2014 2015

Economics and
Business
Economics
This brochure contains information about the
Bachelors degree programme in Economics
and Business Economics. There are separate
brochures providing details about the Masters
programmes. For more information see
www.rug.nl/masters.
Economics and Business Economics
in Groningen
1 Reasons for studying Economics
and Business Economics
1 Business Economics specialization
1 Economics specialization
1 International Economics and
Business specialization
2 The degree programme in
Groningen
2 Facilities
2 About Groningen...
The content of the degree
programme
6 The Dutch education system
6 Propaedeutic phase
7 Post-propaedeutic phase
10 Careers weeks
10 Masters phase
13 Study abroad!
Student life
14 Introduction and study progress
supervision
14 Student associations
After graduating
16 Another way to do it
Admission
18 Tuition fees
Information and Enrolment
19 Information
20 Addresses
CONTENTS
In 2014 the University of Groningen will be 400 years old. That deserves to be celebrated!
For a whole month, from 15 May to 15 June, Groningen and environs will be celebrating
with the theme For Infinity (4). A whole month of celebrations, sport, science and culture
open to all, including prospective students!
www.rug400.nl

No rights whatsoever may be derived from the contents of this brochure.
Welcome to The Netherlands
Situated in the north-west of Europe,
the Netherlands is the gateway to
Europe: one of the founding members
of the EU, with high standards of
education, health care and social
equality, and close to most European
capitals.
University of Groningen
400 years of academic tradition and
innovation
Leading research university
AACSB accredited
Study in an international environment
Dedicated to student involvement
programmes
Most sustainable university of
The Netherlands
Facts & Figures
27,512 students
3,700 international students
115 nationalities
9 faculties
Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes
9 Graduate Schools
101 English-taught degree programmes
16 English-taught double degree programmes
Information for international prospective students
Aman Sharma (21)
Senior student, from India
The good reputation and the international orientation is what
made me decide to come to Groningen. I explored my options
well, because The Netherlands doesnt come to mind to most
Indians as a destination for higher education! Now Im here
I know that I couldnt have got such an experience and exposure
anywhere else in the world. Adjusting to the way of life was
smooth I was made to feel like a local right from day 1. For
me University of Groningen is the perfect start to a successful,
international career.
International applicants
Admissions requirements
Applicants will be assessed on an individual
basis. The admissions procedure involves
the evaluation of your educational
background, including secondary school
courses/grades, and your English language
proficiency (IELTS 6, with Speaking 6/
Writing 5.5; TOEFL 80, with Speaking
19/Writing 20; CAE; CPE. You should
have passed mathematics as a standard/
methods level subject during your
secondary school education.
Not directly admissible?
If you do not meet the requirements for
direct entry to this degree programme,
then you have the option to enter through
an International Foundation Year.
www.rug.nl/feb/foundationyear
Apply before
1 May 2014 for all international applicants
Tuition Fee
EEA-students 1,835 per year
non-EEA students 7,500 per year
Already completed a Bachelors degree
of a Dutch university or a Dutch HBO?
You will be charged a higher tuition fee.
Books and other study materials should
come to no more than 650 per year.
www
www.rug.nl/feb/prospectives
(for details about admission and tuition fees)
www.rug.nl/howtoapply
(international applicants)
www.rug.nl/insandouts
(practical information)
The latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows that
living expenses in the Netherlands are modest compared
to cities like New York, Paris, London and Beijing. In fact,
it still enjoys one of the lowest costs-of-living in Europe.
Housing
300450 / month
(administration 300 once)
Food
200 / month
Money
55 / month
Insurance
75100 / month
Language course
100450 / course
Security deposit
325 / year
Bicycle
45110 / used bike
Total
10,00011,000 / year
Cost of living: relatively low
GRONINGEN
AMSTERDAM
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ECONOMICS IN GRONINGEN
Reasons for studying Economics and Business Economics
How can an enterprise best market a new product? Which growth
figures does HTC need to convince its stakeholders to invest more in
the telephone market? Why do European firms open branches in Asia?
These are the kinds of challenges that are faced by entrepreneurs and
business managers at all levels of a company. How they solve them has
important implications for both their own company and others, as well
as local, national and international economies and society at large.
If you choose the three-year Economics and Business Economics
programme at the University of Groningen you will see how business
experts and policy makers attempt to stimulate both corporate and
economic activity. This programme will give you the theoretical
tools and analytical skills needed to address complex and sometimes
controversial issues.
Economics and Business Economics is an internationally accredited
programme, ensuring a high quality education that meets the AACSB
standard, a standard which only five percent of universities reach
worldwide. The programme is entirely in English. During the first year
all students take the same courses. In the second year you will decide
whether you will specialize in Business Economics, Economics, or
International Economics and Business. In the third year, you are
offered the opportunity to study one semester abroad.
Business Economics specialization
What is the best way to run an organization? In the business economics
specialization (bedrijfseconomie in Dutch) you learn to understand
decision-making and behaviour of people within an organization from an
economic point of view. You learn from relevant academic research and
practice case studies, including: how to choose the right investments
(and how to finance them), how to market products and services, how to
control organizational processes with the help of accounting systems,
and how to conduct proper human resource management.
Economics specialization
If you are interested in economic and social problems, the economics
specialization may be the perfect choice for you. Economists develop
models to obtain an understanding of economic phenomena. They look
at economic data, make sense of it and explain its implications to policy
makers. It could be said that economics is a way of thinking, looking at
the world and approaching human choice in conditions of scarcity, and
as such, the number of applications is almost limitless.
International Economics and Business specialization
The world has become more and more integrated, but businesses
still have to deal with stakeholders with diverse social norms and
expectations. They also have to handle sometimes conflicting
Economics and Business Economics offers you valuable tools for
addressing decision-making issues within organizations. It learns you
how to analyse the behaviour of firms within different types of markets.
