Double bachelor in Economics and Philosophy of Economics

4 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Program Overview

This Double Bachelor in Economics and Philosophy of Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam is a unique 4-year full-time program that awards you two degrees—a BSc in Economics and Business Economics plus a BA in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline—letting you master economic analysis while gaining deep philosophical insight to question its foundations. It's perfect for curious students passionate about economics and business who want a broader perspective on today's complex issues like uncertainty, technology, and ethics, all in an international English-taught environment on the vibrant Campus Woudestein.

 

Curriculum structure
Year 1: Building a strong economics foundation
You'll kick off with a structured first year divided into five 8-week blocks, each featuring one economics course, one business economics course, and support skills training—covering essentials like marketing, mathematics, accounting, organisation, and strategy. Student mentors guide separate sessions on study skills, presentations, writing, and debating, while diving into core topics such as consumer choice under certainty and uncertainty, individual and market demand, firm production and costs, market structures like monopoly and perfect competition, and general equilibrium theory.

Year 2: Deepening economics expertise
The second year builds on your foundation with advanced economics coursework, sharpening your analytical skills for real-world problem-solving in business and policy. You'll continue honing international-mindedness through rigorous training in economic theory and practice, preparing you seamlessly for the philosophy integration ahead.

Year 3: Blending economics with introductory philosophy
In year three, you'll follow the regular economics curriculum alongside targeted philosophy courses in the first ten weeks, starting with *Essential Contemporary Challenges* and *Thought Experiments* to explore modern dilemmas. You'll then tackle *Philosophy of Science I and II* and *Technology and Social Change* (which can even count as a minor for related programs), mixing economic rigor with critical thinking on science, ethics, and societal shifts.

Year 4: Immersing in advanced philosophy
Your final year shifts fully to philosophy across four 10-week blocks (60 credits total, often in evenings), covering advanced topics in the history of thought, philosophical aspects of man and culture, and social and political philosophy. You'll cap it off by writing a supervised thesis, applying philosophical tools to deepen your economic worldview and emerge as a well-rounded thinker.

Focus areas
Core economics (consumer theory, firm behavior, market structures, general equilibrium) fused with philosophy (contemporary challenges, thought experiments, philosophy of science, technology's social impact, history of thought, social/political philosophy).

Learning outcomes
Develop international economic analysis skills, logical reasoning, clear writing, ethical problem-solving, and a critical understanding of economics' philosophical underpinnings—equipping you to tackle uncertainty and tech-driven changes.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
This dual-degree program (CROHO code 57084, Philosophy of a Specific Discipline) from Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus School of Philosophy is fully accredited, delivering a BSc and BA recognized across sectors for their blend of theory and practice.

Reputation (employability rankings)
Graduates with these two degrees gain a significant employability edge in every sector, thanks to the program's unique coordination, advanced teaching, personal support, and Rotterdam's dynamic hub for industry, logistics, and innovation—students rave about the smoothed dual-study experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Double Bachelor in Economics and Philosophy of Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, you'll build practical skills right from year one through hands-on sessions led by student mentors, focusing on studying, presentation, writing, and debating to prepare you for real-world economic analysis and philosophical reasoning. The program blends economics with philosophy using advanced teaching methods that emphasize a unique mix of theory and practice, helping you tackle issues like ethical dilemmas in economics—think debates on whether an alcoholic deserves a liver transplant or analyzing thought experiments on truth, knowledge, and democracy. Located on the vibrant Campus Woudestein, you'll benefit from coordinated schedules across Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus School of Philosophy, personal academic support, and an international classroom that sharpens your problem-solving for today's fast-paced society.

 

Here's how the program equips you with experiential tools and opportunities tailored to economics and philosophy:
- Skills training sessions: Dedicated mentor-led workshops in year one on presentation, writing, debating, and study skills, integrated with economics courses like marketing, mathematics, accounting, organisation, and strategy.
- Thought experiments and group discussions: Dive into philosophical topics like skepticism, mind-body problems, moral responsibility, ethics, and politics through analytical group work and conceptual analysis, fostering creativity and critical reflection.
- Thesis supervision: In year four, write your philosophy thesis under close staff guidance, applying economic and philosophical insights to real issues.
- Evening seminars and block-based learning: Advanced philosophy blocks (10 weeks each) in year four on history of thought, man and culture, social/political philosophy, and courses like Philosophy of Science I/II, Technology and Social Change, Essential Contemporary Challenges, and Thought Experiments—often interactive for deeper engagement.
- Campus Woudestein facilities: Full access as a full-time dual-degree student, including those from Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) and Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil) for collaborative learning in an international environment.

This hands-on approach, combined with two degrees in just four years, gives you a huge edge in employability across sectors—imagine standing out with skills in economic problem-solving plus philosophical depth. Ready to apply? Start with the International Bachelor Economics and Business Economics (IBEB), pass year one, and seamlessly switch in—deadline for EEA students is May 1. Check the full facilities list here: https://www.eur.nl/en/location/campus-woudestein/facilities. Let's chat more about your fit!

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Double Bachelor in Economics and Philosophy of Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam prepares you for careers where analytical strength and critical thinking truly matter. By combining rigorous economic training with philosophical depth, you graduate with the ability to interpret data, evaluate complex decisions, and understand the ethical dimensions behind policies and markets. This unique mix positions you strongly for roles such as Economist, Policy Analyst, Strategy Consultant, or Financial Consultant.

Future Progression & Opportunities:

  • Career preparation and support: Erasmus University Rotterdam offers dedicated career services including CV workshops, interview training, career fairs, employer networking events, and access to a strong international alumni network. These services help you transition confidently from university into the job market.

  • Employment prospects and added value: You graduate with two fully recognized bachelor’s degrees in four years, which significantly strengthens your profile in competitive sectors such as consulting, finance, policy advisory, and research. Employers value graduates who can combine quantitative analysis with ethical reasoning and structured argumentation.

  • Industry exposure and partnerships: Through Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus University’s broad network, students engage with professionals from business, finance, and public institutions via guest lectures, internships, and recruitment events.

  • International recognition: A degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam carries strong global recognition, enhancing your opportunities both within Europe and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this double bachelor, you can continue directly into a wide range of master’s programmes at Erasmus University Rotterdam, such as Financial Economics, Policy Economics, Behavioral Economics, Accounting & Control, Marketing, Philosophy, or specialized research master’s programmes. This pathway can lead to advanced professional roles, doctoral research, or academic careers.

Program Key Stats

€13500
€2694
Sept Intake : 1st Apr


No

Eligibility Criteria

3.0
30
NA

NA
NA
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Economist
  • Financial Consultant
  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Academic/Philosophy Lecturer
  • Business Analyst
  • Economist in Banking
  • Tax Consultant
  • Manager in Private Sector
  • Journalist

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