Study in Groningen actuarial science, data science, econometrics and operations research. Use real-life data and advanced data science models to make sound decisions in business and society.
How much influence will taxation prices have on car usage? What econometric models can assist in predicting future resource demands and optimizing resource allocation for sustainable use? What is the minimal route length to deliver parcels on time? In the MSc Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies (EORAS), you can combine your interests in mathematics, economics, statistics, and data science and develop strong analytical skills as well as a passion for solving complex problems. The programme in Groningen has an international and interdisciplinary approach, is small-scale and allows you to build on a future career that matches your goals and aspirations.
You will learn to apply mathematical and statistical models to address challenges in business, economics, finance, insurance, and related fields. As an example, one of the projects focuses on optimizing the waste collection system in Groningen municipality. Students obtain data from the municipality (data science) to analyze the stochastic deposit process (econometrics), estimate overflow probabilities (actuarial sciences), and compute efficient truck routes (operations research). This is just one of the many projects in our programme where you will learn how to combine mathematics, computers, and consultancy skills to address societal and environmental problems. Additionally, you'll encounter various aspects of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the programme, and staff support thesis topics related to these SDGs.
The knowledge and skills you gain in any of the four profiles (actuarial science, data science, econometrics and operations research) are highly transferable and provide a level of job security. You learn also about the ethical implications of using data in decision-making processes, a skill which is highly valued. Our alumni find jobs right after graduation and work as data scientist, analyst, AI technical consultant, policy advisor, manager of operations, to name a few.
How does the MSc EORAS score in the Higher Education Guide (Keuzegids)? Students rated the MSc EORAS in Groningen higher for four different themes compared to other study programmes in econometrics offered by Dutch research universities.
The Master's programme offers a choice of four distinct profiles:
1) Actuarial Studies focuses on mathematical models
for risk management in the financial sector.
2) Data
Science combines data assembly and analysis with modeling and
decision-making in the large.
3)
Econometrics aims at quantifying causal relations among economic
variables using statistical models.
4)
Operations Research uses mathematical and probability models to
solve optimization and decision-making problems.
In addition to taking courses from your chosen profile, you are
encouraged to take courses from the other profiles because
well-rounded quantitative analysis contains elements from each
profile. This way, the toolkit you develop will have a high degree
of relevance in a world that depends more and more on data science,
programming, and quantitative analysis. There will be plenty of
opportunities to put knowledge into practice by working on
real-life assignments, and business cases from companies, joining
guest lectures from industry experts and alumni and, via the
internship (optional). Many students write their thesis while doing
an internship and finish with hands-on experience.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Data Analysis and Machine Learning (5 EC) | ||||
| Econometric Methods (5 EC) | ||||
| Non-normal Data Analysis (5 EC) | ||||
| Electives for all profiles (10 EC) | ||||
| Other quantitative courses (10 EC) | ||||
| Data-driven Optimization (5 EC) | ||||
| Econometric Tools for Data Analysis (5 EC) | ||||
| Models for Short Term Risk Management (5 EC) | ||||
| Design of Combinatorial Algorithms (5 EC) | ||||
| Networks and Spatial Economics (5 EC) | ||||
| Quantitative Finance (5 EC) | ||||
| Master's Thesis (20 EC) | ||||
| Applied Microeconometrics (5 EC) | ||||
| Banking, Insurance and Risk Management (5 EC) | ||||
| Demand Data Analysis & Inventory Control (5 EC) | ||||
| Investing, Uncertainty and Climate Risk (5 EC) | ||||
| Programme options |
|---|
| Master Internship (specialization) Many students combine the writing of their MSc EORAS thesis with an internship at a company or a (semi-)public institute such as the Dutch Central Bank. Often, these students move to the city of their internship for the duration of the internship.In case of an internship in the West of the Netherlands (known as the “Randstad”), communication between student and thesis supervisor often takes place via e.g. Skype. Many students are offered a job at the company where they have done their internship. However, it is also possible to write an MSc thesis without doing an internship, which is an attractive option for research-oriented students who wish to consider the option of doing a PhD after their MSc EORAS. |
| Double Degree Master International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization) Are you interested in an international career in or involving China? Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture. |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in the field of Econometrics and Operations Research. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. |
| other admission requirements |
The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:For students from Economics and EDG profile: you need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Mathematics | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Industrial Engineering and Management | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Physics | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Astronomy | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Chemistry | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Applied Physics | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| International Business | University of Groningen | No access |
| Business Administration | University of Groningen | No access |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Economics and Business Economics | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master More information:For Economics track only: You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Via a pre-master More information:For Business Economics track students: You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Econometrics and Data Science | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Actuarial Science | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Economics and Business Economics | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master More information:You need to first complete the 60 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster. Note that our deficiency programme is max. 60EC. |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in the field of Econometrics and Operations Research. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions. |
| language test |
IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).
