Study econometrics and operations research in Groningen to learn how to use mathematical modelling to find solutions to real-life problems in our society.
What is the most cost-efficient location for placing windmills in the Netherlands? How can mathematics and statistics help us understand the relationship between climate change and economic factors, such as food prices, energy costs, or job opportunities? If you enjoy solving problems like this, this programme could be right for you. The BSc Econometrics and Operations Research (EOR) at the University of Groningen teaches you all about mathematical modelling. In many courses you practice modelling by applying data to real life cases in many areas, including climate change, environmental matters, welfare, and well-being. The combination of the four profiles econometrics, operations research, actuarial science, and mathematical economics, makes this a unique programme in the Netherlands. If you like economics, mathematics, and statistics, enjoy finding solutions to complex issues, and aim to contribute significantly to relevant societal problems, then this could be the programme for you.
During the first year, you will follow a wide range of courses that introduce you to the field of econometrics and operations research such as: data analytics, statistical modelling, programming, calculus, linear algebra, finance, microeconomics, probability theory, and probability distributions. You will also start with a game which is specifically developed for students from the BSc Econometrics and Operations Research.
In the game, you will take on the role of running a fictional company, making decisions across multiple fields. In the course Introduction to Data Analytics you will focus on how to apply data and how to visualize data while taking ethical aspects into account. In the Programming course, you will work every week with another data set. All the course units from your first year lay the foundation for the rest of the programme.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Introduction to Data Analytics (5 EC) | ||||
| Math I: Calculus (5 EC) | ||||
| OR Modelling (5 EC) | ||||
| Math II: Linear Algebra (5 EC) | ||||
| Probability Theory for EOR (5 EC) | ||||
| Programming for EOR (5 EC) | ||||
| Finance for EOR (5 EC) | ||||
| Math III: Analysis (5 EC) | ||||
| Microeconomics for EOR (5 EC) | ||||
| Math IV: Multivariate Calculus (5 EC) | ||||
| Probability Distributions (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistical Modelling for EOR (5 EC) | ||||
Also in the second year, you will follow a wide variety of courses focusing on modelling in different types of ways. Within the Dynamic Econometrics course, you will create an original research question that involves the analysis of time series data, with special attention to the relation between climate and economic variables. You learn how to design and use algorithms and heuristics that can find solutions for global problems.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Macroeconomics for EOR (5 EC) | ||||
| Math V: Advanced Linear Algebra (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistical Inference (5 EC) | ||||
| Linear Models in Statistics (5 EC) | ||||
| Math VI: Convexity and Optimization (5 EC) | ||||
| Stochastic Operations Research (5 EC) | ||||
| Discrete Operations Research (5 EC) | ||||
| Introduction to Econometrics (5 EC) | ||||
| Life Insurance (5 EC) | ||||
| Dynamic Econometrics (5 EC) | ||||
| Game Theory (5 EC) | ||||
| Risk Insurance (5 EC) | ||||
In the first part of the third year, you take a minor. You can choose a minor at the Faculty of Economics and Business, at another faculty within the University of Groningen, or you can study abroad for one semester. In the second semester of the third year, you will write your Bachelor's thesis to prove your modelling skills and follow the last course units of the BSc EOR programme.
The course Numerical Methods will teach you how to use the recent improvements in data storage and computing power to address economic and econometric issues that were impossible to address ten years ago through computer-intensive methods. Within the course Games, Competition and Markets you will study competition between firms, hence discussing many issues in the field of Industrial Organization. Topics in this course include price discrimination, search costs, advertising, and platforms. You will also follow one elective, which you can choose from an extensive list of courses. And last but not least, you will play the game one last time to see how the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme help you succeed in the game.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Minors (30 EC) You can choose from a minor at the faculty, university minor or study abroad. Check the course catalog for more information. | ||||
| Numerical Methods for EOR (5 EC) | ||||
| Stochastic Models (5 EC) | ||||
| Bachelor's Thesis (10 EC) | ||||
| Elective BSc EOR (5 EC) See course catalog for the list of electives. | ||||
| Games, Competition and Markets (5 EC) | ||||
wiskunde B
wiskunde B
wiskunde B
It is also possible to enter the programme with an HBO propaedeutic certificate, on condition that you meet the required level of mathematics and the English language skills. For mathematics, you must at least have completed B (previously mathematics B1) at Dutch VWO level. For English, you must also have completed this at VWO level or obtained one of the English certificates: IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); C1 Advanced (with minimum score 169).
You can enroll, as long as you have a finished VWO-degree with mathematics B.
The degree programme will organize a choice of degree programme check. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
Matching is a way for first year students of a Bachelor's degree programme without a selection procedure to find out whether their chosen degree programme matches with what they want.
Students have to apply online via Studielink. After you have applied, you have the right to participate in a matching activity. Matching is a procedure for students who want to apply for a Bachelor programme without a decentral selection procedure. Read more about the matching procedure.
More information on the steps to apply.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
If you intend to start with a bachelor degree programme at the University of Groningen in September, make sure to apply before May 1 in Studielink. The degree programme will give you the option to participate in a matching activity to see if you and the degree programme are a match. Which matchings activity they provide depends on the faculty and programme.
Any questions about matching? Check www.rug.nl/matching
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
To meet the general entry-level requirements, you will need an educational background equivalent to the Dutch pre-university education (VWO). For an overview of VWO-equivalent qualifications, please check https://www.rug.nl/vwo-equivalent-qualifications. If you have any questions concerning admission to the programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions. |
| additional subject |
Mathematics should have been passed as a higher level (advanced) subject in your secondary school education. Please note that the level of mathematics will need to be assessed by the Admissions Board. |
| language test |
IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 80 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 169, Speaking 169, Writing 162). |
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 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
Almost all students decide to continue with a Master's degree in EOR or a related field. Acquiring such a Master's degree will expand your career opportunities in the short and long term, at home and abroad. Graduates with an MSc degree in EOR are found in a broad spectrum of occupations where mathematical, programming and problem-solving skills are needed.
You can continue your education with the MSc in Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies at the University of Groningen.
The
world of business offers jobs in areas such as finance, insurance,
logistics, and marketing. Also, the public sector hires
econometricians. Finally, moving into academia is another possible
career path. As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in
the labour market. The Faculty of Economics and Business is
internationally accredited and belongs to the 1% of business
schools around the world accredited by both EQUIS and
AACSB.
Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics. The lecturers involved in our programme conduct research projects on various economically relevant topics and often integrate such research into their lectures. Furthermore, alumni are regularly asked to give guest lectures in order to show how specific course topics can be used in practice.
Read more about the research conducted at the Faculty of Economics and Business.
The BSc EOR equips students with a comprehensive understanding of problem optimization, statistics, probability and other mathematical domains, which can be used to model and solve some of the most serious problems prevalent in today’s Society. This program is ideal for someone with a strong work ethic who has a rigorous understanding and passion for mathematics and wants to put theory into practice. It is an academically challenging and engaging program. Other than academic excellence, the program also strives to produce competent, conscientious, well-rounded and critically thinking graduates who can meet the demands of the labor market. The lecturers are highly knowledgeable and approachable and there exists a culture of communication and accessibility. Furthermore, Groningen is a culturally rich, beautiful and diverse student city, which offers an extraordinary and unforgettable student experience!
