Erasmus School of Economics - Erasmus University Rotterdam

MSc Economics and Business - Specialisation in Policy Economics

Economic policy problems are everywhere. Think of the financial crisis in 2008, the euro crisis that erupted in 2010, and the coronavirus crisis of 2020. Think also of population ageing which causes large increases in spending on healthcare and pensions. Global warming may threaten future life on Earth. Income inequality is increasing almost everywhere in the Western world due to globalization and technological changes.

Besides courses, the master's program contains seminars. In the Seminar Economic Policy, you will try to solve one of the most pressing policy problems at the moment of your study. Moreover, you may want to do an internship, for example at one of the ministries, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis, competition and other government authorities. This internship could be combined with writing your master’s thesis.

Why study Policy Economics in Rotterdam?

The Policy Economics programme at Erasmus School of Economics is unique in the Netherlands. It is explicitly designed to educate future policymakers. The programme prepares you for a career as a policy economist who is able to apply the most appropriate theory and empirical methods to solve real-world policy problems. The curriculum is developed in close cooperation with potential future employers.

Study the Policy Economics programme at Erasmus School of Economics for:

• A theoretical and empirical approach to major economic policy issues
• A curriculum designed in partnership with Dutch government organisations and research institutes
• Guest lectures by leading policy economics practitioners
• Excellent career prospects in the public/non-profit sector or applied sciences.

"This programme is a great way to use economic analysis to assess current and important economic policy decisions"

Typically, a Policy Economics student is smart, active and has above-average Bachelor's grades. Do you have a keen interest in applied policy issues and the public sector? Then you should read what our students have to say.