Expanding your knowledge while developing your skills is a key part of the programme. That is why you will take part in a variety of learning activities. The courses typically include one or more tests. These may take the form of a written examination, but may also be an essay, report or presentation. 

• Lectures (8 hours): Lectures provide an introduction to the course content. You will attend them with your fellow students. You take notes and have the opportunity to ask questions. 
• Tutorials (4 hours): In tutorials, you will discuss specific topics covered in the lectures in smaller groups. Exercises and practice assignments will help you master the theory. 
• Self-study (24 hours): During your study week, you will study the theory, review material from lectures and tutorials, and prepare for exams and presentations. 
• Skills & Connect:  In the 1st year of your studies, you will receive weekly coaching from a senior student in a small group. Your mentor will help you develop effective study skills while giving you the opportunity to get to know your fellow students. 
• Exams: At the University of Amsterdam, the academic year is divided into 2 semesters and 6 study blocks. Many courses in the Bachelor’s programme in Economics and Business Economics follow an 8-week structure: 6 weeks of lectures and tutorials, followed by 2 weeks devoted to exams. Some courses offer a midterm exam in week 4 covering the material from the first 3 weeks. In week 8, a 2- or 3-hour final exam covers all material from the 6 teaching weeks. Some courses also include in-class or take-home assignments. You can find details of the teaching and assessment methods for each course in our course catalogue. 

In the 1st year, you will become familiar with the fundamental concepts of economics and business economics. You will start with the 2 courses on the Principles of Economics and Business, which introduce key questions and core concepts from economics, business economics and business administration.  

During the rest of the year, you will take introductory courses on 5 major topics:   

• Accounting
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Finance 
• Economics of Markets and Organisations.

You will also take supporting courses in Mathematics and Statistics. You will conclude your year with an engaging research project. This project will give you the opportunity to conduct research and further develop your research skills. 

Binding Study Advice (BSA)

All Bachelor’s programmes at the University of Amsterdam are subject to a Binding Study Advice (BSA). In this programme, you need to earn at least 48 of the 60 ECTS credits in your 1st year. If you meet this requirement, you will receive a positive study advice and may proceed to the 2nd year. 

In the 1^st semester,  you will deepen your knowledge of statistics and econometrics. You will also explore the concept of money, which plays a vital role in the work of both economists and business economists. You will do so through the courses Money & Banking as well as International Money and Finance. In Economic Methodology, you will ‘zoom out’ to explore the nature of economics as a scientific discipline. 

Choose your specialisation

By the end of the 1^st semester, you will choose a major in either Economics or Business Economics. Your major starts in the 2^nd semester. If you choose Business Economics, you will follow courses in Corporate Law, Strategy, Accounting and Finance. If you opt for Economics, you will take courses in Game Theory, Microeconomics, Mathematics and Macroeconomics. 

Take part in the Research LabYou will conclude the year with a Research Laboratory. You will engage in existing research projects related to economics or business economics. This gives you first-hand experience of conducting academic research. 

First semester

My Semester: customise your programme

Your 3rd year is all about exploring your academic interests. You can shape the 1st semester according to your preferences: completing an internship, studying abroad, pursuing a minor or taking electives. 

• Complete an internship: Work at a company where you can put the knowledge and skills you have acquired into practice. 
• Study abroad: Spend a semester at a university abroad and gain valuable international experience. 
• Pursue a minor at the UvA or elsewhere: Broaden your knowledge and stand out from the crowd by completing a programme in a different field. For example, you could take courses in Philosophy, Law or Chinese Language and Culture. At the UvA, you can choose from over 120 Dutch-taught and over 70 English-taught minors. 
• Take free-choice electives: Choose from more than 40 specialised courses in business and economics to deepen your knowledge. 

Second semester

During the 2^nd semester of this year:

• Business Economics students will specialise in either Accounting and Control, Finance or Organisational Economics.
• If you choose a major in Economics, you will be able to design your own curriculum from a list of suitable courses. 

