Economics and History: Utrecht University

About the programme

The Economics and History Master’s programme operates within a unique field of research, where business economics and history meet. It features a combination of theoretical approaches from (business) economics with the skills of archival research, and more generally empirical (case-study) research.

This programme sheds light on the moments when important strategic decisions had to be made, and more generally on the effects of institutions on the way in which companies operate and grow. This is obviously relevant for development issues as well. Therefore, the programme also elaborates on the explanations why some economies are more successful than others.

Career prospects

Students who have successfully completed the Economics and History Master’s Programme have gained profound knowledge of theories on organisation, strategy and corporate finance and have learned to apply these theories to individual case studies and the long-term development of businesses in the (recent) past. You could be employed in a commercial position, thanks to, among other things, the attention the programme pays to managerial economics.

This will provide you with access to jobs in businesses, especially banks and insurance firms, and in governmental institutions. Moreover, there is a growing demand for professional business historians. Ever more businesses are taking a thorough approach to the management of their archives and the writing of their historiography. In addition, you will be qualified for academic positions or a PhD programme.

Admission requirments

Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree in economics with a minor in history or Bachelor's degree in history with a minor in economics.

Language requirements: TOEFL (minimum score: 580 (paper test) or 237 (computer test).); IELTS (minimum score: 6.5 (6.0. for the writing module).), Cambridge EFL Advanced English: B; Cambridge EFL Proficiency in English: C.