You also study global topics such as the world financial crisis and
international business needs from different perspectives.
The Faculty of Economics and Business building
1
A COMPLETE PROGRAMME
Economics and Business Economics in Groningen is a complete programme.
You begin with a broad foundation year in which global and local
economics and business issues are covered. After that you can choose to
specialize in the discipline that interests you most.
2
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ECONOMICS IN GRONINGEN
regulations, cope with different legal systems and balance multiple
currencies. The international economics and business specialization
gives you the tools to understand the behaviour of international
companies, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental
agencies. It also includes analyses of how the international economic
environment affects the strategies of firms and other international
actors.
The degree programme in Groningen
With their active research agenda the academic staff members have
many theoretical and empirical publications to their credit. Their
awareness of advances in the field and their collective knowledge and
know-how is reflected in their teaching and mentoring. They have
contacts with academic institutions and businesses worldwide, and
this opens doors to exchange programmes.
Facilities
Of course your surroundings are also important. Our buildings are
modern, comfortable and well equipped. The main University Library has
a core collection for each discipline but we also have our own library with
an extensive and still growing economics and business collection.
As well as plenty of places to study, our Student Plaza has meeting
rooms and, if you are in need of a break, a caf. There is free wireless
access throughout the complex, so you can browse the web, check your
e-mail and look for updates on the student intranet, which has links to
practically all the information about the programme you will need.
About Groningen
Student life in Groningen doesnt need much of an introduction.
Groningen is known for being a fun, safe and vibrant student city. It is
large and interesting enough for you to enjoy yourself, yet still small and
pleasant enough for you to feel at home. Roughly one out of every six
people living in Groningen is a student! The nightlife and the cultural,
sporting and recreational opportunities are excellent, as you will soon
discover.
www
www.rug.nl/feb/bscecobe (more about the course of study)
www.rug.nl/feb/aacsb
www.rug.nl/feb/prospectives
www.rug.nl/feb/studiekiezers (information for Dutch prospective students)
www.rug.nl/honours (Honours College University of Groningen)
Is this the programme for you? Students who choose this degree programme are interested in understanding some of the most
fundamental forces that drive our world. They are open to cultural differences and are comfortable with the prospect of being abroad. In a word, they are
adaptable.
The Batavia
Replica of the Batavia, a Dutch East India Company ship launched in 1628.
The Dutch have been involved in international trade for a long time.
The Dutch East India Company, the VOC, was the first multinational
corporation and the first company anywhere to issue stock and pay
dividends. (Photo: Jaap Roskam)
Acquisition of supermarkets
A very interesting economic event in The Netherlands has been the recent acquisition of the
supermarket chain C1000 by its competitor Jumbo. The Dutch Competition Authority (NMa) has
examined the situation and, after thorough economic analysis, concluded that Jumbo is allowed to
acquire over 400 C1000 stores. However, one condition remains, as Jumbo has to sell 18 stores where
competition could be severely affected. The NMa does not foresee any problems on a national level, as
Jumbos future market share of 23% is still relatively limited after the acquisition.
I really like
the theoretical
side
Joost Bats (19)
first-year student in Economics and Business Economics
As I was living abroad when I had to choose my programme of study I explored my
possibilities by checking out the website and the books that are used. That way I got a good
picture of the materials that are dealt with in the programme. I really like the theoretical
side of Economics and Business Economics; it matches my interests in economics and
mathematics.
Although the move from Sint-Maarten to Groningen was a huge change, I did feel at home
early on and I adapted to living on my own quite quickly. This is due to the fact that besides
studying I also do sports, I am a member of a student association and I have a job on the
side. I really enjoy doing all these activities next to my studies and by planning properly
I am left with enough time to fit everything in.
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ECONOMICS IN GRONINGEN
3
4
How to sell an innovative new bike?
Imagine that you and a partner have come
up with an innovative new bike. You are now
considering setting up as a bike maker.
The Business Economics point of view
You have found a way to produce the bike. You
need start-up money, so you start looking for funds
and comparing the different terms and conditions
of potential investors. You may need to acquire
exclusive rights with a patent, and need to come up
with a good marketing strategy. You obviously have
to think about the efficient and effective use of your
resources. It is a handmade bike. What will it cost
to produce the bikes? Would, given the expected
amount of sales, automating the bike-making
process be worthwhile or should you hire more
staff? You investigate how much you will need to
spend on materials and supplies.
The Economics point of view
You try to determine how many bikes you could
feasibly sell. What number would be cost-effective?
In order to determine the price of the bike on the
market you look at what other bikes are going for.
Then you try to determine how much consumers
would be willing to pay for your bike. You want
to find the optimal price point that maximizes
your profits. You also try to understand the bike
industry and whether there are any government
regulations.
The International Economics and Business point
of view
After a while, you begin to think that maybe you
should sell your bikes abroad. Maybe customers
elsewhere would be willing to pay higher prices.
You might want to use trade intermediaries to
reach foreign buyers, but you still need to consider
transportation costs and whether tariffs, quotas or
differences in government standards would make it
difficult to export your bikes. Maybe you could make
bikes where the customers are, rather than shipping
them worldwide. Should you find a partner in the
new location? What about the currency or currency
fluctuation?
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ECONOMICS IN GRONINGEN
5
5
EXCELLENCE ALLOWED!
Gifted and exceptionally
motivated students are given
the opportunity to make the most
of their talents via the University
of Groningen Honours College.
Completing this challenging
programme will result in an
additional Honours diploma.
Students follow special Honours
workshops and other deepening
courses alongside their usual
Bachelors degree courses. They
also organize guest lectures and
company visits. Students also
follow a number of broadening
courses and training programmes
with Honours students from other
faculties. There is a selection
