Radboud University

MSc in Economics, Behaviour and Policy

We face complex tasks when designing a policy that is effective, and also when assessing its impact. How do we define and measure welfare? And how do we design more effective policies? This specialisation starts with mainstream economic theory and incorporates a variety of perspectives from psychology, sociology, public choice, political economy, culture, and philosophy. By introducing behavioural insights into complex policy questions, we prepare you to understand and design successful policies in your future career as a policymaker, manager, analyst or consultant, in public or private organisations.

This specialisation deals with a broad spectrum of policy issues, ranging from innovation policy, voter and consumer behaviour, to issues such as policy for gender equality or happiness. Our programme develops skills needed for data-driven and behaviour-proof economic policy, embedded strongly both in theory and practice. You will learn the methods and tools needed to design and evaluate policies that will make a difference in people’s lives. You will gain a strong background in both mainstream and heterodox (i.e. non-mainstream) economic theories, augmented by behavioural insights. In this way, your perspective on economic policy, and how to make it more effective, will be expanded by knowledge from disciplines that include psychology, public choice, and sociology. This specialisation combines learning with research: your lecturers are researchers who incorporate the latest findings into their teaching. As a student, using behavioural insights, you will carry out research, analyze, design and debate economic policy.

Facts and figures

• Degree: MSc in Economics
• Faculty: Nijmegen School of Management
• Croho code: 66401
• Duration: 1 year (60 EC), full time
• Start month: September
• Language: English
• Enrolled students: 120-150 per year
• Contact hours: 5-10 hours per week