Is there a particular topic that sparks your enthusiasm? Writing your thesis gives you the opportunity to explore it in depth while developing your ability to conduct relevant research independently. The thesis is the final component of your degree programme. Under the supervision of one of our researchers, you will follow a clearly defined path towards completing your Bachelor's degree. 

Online information session

In our online information sessions, you learn more about the Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Economics, the programme content, and admission and selection. The Programme Director guides you through the structure of the Bachelor’s, explains what to expect from the courses, and shows how the programme prepares you for your future career. You also hear directly from students, who share their experiences of studying Economics and Business Economics at the UvA.

Webinar on the numerus fixus

Are you planning to apply for the English track? In our second webinar we’ll highlight the numerus fixus (enrolment restriction) of the English track. Our Admissions Officer explains the selection procedure step by step, so you know exactly how to prepare. A current student also shares her experience with the selection process and offers practical tips based on her own journey.

Interested in the Dutch track? Good to know: this track does not have a numerus fixus.

This Bachelor’s offers a Dutch and an English track. If you are a Dutch-speaking student, you can choose to follow our Dutch track. Both tracks are identical in terms of level and content. 

Please note that the English track has a numerus fixus, meaning there are a limited number of places available (850) and you have to participate in the selection procedure. The application deadline for the English track is 15 January. The numerus fixus does not apply to the Dutch track. 

Dutch track

In the Dutch track, tutorials, assignments and exams are in Dutch. The lectures are in English, and you attend them alongside your Dutch and international fellow students. In the 3rd year, the amount of English used in the programme increases, which ensures a smooth transition to a fully English-taught follow-on Master’s programme. The Dutch track can be a good choice if you want some time to adjust to the English language and prefer a gradual transition to a fully English-language programme. 

English track

If you opt for the English track, all courses are in English. From year 1 you will study with both Dutch students and students from around the world. This creates a diverse and international classroom. 

In both the English track and the Dutch track, all literature is in English.

The transition from secondary school to university can be a major step. For this reason, as a 1st-year student, you will receive intensive academic guidance. You can also count on individual support throughout the rest of your studies.

The UvA offers a variety of minors and a wide range of elective courses that you can take during your university years to broaden or deepen your knowledge. 

If you are looking for an additional academic challenge, you can take part in our Honours programme alongside your regular studies. When you complete it, you graduate 'with honours', an internationally recognised distinction. 

During your Bachelor's programme, you can put your knowledge and skills into practice by completing an internship. 

Studying abroad allows you to experience a different country, culture and language. We strongly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity. The UvA has partnerships with over 100 universities worldwide, enabling you to study there for a semester. 

Are you interested in learning Dutch? A range of courses is available to help you make the most of your time in the Netherlands and prepare for a future career here.

Many of our students join a study association. It is both fun and useful for your future career. Faculty study associations are a great way to meet fellow students and connect with potential employers. They organise domestic and international study trips, career events, weekly debates, parties and borrels (receptions with drinks). Members may also be able to buy textbooks and course syllabi at reduced rates. 

Overview of Study Associations

• Faculty study association Sefa
• International Student Committee (ISC, part of Sefa)
• Study Association Actuarial Sciences, Econometrics and Data Science and Business Analytics (VSAE)
• Financial Study Association Amsterdam (FSA)
• Marketing Association Amsterdam (MAA)
• International study association (AIESEC)

Amsterdam has a thriving student community with many activities organised outside the university’s grounds. You will find student associations devoted to networking, specific interests and sports. It is only at sororities and fraternities that you can expect an initiation ritual (hazing). 

At university, you are entitled to make your voice heard and provide feedback on the quality of your education. You can contribute to discussions about the university's education policy in various ways, such as by joining the Programme Committee, the Faculty Student Council or the student panel. You can also stand for election and represent the interests of your programme and fellow students.