procedure. More information:
www.rug.nl/feb/excellenceallowed
UNIVERSITY OF
GRONINGEN
27,512 students altogether
995 Bachelors students in
Economics and Business
Economics
5,773 first-year students in total
398 first-year students in
Economics and Business
Economics
3,700 international students
5,550 employees
570 professors
45 Bachelors programmes
146 Masters programmes
9 faculties
240,000 square meters of
facilities
603 million euro annual budget
6
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
The Dutch education system
An academic year comprises four blocks each lasting ten weeks.
The year runs from September to July. Tests and exams are taken
during and at the end of each block. We use the European Credit and
Transfer System (ECTS), which expresses student workloads and learning
outcomes in terms of credit points. One credit point (EC) represents
28 hours of time spent studying, attending classes, participating in
group work, working on individual and team projects, and the like. Each
course is worth 5 EC; the Bachelors thesis is worth 10 EC. A Bachelors
degree comprises 180 EC.
Teaching takes place in the form of lectures, tutorials and practicals. It
is important that you prepare ahead for lectures, as all of the material
cannot be covered in the time allotted. Lectures focus on the main points
and particularly difficult aspects of the assigned literature, whereas the
material is discussed in more detail in tutorial groups. In the tutorials
you talk about the literature and lectures, and go over individual
assignments and joint work. Practicals give you an opportunity to work
on assignments and presentations in even smaller groups. There is
usually at least one written exam per course. Your final mark is usually
calculated from your exam results and marks for assignments.
Propaedeutic phase
In order to start off your studies successfully, we provide you with an
intensive entry programme in the week of your first classes. During this
programme we will answer your questions, you will get to meet your
fellow students and you will get important study-related information.
The Bachelors degree programme in Economics and Business Economics
consists of two phases: the propaedeutic phase (first year) and the post-
propaedeutic phase (second and third years). In the second year you
must choose between the three specializations of business economics,
economics, and international economics and business.
What is money?
Money is nothing more than debt created by banks. It is a human invention that
dates back to prehistorical times. On the one hand debt contributed to our
enormous wealth, but debt is also responsible for the recent mortgage bubbles
and financial crisis. Our economic research is focused on how debt crises work,
how to get out of them and how to prevent future crises. Groningen economist
Dirk Bezemer explains the story of debt in a series of animated documentaries.
Watch it on www.rug.nl/feb/debt
7
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
During the first year of the programme you will take the same courses
as your fellow students. These include introductions to Finance and
Financial Accounting, International Economics, International Business
and Marketing. You will also tackle the fundamentals of Micro- and
Macroeconomics and the basics of Mathematics and Statistics. You will
further write a short research paper, an essential aspect of academic life.
Throughout your studies you will learn how to combine knowledge and
research methods in order to become an experienced researcher. Finally,
you will take an English language course in your first year to develop
academic writing and presenting skills.
Micro- and Macroeconomics
These are arguably the most fundamental courses. In Microeconomics
you will consider the choices made by consumers and producers in
markets. You will learn how to forecast what they will do and understand
why they do what they do. Macroeconomics covers whole economies. You
will look at changes in national income and employment, for instance,
and at topics ranging from ageing populations to financial and monetary
crises.
Finance, Financial Accounting and Marketing
In Finance you will find out how firms acquire and use capital. You will
learn about shares, bonds and options, company cash flows and capital
budgeting. In Financial Accounting you will see how management
strategy and company results are reflected in financial accounts. In
Marketing you will learn about product design, pricing, promotion and
distribution, and about how to meet the needs and expectations of
customers and suppliers.
International Economics and International Business
In International Economics you will learn about the global economy
and how it functions as well as about international institutions and
international trade theory and policy. In International Business you will
learn about the challenges multinational firms face when dealing with
different markets and how they can overcome international differences
in tastes and conditions of use.
Finally, English is vital because all of the material is delivered in English.
All of these courses above form your toolkit. This knowledge and these
skills will enable you to write your first research paper at the end of the
first year.
At the end of the first year you will be issued with a binding study
advice. We presume that you will obtain all your credits. If you have not
earned 45 of the 60 credit points, you will have to leave your degree
programme. You must also complete the first-year programme within
two years. (The BSA threshold may be raised to 50 EC, and the BSA may
also be introduced for the second and third years.)
Supermarket offers: clever marketing?
How do you influence consumer behaviour? Which special offer can you best implement?
Supermarkets that give away limited offer free stickers or toy figurines at the till will often see an
immediate increase in profits. But there is little consideration of the long term here. This is the job of
business economists. Do the new customers attracted by the special offers stay faithful to the super-
market? With a big collection of football cards the increased profits will last longer than with a set of
Smurfs that is soon complete. But what about the risks? If the special offer doesnt catch on, you will
be left with a warehouse full of Wuppies or sets of saucepans...
Petra Besselink (21) third-year student in Economics and Business Economics
Business Economics is all about studying real-life events. Through lectures, work groups and assignments you deal
with current topics and learn about them. The assignments are all group assignments, so you work together with
fellow students. Most of the time you can choose your own co-workers, so you get to know a lot of people. Its great
fun and you can also learn from each other. The most interesting class Ive had so far is Finance. We learned about
stock prices and bond prices, how to evaluate a financial report to judge the value of companies and what choices to make when it
comes to investments. I knew nothing about this topic before, so it was very interesting to me. I am now thinking about doing a master
in Finance after I finish my bachelor thesis, which Im working on at the moment. I like the combination of different subjects within
