Bachelor Economics and Business Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Maastricht University

Program Overview

The Bachelor in Economics and Business Economics at Maastricht University is a dynamic three-year program that equips you with practical skills to tackle real-world business challenges using economic theories, perfect for analytical minds interested in markets, finance, and global strategies. You'll thrive here if you enjoy teamwork, problem-solving in international settings, and building a versatile career in economics or business, all while earning a BSc from a top-ranked school.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you'll dive into the foundations of economics and business through hands-on courses like Management of Organisations and Marketing, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics, building a strong base in how markets and companies operate. You'll also tackle Quantitative Methods I and II and Accounting and Financial Reporting to sharpen your math and finance skills, plus engaging skills courses like Economy Game that simulate real business scenarios in small, international teams. This broad start helps you explore specializations confidently while boosting presentation and quantitative abilities.

Year 2
Year two ramps up with deeper dives into core topics through compulsory courses such as Microeconomics: Choices, Markets and Welfare, Macroeconomics and Economic Policy, and International Trade, teaching you to analyze global economic dynamics and policy impacts. You'll also cover Banking, Financial Markets, and Managerial Economics, applying economic models to business decisions like strategy and competition, all in our signature Problem-Based Learning style that mirrors professional environments. Skills courses refine your quantitative edge with Quantitative Methods III, preparing you to specialize effectively.

Year 3
Your final year focuses on personalization and polish, with three electives, a Study Abroad opportunity, and culminating in Writing a Bachelor's Thesis and Bachelor Thesis to showcase your expertise on a real economic issue. Professional development shines through Global Citizenship Skills and Leadership Skills, honing soft skills for the job market while you choose from specializations like Emerging Markets or International Business Economics. It's your chance to intern abroad, customize your path, and graduate ready to lead.

Focus areas
Choose from four exciting specializations starting in year two: Emerging Markets (culture, politics, and business in developing economies), Economics (quantitative analysis and modeling), Economics & Management of Information (IT's economic impact for companies like Google), or International Business Economics (strategy, finance, and global trade).

Learning outcomes
You'll gain analytical tools for economic modeling, business strategy, finance, and quantitative skills; master problem-solving in teams on real cases; develop leadership, communication, and global citizenship; and learn to apply insights to improve businesses and economies.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
The program is delivered by Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE), holding the rare Triple Crown accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA)—achieved by less than 1% of business schools worldwide—ensuring top-tier quality aligned with global professional standards.

Reputation (employability rankings)
SBE's international prestige opens doors to employers in management, market research, finance, and tech giants like Microsoft and Google across the Euregion and beyond; alumni excel due to our practical, Problem-Based Learning and study abroad options, with strong pathways to master's in Economics, Financial Economics, and International Business.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Maastricht University's School of Business and Economics (SBE), the Bachelor in Economics and Business Economics dives right into experiential learning through our signature Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. You'll tackle real-world business and economics problems in small, intercultural teams of 10-15 students, simulating a professional work environment from day one. This builds hands-on skills in quantitative analysis, economic modelling, strategy, finance, and more, while boosting your teamwork, communication, and self-directed learning abilities—all backed by an electronic learning environment for seamless collaboration.

Here are some standout ways you'll gain practical experience tailored to this programme:
- Group projects and PBL tutorials: Work in small teams on cases like the Economy Game or real-life scenarios for companies such as Google and Microsoft, addressing issues like illegal music downloads or IT's economic impact—honing problem-solving right in periods dedicated to skills and projects.
- Professional development courses: Build leadership and global citizenship skills through dedicated trainings in Year 3, plus skills like presentation and quantitative methods from Year 1.
- Internships and study abroad: Opt for internships in emerging economies (especially in the Emerging Markets specialisation) or international study abroad opportunities to apply economics in diverse cultural settings.
- Electives and thesis: Customise your curriculum with electives, then cap it off with a Bachelor's thesis applying theories to practical business problems.
- Quantitative tools and computer science: Enhance skills in mathematics, statistics, information management, and economic modelling—no specific software named, but integrated into courses like Quantitative Methods I & II.

This hands-on focus, supported by SBE's triple-accredited status and small-scale teaching, sets you up for top careers in finance, consulting, or tech—employers love our graduates' real-world readiness.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc Economics and Business Economics at Maastricht University gain strong analytical, economic, and business problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers worldwide. After completing the programme, many graduates move into roles such as financial analyst, economic consultant, market research analyst, or business advisor across a wide range of industries. These skills open doors to careers in finance, consulting, government institutions, multinational companies, and international organisations.

Your career opportunities are strengthened by several advantages:

• Career preparation and support: Maastricht University provides career guidance, networking events, and professional development opportunities that help students connect with employers and prepare for the job market.
• Industry exposure: Graduates find opportunities in multinational corporations, consulting firms, financial institutions, market research companies, and international organisations.
• Employer-focused skills: The programme uses Problem-Based Learning, where students work in small groups to solve real business and economic cases, helping them develop analytical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills valued by employers.
• International recognition: The School of Business and Economics holds triple accreditation, placing it among a small group of business schools worldwide with strong global recognition.
• Broad career pathways: Graduates pursue careers in areas such as finance, consulting, research, policy analysis, and corporate strategy in both the public and private sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this bachelor’s degree, students can continue their studies with a specialised master’s programme. Many graduates pursue master’s degrees such as MSc Economics, MSc Financial Economics, MSc International Business, MSc Global Supply Chain Management and Change, or MSc Learning and Development in Organisations at Maastricht University or other leading universities worldwide. These programmes allow students to deepen their expertise and prepare for advanced roles in economics, business strategy, consulting, and policy.

Country Requirements

India: Applicants must hold a Standard XII academic diploma such as the All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) with grades A1, A2 or B1, the Indian School Certificate (CISCE) with at least 75% average, the Intermediate Examination Certificate with about 75% average, or the NIOS Senior Secondary certificate with grades A, B or C in 5 relevant academic subjects; state board diplomas are not accepted.
China: Senior Middle School Graduation Certificate plus National University Entrance Exam (Gaokao) plus successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
Canada: Applicants must hold a provincial High School Diploma with the required credits and academic Grade 12 courses, generally with an overall average of around 80% (requirements vary slightly by province such as Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Ontario).
France: Applicants must hold the Diplome du Baccalaureat General, Baccalaureat Francais International (BFI), or Diplome du Baccalaureat Technologique.
Germany: Applicants must hold the Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife (German university entrance qualification).
Pakistan: Applicants must hold a Higher Secondary School Certificate or Intermediate School Certificate with grades A1, A, B or C, along with successful completion of all Year 1 credits of a bachelor’s programme at a university.
Saudi Arabia: General Secondary Education Certificate plus successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university
South Africa: National Senior Certificate with a minimum average score of 70% across 7 subjects and the statement that the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree are met
USA: Applicants with a High School Diploma obtained outside the USA must also have either 4 AP exams with a minimum score of 3, or 3 AP exams with a minimum score of 4 (issued by the College Board), or have successfully completed all Year 1 credits of a bachelor’s programme at a university.
United Kingdom: Applicants must have either 3 GCE A-Levels in academic subjects with grades A, B or C plus 3 GCSEs in different subjects, or an Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) with 3 A-Levels, or a Scottish Qualifications Certificate with at least 4 Higher and 2 Advanced Higher subjects with grades A, B or C; AS-Levels cannot replace missing A-Levels.
Egypt: Applicants must hold a General Secondary Education Certificate or Al Azhar Secondary School Certificate and must also have successfully completed all Year 1 credits of a bachelor’s programme at a university.