Erasmus School of Economics - Erasmus University Rotterdam
MSc Economics and Business - Specialisation in International EconomicsRotterdam, Netherlands
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,601 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EEA students: 1 May, non-EEA students: 1 April
** Statutory fee: Dutch / EEA students; Institutional fee: Dutch / EEA students: € 14.400; non-EEA students: € 19.950
Key Summary
Introduction
The International Economics programme offers you a comprehensive selection of topical global economics issues. You will explore and analyse the progressive integration of international goods, labour and capital markets and the decline in the national barriers that separated them in the past. You also address the effects that the increased interdependence of economies has on governments, firms, their managers and employees. In short, you are guided to the frontiers of international economics research in both theory and practice.
Why study International Economics in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam, the port of Europe, is the city to obtain knowledge regarding international economics par excellence. Here at Erasmus School of Economics, you surround yourself with students from all nationalities who are as ambitious and inquisitive as you are. Renowned researchers who publish regularly in leading international journals and leaders in business who are happy to share their insights will be teaching you: the perfect combination for a successful global career.
Choose the International Economics programme at Erasmus School of Economics for:
- A deep understanding of economic forces and the impact of globalisation on goods and factor markets
- Experienced, yet dynamic and passionate faculty members
- Small-scale lectures and seminars with the active participation of students
- A balanced curriculum of empirical as well as theoretical courses that bring students to the frontier of research in international economics
- The opportunity to tailor your programme by choosing courses outside your own master's.
Admissions
Curriculum
Complete your MSc in Economics and Business with a concentration in International Economics, comprising a comprehensive curriculum of 60 ECTS credits.
This challenging, practice-oriented specialization consists of core courses, electives, seminars, and a master’s thesis distributed over 5 blocks of 8 weeks each. Core courses and electives help students to get acquainted with a wide range of topics that are essential to international economics and business studies, and provide a solid background for attending the seminars.
You will explore and analyze the progressive integration of goods, labor, and capital markets and the decline of national barriers. You will also achieve a deep understanding of the economic forces underlying the increased interdependence of nations as you can choose electives covering topics like:
- Empirical international trade
- The so-called new trade theories
- The instruments of trade policies
- International financial markets.
Make the most of the large variety of courses on offer and learn how best to allocate resources, organize businesses, and make recommendations based on first-rate analyses.
Seminars are an important component of the program. For these intensive courses, active participation and commitment are a must. You will be expected to present excerpts of literature or case studies, ask questions, express doubts, and share your ideas in class discussions.
The last block of the specialization is devoted to the master’s thesis, which is written individually under close supervision by one of our faculty members.
The curriculum consists of:
- 33% Theory and empirics of International Economics
- 33% electives
- 33% seminars
Course Overview
- Take-Off Master
- Advanced International Trade
- Applied Econometrics
- Electives
- Advanced Macroeconomics
- Advanced Development Economics
- Seminars
- Master's Thesis International Economics
Ideal Students
Is this the right choice for you?
Would you like to know how globalization impacts firms and, very importantly, workers at these firms? Are you interested in learning about companies’ internationalization strategies? Did you always wonder how globalization and economic development are related? Do you want to acquire tools that help you in predicting exchange rates? If yes, then you should consider the Master in International Economics.
You are well-prepared for this master's specialization if:
- You like microeconomics, as international trade is microeconomics related to open economies
- You have a decent background in mathematics and statistics
- You have an analytical mindset
- Your economic interests are not confined to just national markets
- You like the challenging and international atmosphere in the lecture hall.
Career Opportunities
Erasmus School of Economics has long been involved in leading developments in teaching policy and research in international economics and business. This specialization is designed to continue this tradition. It prepares you for a wide range of positions and equips you with the practical and analytical tools to work and excel in the field of international economics.
It is not unusual for students from this master's specialization to receive job offers before graduation. Recent graduates mostly work in large companies or organizations with an international focus such as consulting firms (McKinsey or Boston Consulting Group), multinationals (Unilever or Shell), the financial sector (Bloomberg, Morgan Stanley), or in the public sector (Dutch Development Bank, Dutch or foreign ministries). Last but not least, some students also follow an academic career after graduation.