the specialization Business Economics. Combining accountancy, mathematics, and finance: its a great recipe for a fascinating bachelor
programme. And Groningen is a wonderful town with an active student life. Studying Economics and Business Economics
in Groningen was my first choice and I wouldnt do anything different if I had to choose again.
Petra tells more about promotional activities during football championships in a video on www.rug.nl/video/ba-ebe
Studying
real-life
events
8
9
Joint part
Bachelors thesis
Econometrics
Economics of Banking
Finance
Foreign Direct Investment and Trade
International Macroeconomics
Mathematics
Microeconomics: Industrial Organization
Business Economics
Asset Pricing
Corporate Finance
Empirical Research Paper
Financial Statement Analysis
Human Resource Management
Management Accounting
Marketing Research
Operations and Logistic Management
Philosophy and Ethics of Business
Study Abroad / Minor
Economics
Empirical Research Paper
Growth, Institutions and Business
History of Economic Thought
Labour Economics
Macroeconomics
Mathematics
Microeconomics
Political Economics
Public Finance
Study Abroad / Minor
International Economics and Business
Development Economics
Economic Organization Theory
Empirical Research Paper
Global Development Studies
Growth, Institutions and Business
International Business Strategy
International Trade
Multinational Firms and Global Business
Philosophy and Ethics of Business
Study Abroad (IE&B Minor)
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
BACHELORS DEGREE PROGRAMME in Economics and Business Economics
Finance
Financial Accounting
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
International Business
International Economics
Marketing
Mathematics
English
Statistics
Research Paper
First year
(propaedeutic phase)
Post-propaedeutic phase
Building on the broad foundation provided in the first year, you and
your fellow students will then continue with courses such as
International Macroeconomics, Foreign Direct Investment and Trade,
Industrial Organization, Finance, Mathematics, and Economics of
Banking. With Econometrics you will familiarize yourself with a tool to
conduct applied (statistical) research based on economic data, related
to financial markets for example.
In addition to these courses, you will choose between a specialization
in Business Economics, Economics or International Economics and
Business. In all of these specializations you will need to write two
research papers: an empirical research paper at the end of your second
year and your Bachelors thesis at the end of your third year.
Business Economics specialization
If you choose to specialize in Business Economics, you primarily will
develop your skills in Accounting, Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance.
Here you learn to deal with the financial decisions that businesses
make in order to maximize their corporate value. In Financial Statement
Analysis you learn to analyse financial reports and thus understand risk
and profitability. Furthermore, in Operations and Logistics Management,
Second and third years
10
own degree programme or to study abroad for a semester deepening
your knowledge of Economics and Business Economics. If you choose
to specialize in International Economics and Business, a study period
abroad is compulsory. We have many partner institutions throughout
Europe and Latin America, in Australia, Canada, China, the Republic of
Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States and many other
countries. If you specialize in Business Economics or in Economics you
choose to follow your Minor either at the University of Groningen or
outside the Netherlands.
Careers weeks
In order to be well-prepared for your career, a careers week twice a year
is part of the programme. Workshops, lectures and meetings will give
you more insight in your personal skills and ambitions, the jobs that you
are studying for and how to empower your employability.
Masters phase
Although you may decide to start working straight after gaining your
Bachelors degree, additional knowledge and improved research skills
could increase your career opportunities. The University of Groningen
offers a variety of suitable Masters programmes. Our Masters in
Finance is the perfect choice if you wish to broaden your expertise in
the financial and economic aspects of business economics at a high
academic level. The Masters in Economics is a high-calibre programme
in economic theory and policy. Another suitable programme is the
Masters in International Economics and Business, which will prepare
you for an international career in either the private or public sector. We
also have double degree possibilities - which means you receive two
Masters degrees - with the University of Gttingen (Germany), Corvinus
University of Budapest (Hungary) and Fudan University (China).
Other programmes you might be interested in are the Masters in
International Business and Management, the Masters in International
Financial Management, the Masters in Business Administration, the
Masters in Marketing, the Masters in Supply Chain Management, the
Masters in Human Resource Management, and the two-year Research
Master in Economics and Business, which prepares you for a career in
academia. There is also a teacher-training programme in Economics and
Business Studies, taught in Dutch, which you follow alongside one of the
above Masters programmes. This programme lasts two years and leads
to two Masters degrees.
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
Management Accounting, Human Resource Management, and Marketing
Research you get a grip on the overall operating practices and theory
of an organization. Besides ensuring that these business operations are
efficient and effective, you will also examine ethical and moral problems
that can arise in a business environment in the Philosophy and Ethics
of Business course. Furthermore you enhance your research skills in
courses like Marketing Research.
Economics specialization
If you choose Economics, you learn about additional aspects of
microeconomics, macroeconomics and public finance, and continue to
improve your mathematical skills. In the interdisciplinary course Political
Economics you will be given an impression of how economics, law and
political science influence each other. You will study Growth, Institutions
and Business and look more closely at processes of economic growth
and the evolution of business systems. In History of Economic Thought
you will gain an understanding of the development of economic thought
in the twentieth century. In Labour Economics you will attempt to
understand the resulting pattern of wages, employment and income.
International Economics and Business specialization
The International Economics and Business specialization focuses on
international trade and the business strategies of multinationals. In
Global Development Studies you will think about methods of stimulating
economic growth in low-income countries. You will analyse why the
economies of some countries are less developed. In Multinational Firms
and Global Business you learn when and why multinationals adopt
particular strategies, and how they implement them. In International
Trade you learn about the interaction between the multinational firm
and its environment. In the IE&B specialization you have to study abroad
during your Minor in the third year.

