Why this programme

We live in challenging times and economic policy problems are everywhere. Remember the financial crisis in 2008 and the Euro crisis that erupted in 2010. Think of the corona crisis that started in 2020. Think of population ageing, which causes large increases in spending on healthcare and pensions, straining solidarity between generations. Global warming may threaten future life on earth. In addition, income inequality is increasing almost everywhere in the Western world due to globalisation and technological changes. In order to be able to solve economic problems, governments need excellent policy economists. By completing this master programme you are able to apply the latest economic theory and research methods to help solving important policy issues.

Besides courses, the master programme 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.

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Is this the right choice for you?

If you are a strongly analytical student, if you are not afraid of mathematics and statistics, if you are highly motivated and if you want to make this world a better place, then you should enroll in the master programme in Policy Economics.

The main values of the Policy Economics programme at Erasmus School of Economics are:

• Open mindedness
• Curiosity
• Academic thoroughness
• A good work ethic
• Social engagement

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 policy makers. 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 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.