A specialisation that prepares you to tackle today’s biggest policy challenges
From financial crises and pandemics to climate change and rising inequality, the world faces complex economic problems that demand smart, evidence-based solutions. The Policy Economics specialisation within the MSc Economics and Business equips you with the theoretical knowledge and empirical tools to address these challenges directly.
You will learn how to apply modern economic theory and quantitative methods to real-world policy issues—ranging from fiscal sustainability and healthcare spending to labour markets and environmental policy. Whether your goal is to work in government, research, or international organisations, this programme prepares you to make a meaningful impact
Is this the right programme for you?
This programme is a strong fit if you:
• Are motivated to use economics to improve public policy and social outcomes
• Are comfortable with mathematics and statistics
• Have a strong analytical mindset and a desire to work on real-world problems
• Are curious, socially engaged, and ready to contribute to public debate
To succeed, you will need academic ambition, a solid work ethic, and a passion for applied economics.
Why study policy economics in Rotterdam?
The Policy Economics programme at Erasmus School of Economics is unique in the Netherlands and is designed in close collaboration with government institutions and research organisations. You will benefit from a curriculum that blends academic rigour with practical relevance, and from strong connections to future employers.
You will benefit from:
- A curriculum focused on solving real-world policy problems using theory and data
- Guest lectures from leading policy economists and practitioners
- The opportunity to do an internship at institutions such as ministries or CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis
- Excellent career prospects in the public sector, international organisations, and applied research
Rotterdam’s strong policy network and international outlook make it the ideal place to launch your career as a policy economist.
Policy Economics is a specialisation for open-minded critical thinkers who want to perform sound economic analysis and give sound economic advice based on facts.
I strongly recommend the specialisation in Policy Economics. It strengthens your foundation in economics and provides you with excellent skills to analyse economic policy issues.
This master equips you with the set of tools to tackle the most urgent economic policy questions that society faces today.
Policy Economics is a great programme helping you to disentangle the complexity of big policy questions and develop sound economic analyses to real world problems.