Minor and study abroad
In the first semester of the third year you have the possibility to follow
a Minor, which is a set of modules of 30 EC (one semester). You can
complete the Minor in different ways, largely following your own interest.
First of all, the Minor allows you to become acquainted with a completely
different discipline at a different faculty of the University of Groningen.
This will enable you to discover another field of learning and use the
knowledge, methods and research covered in that Minor to broaden
your understanding. It is also possible to follow the Minor offered by your
www
www.rug.nl/feb/bscecobe
www.rug.nl/feb/msc (Masters degree programmes in
Economics and Business)
POWER OF BANKS
For her final-year thesis one of our students studied the market power of
banks at De Nederlandsche Bank in Amsterdam. She compared the extent
to which banks in different countries are owned by the state or by national
or foreign shareholders. The second-year Economics of Banking course
perfectly suits this topic.
11
ACCESSIBLE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMMES
Finance
Economics
International Economics and Business
DDM International and Development Economics
DDM Central-East European Economics
DDM China and the World Economy
Business Administration, 4 specializations:
Change Management
Organizational and Management Control
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Strategic Innovation Management
Marketing
International Business and Management
International Financial Management
Technology and Operations Management
DDM Operations Management
Supply Chain Management
Human Resource Management
Research Master in Economics and Business
Teaching Economics and Business Studies
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
The billion dollar omelette
A contract is sometimes derisively described as not being worth the paper its printed on. This could
genuinely be said to be the case for Zimbabwean banknotes. Most economists go along with the
definition of hyperinflation as a doubling of prices each month. Prices in Zimbabwe have gone far
beyond that, to the extent of doubling every day. The government printed so many banknotes in such
high denominations that the three eggs needed for an omelette set shoppers back a cool quarter of a
billion.
12
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
A difficult degree? Some students find the programme demanding. You may find that your ideas are challenged, and to do well you will need all
of your maths skills. First-year courses such as Microeconomics, International Economics, Finance and Financial Accounting in particular can be difficult. You
may also find that it takes extra time to read and write in English.
CAREER SERVICES
The path from a degree to the labour market is a challenge that starts as
soon as you start your studies. In your bachelor and master programme,
there are various opportunities to prepare for your career, for example
during the careers weeks that are part of your study programme every
year. Or by doing an internship, visiting a congress, studying abroad or
participating in career events. Our Career Services can help you on your
way. Please visit www.rug.nl/feb/career.
13

