Economics (research MSc) – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The Master of Philosophy in Economics is a two-year programme that yields 120 ECTS. The first year is devoted almost entirely to core courses and the development of skills. The core courses are designed to give students an in-depth introduction to economics. Students' progress is monitored during the first year in order to determine whether they can proceed to the second year. In the second year, students specialise in one field, with courses focusing on specific topics in that field, while also outlining and writing their thesis.

The curriculum consists of:

• core courses (60 ECTS),
• specialised courses (30 ECTS),
• thesis (30 ECTS).

Core courses

The core courses are: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Finance, Mathematics and Statistics, and Econometrics. TI offers a track in economics, econometrics and finance. All courses are given by fellows and teaching associates of the Tinbergen Institute and consist of general lectures and separate training sessions focusing on problem solving. The training sessions prepare students for the examination and afford them opportunities to apply their skills in practice and thereby master the rudiments of economics. Students complete a large number of group assignments aimed at stimulating discussion and interaction. These assignments are discussed and presented during the training sessions. Each core course culminates in a written examination.

Specialised courses

Specialised courses offer a more general introduction to a specific field in economics. Students apply the skills learned in the core courses to specific problems in a given area. Specialised courses generally last eight weeks and are worth three credits. Students must demonstrate competence in at least two fields. The Institute currently offers courses in the following areas of specialisation:

• Econometrics,
• Labour, Education and Health,
• Finance,
• Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics and International Economics,
• Spatial and Environmental Economics,
• Microeconomics, Industrial Organisation and Public Economics.

Thesis

At the start of the second year, each student selects a research fellow as a thesis supervisor on the basis of specialisation and preferences of the student. Students write their thesis under the supervision of the research fellow and give an oral defence before a small examination committee. The thesis must conform to the highest academic standards and be worthy of publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. It usually forms the basis for a subsequent PhD thesis, which students can begin work on at the TI, following completion of the Master's programme. Most gradautes continue on to a PhD programme; the MPhil thesis is usually the first chapter of the PhD thesis.

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands

Funding details

Scholarships / Grants:

The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
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