Master in Economics and Data Analysis
Utrecht, Netherlands
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 20,605 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for Non-EU/EEA students (institutional fee) | Dutch and other EU/EEA students (statutory fee, full-time) 2025-2026: € 2.601
From data to decision: tackling real-world challenges
Data analysis plays a crucial role in addressing current economic and societal challenges such as climate change, technological transitions, inequality and migration. Novel tools like machine learning offer unique potential to exploit the big data available within companies and governments to understand the root causes of these challenges and design innovative solutions.
Are you interested in developing quantitative and data analytical skills using R and Python? Do you want to gain a solid basis in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics? Then the NEW Master’s programme in Economics and Data Analysis is the right choice for you!
The real-world perspective
The Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) aims to contribute to an economy where people flourish. We enrich economics with other disciplines to better solve problems and identify opportunities, from the point of view of both businesses and governments. Scientifically rigorous and societally relevant, our programmes deliver the real-world perspective.
Content of the programme
In the Master's programme in Economics and Data Analysis, you will focus on:
- translating complex data into insightful economic interpretations and practical advice;
- understanding and using modern economic theory;
- contributing to pressing contemporary challenges such as inequality, technological change and climate change from an economic perspective;
- expanding your methodological toolkit and acquiring up-to-date programming skills.
The Master’s programme provides you with:
- the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for a career that combines economics and data analysis;
- a chance to develop up-to-date programming, data analysis and data interpretation skills;
- a solid theoretical basis in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics;
- the ability to evaluate empirical research and translate it into concrete and accessible advice aimed at solving current challenges such as climate change, technological transitions and inequality.
Career prospects
Our Master’s programme in Economics and Data Analysis offers a unique combination of economic theory and applied data analysis training that promotes analytical thinking, in-depth knowledge of economic theory, empirical research skills, expertise in data analysis, persuasive argumentation and effective problem-solving. This enables you to translate complex data into insightful economic interpretations and practical advice. The programme develops both academic knowledge and professional skills that prepare graduates for careers in which they can contribute to solutions to current challenges such as inequality, technological change and sustainability.
In several of the courses, experienced practitioners share their real-world perspectives on the interplay between theory and practice in guest lectures. Through these guest lectures, as well as the opportunities for Master’s thesis research internships, visits to companies and career events, you can connect with a network of professionals for career opportunities. The unique combination of advanced data analytical skills and economic expertise you will gain through this programme opens the door to exciting career opportunities in the private sector, for instance, in ICT, energy and finance; in the international private sector, with multinationals and international organisations; and in the (semi-)public sector, in consultancies and governmental institutions. Our study association ECU’92 also organises regular career events where you have a chance to speak with potential employers.
- Data analyst
- Consultant in data strategy and transformation
- Economist at a private sector company
- Economic researcher at a research institute or university
Period 1
- Empirical Economics
- Sustainable Growth and Inequality
- Microeconomics of Contemporary Challenges
- Period 1-4: Professional Skills
Period 2
- Causal Inference for policy evaluations
- Data Science and Analysis for Economists
- Analysis of Current Challenges
- Period 1-4: Professional Skills
Period 3
Period 3 - choose two electives from the list*, but at least one of the following:
- Development Economics
- Behavioural Economics and Public Policy
- Environmental Economics and Policy
* Electives list period 3
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Competitive Strategy
- Business Development Analytics
- Management Control Systems
- Financial Regulation
- Asset Pricing
- Economics of Global Challenges
- Behavioural Economics and Public Policy
- Platform Economy and Business
- Entr. Ecosystems & Economic Development
- Impact Investing
- Environmental Economics and Policy
- Valuation in Mergers and Acquisitions
- Period 3 and 4: Thesis
- Period 1-4: Professional Skills
Period 4
- Policy Lab
- Period 3 and 4: Thesis
- Period 1-4: Professional Skills