International Economics and Business: Utrecht University

About the programme

The MSc in International Economics and Business is a unique programme that teaches students both the specific skills of business economics and the broader knowledge of economics, and then sets this learning in an integrated context. Across the course of a year, you tackle economic issues such as strategic new business ventures, worldwide income distribution and financial management, while at the same time discussing budgets, trade, migration, and the way that businesses and finance overlap with other social sciences.

Career Opportunities

Both in the private sector and the public domain, there is a growing need for well-trained economists who understand the interplay between business and economics in an international setting. As a graduate from the MSc in International Economics and Business, you will find that you are well prepared for a range of different careers. Graduates from the programme have gone on to work in a number of different institutions and sectors, including:

• Multinational firms;
• International banks – e.g., World Bank, European Central Bank, Dutch Central Bank;
• Corporate banks – e.g., ABN AMRO, ING;
• Start-ups and venture capitalist firms;
• Consultancy firms – e.g., ECORYS;
• Research institutes – e.g., the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB), Eurostat;
• Government ministries – e.g., Economic Affairs, Finance;
• NGOs and development agencies.

Entrance requirements

The MSc programme in International Economics and Business is open to anyone who meets the following criteria:

Either a BSc in Economics or Economics and Business Economics, preferably with some degree of specialisation in International Economics and sufficient knowledge of economics (pre-master).

A good command of English.

All other applicants, including applicants who hold a Dutch HBO diploma (diploma of higher professional education), must provide proof of proficiency in English. To do so, you are required to take one of the following English language tests:

• IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing. IELTS is the test preferred by Utrecht University.
• TOEFL, Internet based. Minimum score: 93. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
• Cambridge Certificates
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English at least a B grade.
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at least a C grade.