For prospective students

Starting your educational career in a bachelor’s programme at a university is a tough decision. “Small scale” and “personal” may not be terms you would immediately associate with a university. But it is around these concepts that Problem-Based Learning (PBL) revolves. For the duration of your bachelor’s programme at SBE, you will be working in small groups where you actively discuss problems with your fellow students and tutors. Scientific research has also shown that by actively applying your knowledge during the tutorial group meetings you are more likely to remember new facts than by simply sitting in a packed lecture hall. The practical experience you gain and the skills you develop during your three year bachelor’s programme at the School of Business and Economics will give you a significant advantage when entering the business world.

• List of all Bachelor's programmes

At the School of Business and Economics we believe that education should be centred on you, the student. And to us, you're not one of many master's students filling a seat in a crowded lecture hall. Instead, you work in small groups and together with your fellow master’s students you seek solutions to real world problems. This means that you are continuously exchanging knowledge, experiences and opinions with your group members as well as the academic staff. When you are driven by a spirit of inquiry that motivates you to go deeper than memorisation and a shallow understanding of concepts you are at the right spot here at the School of Business and Economics.

• List of all Master's programmes

The Research Master programme is primarily research oriented: It combines a training in analytical and research skills while gaining a solid knowledge in your discipline of interest (either Financial and Economic Research, or Business Research). The programme equips you with the necessary skills to become experts in research. You will be prepared to successfully lead research projects and to make confident, data-driven decisions. Considering the importance that organisations attach to analytical skills within a discipline, a Research Master diploma significantly improves your careers prospects.

The Research Master is also the ideal preparation for a scientific, academic career. The majority of our Research Master students seamlessly continue their research career and enter the PhD programme at Maastricht University, or any other (inter)national university.

The Research Master programme is a two-year Master programme (120 ECTS) that is offered at the Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE). It is accesible to students with outstanding study results in their (under) graduate program in business, economics, econometrics or other relevant disciplines. GSBE’s strong connection to the academic and professional world will introduce you to the most advanced research and gives you the opportunity to create a tailor-made experience.

• List of Research Master's programmes 

At the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, we believe that science can offer concrete, tangible solutions to problems for today and tomorrow. Today's challenges transcend national borders. The world is our playing field and Maastricht University offers the most international learning environment in the Netherlands. To help students to excel the School of Business and Economics has developed excellence programmes alongside regular Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.

Find out more!

Would you like to study a semester abroad at the most international university in the Netherlands? Are you longing for an unforgettable experience abroad? Come to SBE. We will provide you with our first-rate education and a wide variety of intriguing courses all offered in English. Maastricht will provide you a city full of new people and new experiences. 

Ride your bike. Broaden your horizons. Make friends for life. Try Dutch. Fail at Dutch. Taste new flavours. Feel alive. Explore new places. Fall in love. Fall out of love. Travel the world. And most of all: have fun! Every single day. 

The School of Business and Economics dares you to: 

• Learn about cultures from all over the world, all while you are in small, picturesque Maastricht. 
• Get educated through our Problem Based Learning system, most likely a completely different education system than at your home university. 
• Fully take in our traditional but modern Dutch culture, with different food, festivals, customs, history and so much more. Experience a different way of life. 
• Make lifelong friends from all over the world. And then visit them all later. 
• Feed your curiosity, surprise yourself and benefit from your personal development. 
• Enjoy yourself! 

Combine thesis & internship 

Rather than face a trade-off between finishing your studies and doing an internship, SBE master’s students have the option of combining the two. During the Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP), your thesis will be written on a topic relevant to a company or organisation during a part-time internship. This gives your thesis focus and applicability and gives you practical work experience. We see this as a win–win initiative for both student and company. As a student, you conduct research on a real problem in a real company, translating theory into hands-on practice. At the same time, you gain valuable professional experience and contacts to kick-start your career. 

If you are a student of Maastricht University, please visit the intranet for more information. 

Are you interested in a single course or skills training? If so, you can become a contract student. On a contract basis you can participate in courses and take exams, and you can use the University Library and other UM facilities. We offer approximately 300 courses and skills training on bachelor's and master's level.

Are you a bachelor's or master's student already studying at Maastricht University, but not at the School of Business and Economics? You can take individual courses and skills as a subsidiary student. 

More information