STUDY ABROAD!
There are roughly a thousand Groningen students taking
classes and doing senior projects and internships outside
the Netherlands each year. If you choose to specialize in
International Economics and Business, you are required to
spend the first semester of the third year abroad. You may
also choose to do so if you specialize in Business Economics
or Economics. We believe that these are valuable educational
and life experiences, and thus actively facilitate them. You can
apply to spend a semester at one of Groningens dozens of part-
ner universities or choose from other institutions with which
we have established relationships.
It is important that you begin planning your semester abroad
well in advance. The Exchange Office can give you valuable
information about the many programmes and grants that are
available. They can inform you about practical matters such as
visas and put you in touch with students and academic staff in
Groningen who come from outside the Netherlands and may
be able to help you. The exchange coordinator will be able to
inform you about earning transferable credits while you are
studying away from Groningen.
Not only do we want our students to experience studying and
living outside the Netherlands, we also open our own doors to
students from abroad. You are sure to meet one of the 3,700
or so students from other countries who come here annually
to study, hear one of the many guest speakers from outside
the Netherlands or be taught by academic staff members from
abroad.
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
14
STUDENT LIFE
Introduction and study progress supervision
You start your studies with an intensive entry programme. You attend
your first lectures, receive information about the facilities and study
societies, go on a guided tour through the buildings and get to know
your fellow students in your mentor group. Moreover, you get the chance
to develop your skills in various workshops.

