BSc Economics and Mathematics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Utrecht University

Program Overview

The BSc in Economics and Mathematics at Utrecht University is a dynamic three-year program that blends rigorous mathematical training with economic theory, perfect for students who love logical thinking, data analysis, and tackling real-world issues like economic inequality or policy impacts. It suits analytically minded students with a strong math background who want to build skills for careers in finance, consulting, or research, offering a solid foundation in modeling economic behaviors through advanced math and stats.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building Core Foundations
In your first year, you'll dive into essential building blocks like Mathematics for Economists (ECB1WIS), where you'll master optimization, differentiation, and solving equations to analyze economic interactions, alongside Principles of Macroeconomics (EC1PMA) exploring national economies and policies. You'll also cover Microeconomics, Institutions and Welfare, applying supply-demand analysis through consumer and business theories, plus perfect and imperfect competition, all while getting comfortable with lectures, tutorials, and about 12 hours of weekly classes that ramp up to 30-40 hours total with assignments.

Year 2: Deepening Analysis and Tools
Year two ramps up with Econometrics, building on first-year math and stats to test economic theories via hypotheses and data models, paired with choices like Intermediate Macroeconomics: Growth and Sustainability or Business Cycles and International Money. You'll tackle advanced math prerequisites such as Calculus (WISB107), Linear Algebra (WISB108), and Analysis (WISB114), setting the stage for modeling complex systems and preparing you for electives that bridge pure math with economic applications.

Year 3: Specialization and Application
By year three, you'll customize with options like Economics of the Public Sector, Game Theory, or Sustainable Finance, diving into policy effects, strategic decision-making, and research-oriented topics, while advancing to courses like Functions and Series (WISB211), Differential Equations (WISB231), or Analysis in Several Variables (WISB212). This culminates in flexible profiles, minors, internships, or study abroad, honing your ability to develop mathematical models for societal challenges like diversity, inclusion, or organizational dynamics.

Focus Areas
Mathematical underpinnings of economic and game-theoretic models, ranging from applied to pure math; applications in government policies, economic inequality, diversity/inclusion, and organizations; options in logical foundations or algorithmic aspects.

Learning Outcomes
Develop new economic models addressing societal questions; gain versatile math skills for pure/applied areas like physics, data science, or finance; master research, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking for computerized business processes.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Officially registered BSc program under Faculty of Science and Economics faculties, with courses aligned to national standards like Mastermath; prepares for MSc tracks such as Mathematical Economics and Game Theory, ensuring accredited pathways to professional roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Utrecht's math and economics programs emphasize broad labor market access, with alumni praising the mix of theory and application for practical problem-solving; strong international staff and Mastermath collaboration boost employability in data-driven fields, though specific QS/Guardian rankings for this BSc highlight Utrecht's top Dutch position in economics and sciences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Utrecht University, the BSc in Economics and Mathematics stands out for its hands-on approach to building real-world skills through the Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.), where you'll dive into practical economics with strong mathematical foundations. You'll work closely with top researchers on projects that sharpen your analytical edge, using tools like SPSS for data crunching in courses on multivariate statistics, factor analysis, and regression—perfect for tackling economic modeling head-on. Group collaboration is baked in, from small-team assignments in macroeconomics and econometrics to interdisciplinary events that mirror professional teamwork. Plus, the program's ties to industry open doors to internships, much like those in related economics tracks where students apply finance, business ICT, and strategy in real business settings.

Here's how you'll gain that edge with program-specific experiential learning:
- Group projects and close collaboration: Team up with peers on research-oriented tasks in courses like Econometrics and Intermediate Macroeconomics, plus events and seminars with national/international experts at U.S.E..
- Software and digital tools: Master SPSS for advanced stats and analysis in survey-conducting modules, alongside econometric methods and mathematical modeling tools tailored to economics.
- Internships: Leverage U.S.E.'s industry connections for practical placements, similar to the 30 ECTS business internships in economics-focused programs, applying skills in finance, organization, and business ICT.
- Research facilities: Access U.S.E.'s advanced research environment for economic analysis, quantitative methods, and math-economics integration, with support from strong departmental coordination.
- Libraries and institutes: Tap into U.S.E. resources and the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance for specialized economics libraries, plus cross-faculty labs for math skills like those required in calculus-heavy microeconomics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Economics and Mathematics bachelor means you’ll leave with a rare combination of strong economic insight and advanced mathematical skills. This makes you highly attractive to employers who need people who can think critically, analyse data, solve complex problems, and make evidence-based decisions. Many graduates move into roles such as data analyst, economic consultant, financial analyst, or risk analyst — careers where analytical thinking truly matters.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

• Career support that really helps you transition to work – Utrecht University’s Career Services offers personal career coaching, CV and motivation letter feedback, workshops, and networking events. Support is available during your studies and even after graduation, helping you confidently step into the job market.
• Strong employability reputation – As a graduate of Utrecht University, your degree is internationally recognised and respected by employers, giving you credibility in both the Netherlands and abroad.
• Industry connections – The university regularly connects students with companies through career fairs, guest lectures, and networking events, giving you direct exposure to potential employers in finance, consulting, and the public sector.
• Valuable long-term degree quality – Being a degree from a leading Dutch research university means it carries strong academic recognition, which is highly valued for both jobs and further study.
• Clear graduation outcomes – The programme prepares you for analytical and decision-making roles in business, finance, government, consultancy, and data-driven organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this bachelor’s degree, you can continue directly into a master’s programme — many students choose to specialise further in areas such as economics, finance, data science, or econometrics. Because this programme combines mathematics and economics, you are also well-prepared for advanced quantitative master’s degrees.