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Why this programme?

Econometrics and Operations Research

This programme brings together the areas of econometrics and operations research. Econometrics provides support to economic decisions using quantitative data and techniques from mathematics, statistics and computer science. And Operations Research uses advanced mathematical tools to solve complex problems and optimise processes, such as transport logistics, routing and scheduling.

Organisations today face global competition, economic crises and complex decision-making processes. Therefore, calls are growing ever louder for economists who have the advanced technical training and quantitative skills to solve real problems. This programme gives you a unique profile to respond to these needs in government, finance, consulting and more.

You’ll like this if you …

  • enjoy using your skills in mathematics, statistics and computer science to solve real-world problems
  • want to improve economic and management decision making
  • are prepared for a quantitative challenge
  • are interested in research

What you’ll actually do:

  • gain in-depth knowledge in the areas of econometrics, operations research or a specialisation you design yourself
  • use multidisciplinary techniques to analyse complex problems (e.g. the construction of a new national road system, the allocation of donor organs to patients, etc.)
  • work in small tutorial groups, developing close working relationships with your fellow students and instructors

Specialisations

After the first block of the Econometrics and Operations Research programme, you'll choose one of four specialisations:

Actuarial Science: get ahead in the path to becoming an actuary
Econometrics: use statistics and econometrics to analyse economic and financial issues and interrelations and predict future financial and economic developments
Mathematical Economics: use mathematical methods to inform decisions about the internal and external organisation of companies
Operations Research: use optimisation techniques, computers and programming to solve business and economic problems

You may also design your own specialisation. In consultation with staff, you can select your own bundle of four elective courses rather than choosing one of the predesigned specialisations. 

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Easily compare different aspects of the master’s programmes from the School of Business & Economics.

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World-class education

It's never business as usual at Maastricht University. Not only do our academic programmes incorporate the latest developments in each field, but we also focus on research and innovation in education itself. One of our three university-wide research themes is Learning & Innovation. With the creation of EdLab and the continuing improvement of our education strategies, you can be confident that not only will you know your chosen discipline inside and out, but you will also have the best learning experience possible.

Small groups = big advantages

Problem-Based Learning

As with most UM programmes, the School of Business and Economics uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL). In small tutorial groups of no more than 15 students, you seek solutions to ‘problems’ taken from real-world situations. Instructors only give help as needed, allowing you to develop independence and problem-solving skills useful to your career. This dynamic, collaborative system has one of the highest knowledge retention rates of any teaching method.

Problem-Based Learning at Maastricht University

Amazing education opportunities

PREMIUM honours programme

PREMIUM gives you that extra edge by offering real-world experience during your studies. As part of a team of students, you’ll build the experience and skills employers are looking for. Work on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO or educational institution. Create a personal development plan. Participate in intensive individual coaching, master classes and workshops.

More about PREMIUM

Internships

Internships give you practical experience that enhances your studies and increases your employability. Many graduates often end up working at the organisation where they intern. SBE encourages master’s students to do an extracurricular, 8-26 week internship. The SBE Internship Office has an extensive database of internship opportunities and is on hand for guidance and counselling.

More about internship

Combine thesis & internship

Rather than face a trade-off between finishing your studies and doing an internship, SBE 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.

More about TIP

International experience

Maastricht University is among the top 15 most international universities in the world. We encourage our students to see themselves as world citizens, and our educational programmes encourage study abroad, multilingualism, cultural exchange and sensitivity, and international career goals.

The international classroom

UM embraces the International Classroom, an environment where our differences become our strengths. From day one, you’ll be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. This kind of interaction brings you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching you not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. SBE is one of the most international faculties at Maastricht University, with over 60% of students and 55% of the academic staff coming from abroad, representing roughly 60 different nationalities.

Take your degree anywhere!

The SBE has the ‘Triple Crown’ of accreditations: from the American AASCB, the British AMBA and the European-wide EQUIS. This means your degree is recognised in many places throughout the world: perfect for an international career or postgraduate studies abroad.

Study abroad

The opportunity to gain experience abroad gives you a great advantage in today’s job market, and will broaden not only your career but also your personal horizon. An exchange semester is a unique opportunity for motivated and ambitious SBE master’s students to study at one of our partner universities abroad. It is always in addition to your regular study programme, which means that you take an extra semester at one of the School’s top partner institutions.

Maastricht University - UM SBE students on exchange around the world

Study abroad and get to know new people

Students from every one-year, full-time SBE master’s programme can apply for a master’s exchange semester. However, a master's exchange is only possible if you have 100% study progress. Students who will be doing their exchange in a third, extended, semester will take priority over students who will run into more of a study delay. Competition for exchange positions is high, and applying for a semester abroad does not guarantee a spot or that you will be allocated to your preferred choice. SBE will consider your study progress, motivation, academic achievements and curriculum vitae in the selection process.