Unlike at school, in your studies you will no longer be taken by the hand.
We expect you to be able to work independently and to plan your studies
yourself. Of course, we will help you doing so. A mentor will take care
of you, together with other first-years. This senior student will make
sure you know the ins and outs of the faculty very soon. Your mentor
group is also the group in which you follow your tutorials. This small-
scale approach enables a lot of contact between students and between
students and lecturers. After every exam period, you will meet your tutor
(lecturer-supervisor) to discuss your study progress. In case of specific
study problems, for example exams, funding or study delay, the facultys
study advisors are there to help. General questions can be asked at the
University Student Desk.

Your life as a student in Groningen will start with the general
introduction week for all first-year students at the University of
Groningen (KEI-week).
Student associations
In order to get to know your fellow students, you are advised to join
the introduction camp organized by EBF, the faculty association of the
Faculty of Economics and Business. This association organizes many
activities, such as congresses, company trips and lectures by speakers
from the international corporate or political world. As a member, you
also get a ten percent discount on your study books. Economics and
Business Economics students will be especially interested in associations
such as Risk, AIESEC and MARUG.
GRONINGEN, YOUR
STUDENT CITY
195,800 inhabitants
56,000 students
35,000 or so student residences
54 student sport associations
36 pizza shops
199 bars
8 discotheques
2,743 caf terrace seats
7 laundries
94 employment agencies
65 driving schools
31 bicycle repair shops
3,345 students weblogs
1 Best City of the Netherlands
2010
1 Most fun shop of the
Netherlands (Italian shop Ariola)
www
www.ebfgroningen.nl
www.keiweek.nl (introduction)
www.groningenlife.nl (student life)
www.lefier.nl, www.kamernet.nl (finding rooms)
Karin Ritsema (21) third-year student, specialization International Economics and Business
My International Economics and Business specialization is much more varied than I expected it to be. You do not just learn about
numbers and statistics but also about the reasons for certain phenomena, for example why poor countries are poor, or what the
conditions for economic growth are.
In my spare time I play sports and work in the catering industry. I am an active member of Gyas, a rowing club for students. It is great
to combine sport and your social life, and if you plan well it is not a problem to combine your studies with your social life and even a
job to earn some extra cash.
It is mandatory for students in this specialization to study abroad for a semester, so I went to Copenhagen last year. It was a lot of
fun making new friends and experiencing a new environment. I really learned to be independent. My next challenge will be to
work full-time for a year as a member of the International Business Research executive board of the EBF study association. We will
conduct several research projects in two emerging markets. This is a great addition to the degree programme, which tends to be
more theoretical. Being on this executive board will enable me to put my theoretical knowledge into practice.
Learning
to be
independent
15
16
AFTER GRADUATING
After you have completed your Bachelors degree you will meet the
requirements for entry-level positions, but almost all students decide to
continue with a Masters degree. Since all our programmes are AACSB
accredited, your degree will be worth even more on the labour market.
Earning a Masters degree appreciably increases your career options
and allows you to reach higher levels in business, government and non-
governmental agencies. A Masters degree in Finance offers graduates
attractive career opportunities in many different areas. You could end
up as a financial or asset manager. Or maybe corporate governance,
risk analysis or stock trading is your thing. You will be ready to start
work at multinationals such as Procter&Gamble, Google, Coca-Cola,
Toyota or Lacoste. If youve studied Finance your will find a wide range of
opportunities open to you.
A Masters degree in Economics may lead you to the world of banking,
where you might become an analyst or financial advisor, or you could
work in the policy department of a central bank, perhaps analysing
the impact of monetary and economic policy. You might choose the
government sector, beginning in an advisory role and moving on to
a management position. You could help develop important social
programmes and devise ways of administering them.
A Masters degree in International Economics and Business will provide
you with the credentials to work for a multinational or any number of
governmental institutions or international organizations. You might
become an analyst for a research institute, consulting firm or university.
Graduates have the possibility to participate in the high-level contract
research activities of international organizations, such as the Conference
Board (New York) and the International Labour Organization (ILO,
Geneva). Other companies where you could end up working are the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),
World Bank, CESifo Institute Munich or the Social and Economic
Council of the Netherlands. If you choose the Research Masters degree
programme you could move into academia and perhaps decide to go
further still and earn a PhD at a university in the Netherlands or abroad.
www
www.rug.nl/feb/alumni (graduates site)
www.ecb.int
www.worldbank.org
www.rug.nl/feb/som (research school)
Mireille
Bombeld
is graduated with a
masters degree in
Finance. She applied
for a Corporate
Management
Traineeship at
Rabobank. As a
trainee, she is
working on assignments in the fields of
eCommerce, the local memberbank, the Milan
branch and finance projects. This gives her
the opportunity to get a full understanding
about Rabobank. In this way, she can find out
what department will provide the best fit with
her personal interests and capabilities.
Bas van Ginkel,
IE&B graduate, started
his career as a
consultant at Bain &
Company. His tasks
were engaging with
clients, executing
analysis, managing
client relationships
and managing
associate consultants on the team. Currently
hes pursuing an MBA at the prestigious
Harvard Business School.
Another way to do it...
Jelte de Jong,
Economics graduate,
is a public economic
employee with the
Dutch Ministry of
Infrastructure and
Environment. As a
controller he advises
on government
policies and
investments regarding railway infrastructure.
It is his job to make sure that the risks and
budgetary effects for the government are as
little as possible and that the money is spent
as effectively as possible.
17
AFTER GRADUATING
Discovering
what you
like is most
important
Jakoba van der Meij (26)
Economics and Business Economics graduate
Curiousness has driven my personal and academic development during my studies in
Groningen. Every experience contributed to finding my personal passion, and this has now
brought me to London where I work as an analyst for Pyry Capital, a merger & acquisition
advisory firm. Advising clients on potential mergers or divestitures provides me with
a dynamic environment where a variety in tasks makes each day interesting. This may
result in working on an information memorandum at the office one day and giving a client
presentation in Paris about possible acquisition targets the next.
My time as a student gave me many opportunities to discover my personal interests. I have
participated in various committees at the student association EBF and Risk and worked as a
student assistant. Additionally, doing internships and travelling gave me the full spectrum
and exposure for my intellectual and personal development.
Discovering what you like is most important, and from my personal experience I can
recommend having a look for yourself and attending information events. One experience of
your own cannot compete with numerous stories and opinions of others.
18
ADMISSION
WITH A DUTCH VWO DIPLOMA
Candidates with the profiles Economics
& Society, Nature & Health or Nature &
Technology can immediately enter the
Bachelors programme. The profile Culture
& Society must be complemented with
mathematics A or B.
WITH A DUTCH HBO DIPLOMA
It is also possible to enter the programme
with a HBO propaedeutic certificate, on
condition that you meet the required level
of mathematics. You must at least have
taken mathematics A or B at Dutch VWO
level. (This may no longer be possible in
the future; please keep abreast of the
legislation.)
NO VWO OR HBO DIPLOMA?
If you are Dutch and do not have a VWO
or HBO diploma but are 21 or older, you
may take the university admission exam,
the colloquium doctum, for a fee of 100.
If you pass, you will be admitted to the
Bachelors degree programme.
VWO
HBO
www
www.studielink.nl (application for Dutch
students)
www.rug.nl/hoezithet (practical information
for Dutch students)
www.duo.nl (financial assistance for Dutch
students)
X
VWO/HBO
REQUIRED LEVEL OF MATHEMATICS
The website www.rug.nl/feb/mathtest will provide you with information,
exercises, suggested reading and sample tests related to the Facultys
required mathematics level. The Faculty offers a Mathematics Entrance
Examination twice a year for students with a maths deficiency. The exams
are only open to students already living in the Netherlands.
18
Admissions information for international applicants can be found in
the inside cover of this brochure.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Tuition fees for Dutch students
The statutory tuition fees are 1,835 for the 20132014 academic year.
Books and other study materials should come to no more than 650 per year.
In case you already have a Bachelors degree of a Dutch university or Dutch
HBO, you will be charged a higher tuition fee. The height of the tuition fee
varies per programme.
19
INFORMATION AND ENROLMENT
Information Day
Friday, 8 November 2013; registering in time is compulsory
All Bachelors programmes
In and around the Academy building, city centre Groningen
Each programme gives a short presentation
Talks on housing, student life, etc.
Student Activity Fair
Open Day
Friday, 31 January 2014; registering in time is compulsory
All Bachelors programmes
Visit programmes on location
Learn about three or four programmes
Lecture, representative class, tour of the facilities, information booths
Student for a Day
On Thursday 12 December 2013 and Thursday 13 March 2014
at Economics and Business Economics; registering in time is
compulsory
Intensive programme at one degree programme
The programme depends on the degree programme: lecture, tutorial,
practical
Many other degree programmes organize a Student for a day
programme, but not all
Register with the degree programme, via www.rug.nl/feb/eds
More information is available at www.rug.nl/studiekiezers.
Enrolment
Dutch students may enrol directly at www.studielink.nl. Studielink is
an online service for higher education in the Netherlands, including
information on financial assistance.
Applicants from outside the Netherlands may enrol at
www.rug.nl/howtoapply
Deadlines
The registration deadline for Economics and Business Economics is
1 May for applicants from outside the Netherlands.
The deadline for Dutch applicants for programmes without a fixed
quota like Economics and Business Economics will probably be
brought forward to 1 May too.
Matching
Once Dutch students have registered via Studielink, they will
automatically be provided with an opportunity to check wether the
chosen degree programme matches their interests. (Not for degree
programmes with a fixed quota). During this procedure, your motivation
for, ideas and expectations concerning the degree programme will be
examined.
You must not only be registered but also have paid your tuition fees
by 1 September.
20
From November 2013
Enrolment of Dutch students via
www.studielink.nl
Enrolment, before 1 May, of students
from outside the Netherlands at
www.rug.nl/howtoapply
(For numerus fixus (limited admission)
degree programmes the enrolment
deadlines are earlier!)
Friday, 8 November 2013
Information day
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Student for a Day
Friday, 31 January 2014
Open Day

