financial managers. After graduating, you will be able to instruct managers on how to invest and acquire money. This will not just be based on financial information: you will be trained how to identify relevant information that affects financial affairs. In addition, you will be trained in strategy and marketing. You will have to learn bits and pieces of these fields to be able to cooperate successfully with project managers and other professionals during your career.

Although a specialisation with the same name is being offered in the Bachelor’s programme in Business Administration, some courses of that specialisation differ from this one.

Compulsory courses

• Corporate Finance 6EC

• International Economics 6EC

• History of Economics 6EC

• Economic Methodology 6EC

• Institutional Economics 6EC

• Econometrics 6EC

• Investment Management 6EC

• Project: Financial Instruments 6EC

• Multinational Finance 6EC

• Financial Accounting and Reporting 6EC

Study programme Bachelor's Economics and Business Economics: Financial Economics

Experts in trade, whether it be trade in goods, stocks or foreign currency, all studied financial economics. In this specialisation, you will study the functioning of financial markets as well as the financial products that are sold by banks and insurers to help companies stabilize the effects of financial markets on their financial situations. You will become familiar with risk management and you will be able to come up with returns-on-investments. In addition, you will study psychological factors in financial management, for example in the course 'Behavioural Finance', in which you will study the causes of financial results, and in 'Financial Regulation', in which you will study market failure and whether there is a need for regulation. After completing this specialisation, you will be able to advise governments and companies about financial products and you will be able to produce relevant financial information for decision making.

Compulsory courses

• Corporate Finance 6EC

• International Economics 6EC

• History of Economics 6EC

• Economic Methodology 6EC

• Institutional Economics 6EC

• Econometrics 6EC

• Investment Management 6EC

• Project: Financial Instruments 6EC

• Multinational Finance 6EC

Elective courses

• Economic Policy and Public Finance 6EC

• Financial Accounting and Reporting 6EC

Study programme Bachelor's Economics and Business Economics: International Economics and Policy

As an expert in international economic developments, you will analyse consumption, employment, economic growth and what effect this has on companies so that companies and governments can respond adequately to the latest developments. You will study why one country's economy grows faster than that of another country and what the effects of large-scale economic events in one region are in other regions, such as the recent credit crisis. You will focus on the European integration, international economic developments and the relation between development and poverty.

Compulsory courses

• Corporate Finance 6EC

• International Economics 6EC

• History of Economics 6EC

• Economic Methodology 6EC

• Institutional Economics 6EC

• Econometrics 6EC

• Economic Development 6EC

• Project: European Integration in a Globalising Economy 6EC

• Comparative Economic and Business Systems 6EC

• Economic Policy and Public Finance 6EC

Student satisfaction

On a scale of 1 to 5

This Programme - 3.8

National Average for this programme - 3.7

What will you learn

During the first year you will explore the field of economics. You learn how the scientific field is related to real-world cases and get acquainted with different research methods. From the second year on you will deepen your knowledge through your chosen specialisation: international economics and policy, business economics, financial economics or international economics and business.

After your studies

During your studies you will learn to think critically and rigorously. You will develop an analytical perspective and be capable of analyzing, understanding, and predicting complex economic situations and choices. Most students will continue their studies for a Master's degree. Graduates quickly find employment. They end up for example at consulting firms, in banking, at insurance companies, and governmental organisations.

Possible occupations

• International economic policy officer at the European Central Bank

• Business economist at an international non-profit or company

• Financial economic policy officer at a financial consultancy

Continuing your studies

After obtaining your Bachelor's degree you can enter the labor market. However, most students opt to continue on to a Master's degree. Obtaining a Master's degree gives you several advantages, including increasing your career opportunities. With a bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Economics at Radboud University you can progress to:

• Accounting and Control

• Corporate Finance and Control

• Economics, Behaviour and Policy

• Financial Economics

• International Business

• International Economics and Development

• International Political Economy