Programme structure

The Bachelor in Economics & Business is a three year programme of 180 ECTS credits (1 ECTS credit = 0,5 US credit). The programme is taught in English. Knowledge of the Dutch language is not required. The academic year runs from September to the beginning of July and is divided into two semesters, each with three blocks. The programme does not offer a February intake. Please refer to the academic calendar for the exact dates.

The first year

The first year is a general year with a strong quantitative focus. On average, you receive 15 hours of lectures and tutorials a week and around 25 hours are needed to study literature and complete assignments. All courses are 6 ECTS credits. You must obtain a minimum of 42 credits including the course Mathematics & Statistics 1.

 For detailed course information please refer to the course catalogue.

The second and third year

In the second year you choose your specialisation in Economics, Economics and Finance or Business Studies, that will cover the second and the third year. The links below give you more detailed information on the specialisations.

Courses

Courses are taught in:

• Lectures wil give you a general introduction to the courses, together with all first-year students
• In tutorials you will discuss certain aspects from the lectures and literature in small groups of about 35-40 students
• In practicals you will do assignments, write papers and give presentations in small groups of about 25-30 students

Most courses will be finalized by one or more tests, like an written exam or a paper.

Coaching

Student counsellors
Students are closely monitored at the Faculty of Economics and Business. Students with questions or problems related to their study or other issues can always turn to the student counsellors. Students also receive guidance from a student coach during the Practicum Academic Skills.

Mentor
Apart from professional support all new students are appointed a mentor who is a student in the second or third year of the programme. These mentors help to make students well-acquainted with studying and living in Amsterdam.

Further information

Study abroad
During the third year you have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester. Programmes are offered in almost all parts of the world at more than 100 foreign universities. 

Internship
You can choose to increase your pratical experience by doing an internship. You can also combine the internship with your thesis by doing a practical research project. The Faculty of Economics and Business has its own internship office that can help you finding an internship.

Honours programme 
After the first semester excellent students are eligible to take part in a honours programme. The programme consists of disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses with students from other programmes. An honours certificate will be issued next to the bachelor's diploma.