Economics: Data Science
Winter intake start date
2027-02-01
Winter intake deadline
2026-11-25
Become an economist with hands-on experience in processing and interpreting unstructured (big) data sets. With a strong foundation in statistical modeling and additional training in programming languages, you will have the right skills to understand the economic value of data and to become an ''analytics translator'': a person who can bridge the technical expertise of data engineers with the end user in any organization (managers, policy makers, etc.). This is a track of MSc Economics.
Program and courses
The track 'Data Science’ trains economics students in programming languages that are used in firms, the public administration, and research to work with big data and algorithms (Python and R), including hands-on exercises that analyze and present (big) data sets from structured and unstructured sources, such as Internet and Social Media data, e-mails, company reports, images, or data from diverse administrative data sources.
- Moreover, it offers a deeper understanding of innovation economics, the consequences of datafication, and, thereby, how innovation affects markets, political landscapes, and our societies – and what to do about it as policy maker.
- Finally, your strong foundation in Econometrics and Economic Analysis gives you the ability to make sense of data from an economist’s perspective.
- This is a track of MSc Economics. You can choose to follow the main program or one of the tracks.
Typical courses are:
- Data Science for Economics
- Governance of Innovation
- Econometrics 1 & 2
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
To be eligible for the Master’s program in Economics, you must have:
A Bachelor’s degree in Economics or in a similar program (e.g., in Econometrics) from a university that is recognized by the program management
A solid academic background in economics, especially:
- Macroeconomics (minimum 12 ECTS)
- Microeconomics (minimum 12 ECTS)
- Game Theory (minimum 6 ECTS)
- Mathematics (minimum 12 ECTS)
- Econometrics / Statistics (minimum 12 ECTS)
Our Admissions Board may give you the opportunity to rectify deficiencies (max. 30 ECTS) during a Pre-Master's program.
And at least 2 applied Economics courses (in total minimum 12 ECTS), for instance (but not exclusively!):
- Environmental Economics (minimum 6 ECTS)
- Public Economics (minimum 6 ECTS)
- Development Economics (minimum 6 ECTS)
- Industrial Organization (minimum 6 ECTS)
It is compulsory for this program to submit your GRE General Test
- The minimum GRE score for applicants is 160 on the quantitative part of the test
The GRE institution code for Tilburg University is 0730.
* Applicants that do not meet these requirements, will not be admitted to the program
Exemptions from the GRE requirement
Students with a relevant degree from one of the official partner universities of the Tilburg School of Economics and Management are exempted from the GRE requirement.
Upon graduating, you will have obtained the following title (as stated on your diploma): Master of Science.
Data scientists are highly sought after in today’s economy by all types of private and public organizations, as they enable those organizations to make better decisions (based on data). Students taking this track will become ‘translators’ between data miners (who have a computer science or engineering background) and economic and political decision makers, who rely on advice based on data.
Some examples of our graduates' jobs:
- Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Finance
- Statistical Analyst at De Nederlandsche Bank
- Doctoral student at the University of Oxford
Alumni facts
- 96% are (very) satisfied with the Master program
- 43% work abroad
- Gross average monthly income 1.5 years after graduation: €3,682