Thursday, 13 March 2014
Student for a Day
1 May 2014
Application deadline EB&E students
from outside the Netherlands.
Probable application deadline Dutch
students, followed by procedure for Dutch
students to check whether the chosen
degree programme matches their interests.
August 2014
General orientation week (KEI-week),
Presentations by representatives of student
associations and tours of the Faculties.
Monday 1 September 2014
The official start of the academic year. You
must not only be registered but also have
paid your tuition fees.
INFORMATION AND ENROLMENT
For questions about enrolment, financial
matters, etc.
University Student Desk
+31 (0)50 363 80 04
www.rug.nl/hoezithet
www.rug.nl/insandouts
For questions about on-site events
Communication Office
+31 (0)50 363 90 11
studiekiezers@rug.nl
www.rug.nl/studiekiezers
For questions about the programme
Faculty of Economics and Business
Student Support
+31 (0)50 363 89 00
www.rug.nl/feb/studentsupport
Economics and business economics on the
internet
www.rug.nl/feb/bscecobe
Enrolment Dutch students
via www.studielink.nl
Enrolment international students
via www.rug.nl/howtoapply
21 21
MORE INFORMATION
In addition to this brochure there are also two general
information guides, titled Studeren in Groningen (available in
Dutch; with information about all Bachelor programmes), and
International Bachelor Degree Programmes (available in English;
with information about the English bachelor programmes).
Apart from comprehensive information about study possibilities
at the University of Groningen, these brochures contain
information about admission, application, registration,
accommodation, student life, facilities for the disabled, language
courses for students from minority groups, the labour market
and more.
To order the general information guides, please visit
www.rug.nl/studiekiezers (for the Dutch guide) or
www.rug.nl/internationalstudents (for the English guide).

www.facebook.com/universityofgroningen

www.twitter.com/univgroningen

www.youtube.com/universitygroningen
www.unifocus.nl (weekly online video magazine RUG)
www.rug.nl/studiekiezers
8
3
June 2013
C
o
l
o
p
h
o
n

P
u
b
l
i
c
a
t
i
o
n

C
o
m
m
u
n
i
c
a
t
i
o
n

O
f
f
i
c
e
,

U
n
i
v
e
r
s
i
t
y

o
f

G
r
o
n
i
n
g
e
n


T
e
x
t

G
r
a
c
e
f
u
l
l
y

P
u
t


L
a
y
-
o
u
t

I
n

O
n
t
w
e
r
p


P
h
o
t
o
s

J
o
h
a
n

Z
w
a
r
t
,

J
a
a
p

R
o
s
k
a
m
,

E
l
m
e
r

S
p
a
a
r
g
a
r
e
n
,

M
i
c
h
e
l

d
e

G
r
o
o
t
,

P
e
t
e
r

L
o
w
i
e
www.rug.nl/internationalstudents