|
Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| 15 October 2026 | 01 February 2027 |
As a graduate, you will have access to challenging positions at banks, insurance companies, logistics firms, central banks, pension funds, consultancy firms, the government, or supervisory authorities, to name a few.
Organizations in both the public and the private sector will be eager to on-board you. You may also start your career as a researcher in academia or at a research institute. Our alumni work at different companies such as Achmea, Arriva, Deloitte, ASML, Belastingdienst, Riskquest, ABN AMRO, UMCG, Albert Heijn, Royal Haskoning.
The courses and MSc thesis topics for the MSc EORAS programme are scientifically and practically relevant. Students play an active role in the research activities of the staff as they help implement and evaluate new quantitative methods to analyze problems related to data analysis, estimation, optimization, and risk management. During the study programme, you will use computer-intensive methods, special techniques to deal with large data sets and mathematical models. The research skills of our graduates are in high demand in, for instance, academia, banks, business consulting, finance, insurance, health, marketing, and pension funds.
Research institutes related to the MSc programme:
During the uncertain times of the pandemic, I decided to stay in Groningen, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice! The MSc EORAS programme allowed me to dive deep into theoretical concepts, which I enjoy, and gave me the flexibility to pursue a dual degree with the MSc in Finance, an opportunity that not many universities offer.
The number of students doing the MSc EORAS is quite low, which means that it is an open atmosphere in which it is easy to ask questions, participate actively and get a lot of attention in case you struggle with a topic. This makes it easy to learn a lot if you put in the effort, and also makes it easy to get to know a lot of fellow student, which makes studying more enjoyable of course.
I now work at Milliman, which is a small firm operating in the insurance sector. My role is varied, involving the development of valuation and risk models, and applying econometric techniques I learned during my studies. I did the Actuarial Studies profile and I work in the insurance sector now, which is why I still apply these techniques a lot. The skills I gained—especially problem-solving and programming—are invaluable to my daily work.
To current MSc EORAS students, I’d say: take your time. Explore the opportunities, whether by tackling multiple specializations or combining it with another programme at FEB. Groningen offers an ideal place to grow academically while enjoying a vibrant student life.
After completing my BSc in Econometrics and Operations Research (EOR) at FEB, continuing with the EORAS master's was the obvious choice. The programme offers a great mix of practical, real-world data courses and strong technical focus, which is unique in the Netherlands. Plus, staying longer in the country’s best student city was an added bonus. I’ve always had a strong affinity for problem-solving. There’s something deeply satisfying about optimally routing a vehicle, organizing stock, or using real data to make sound decisions. The EORAS programme gave me the perfect platform to develop these skills in a real-world context.
The atmosphere within the programme is incredibly open and inviting. The staff are approachable, and while students are motivated to work hard, there’s also a strong social element. Vesting, the student association, plays a huge role in bringing everyone together, which I really appreciated.
I’m currently working as a Head of the Energy Department at Seatrade, a global shipping company, where I lead a team that is responsible for managing and analyzing energy and emissions data. We also develop software to make this data accessible for all employees and advise the management on strategic decisions. The technical focus of the EORAS programme, especially in analyzing complex systems, has been invaluable in my consultancy work. Programming and statistical analysis are part of my daily routine, and the ability to break down large, complex systems is something that really sets EORAS graduates apart.
My advice to current EORAS students? Relax a little and focus on the problems you find interesting. It’s easy to feel pressure when you’re surrounded by the best of the best, but once you enter the corporate world, you’ll realize that you’re well-equipped to handle the challenges. Especially if you’re working in a field you’re passionate about.
Did you know you can follow an economics programme in Groningen? Find out more about our MSc Economics.
