Economics and Business Economics docx

2013 – 2014
Economics and
Business
Economics
This brochure contains information about the
Bachelor’s degree programme in Economics
and Business Economics. There are separate
brochures providing details about the Master’s
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 Master’s 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
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, 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
Facts & Figures
› 28,198 students

› 3,400 international students
› 115 nationalities
› 9 faculties
› Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes
› 9 Graduate Schools
› 92 English-taught degree programmes
› 15 English-taught double degree
programmes
Information for international prospective students
Qiyue Yan (26)
senior student
‘I am from China. I decided to come to Groningen to study for
several reasons. First of all the education is entirely in English.
It also appealed to me that Groningen has a long history, but
at the same time stresses new frontiers of knowledge in both
teaching and research. In addition, everything I read pointed to
openness toward students with different backgrounds. Finally,
practically speaking, I was able to afford the cost of studying at
Groningen.’

International applicants
Admissions requirements
Applications will be assessed on an
individual basis. The admissions procedure
includes an evaluation of your academic
credentials, including your secondary
school grades and English proficiency
(TOEFL: 580/237/92; IELTS: 6.5; Cambridge
Proficiency A/B/C or Cambridge Advanced).
You should have passed mathematics as a

standard/methods level subject during your
secondary school education.
Apply before
1 May 2013 for all international applicants
Tuition Fee
› EEA-students € 1,771 per year
› non-EEA students € 7,500 per year
› Already completed a Bachelor’s degree
of a Dutch university or a Dutch HBO?
You will be charged a higher tuition fee.
› If you pay the statutory tuition fee and
finishing the Bachelor takes you more
than four years, you will be fined € 3,000.
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.feb-international.com
(student ambassadors)
› 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
€ 300–450 / month

(administration € 300 once)
Food
€ 200 / month
Money
€ 55 / month
Insurance
€ 75–100 / month
Language course
€ 100–450 / course
Security deposit
€ 325 / year
Bicycle
€ 45–110 / used bike
Total
€ 10,000–11,000 / 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 policymakers 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 –
the foundation 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 about all kinds of things, including
how to advise on the right investments (and how to finance them),
marketing, accounting and human resource management.
Economics specialization
If you are interested in social and economic 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

regulations, cope with different legal systems and balance multiple
A company such as Philips has various investment options. But will
more employees, different machines or a new marketing strategy actually
lead to more profit? And what are the risks? Economics and Business
Economics are not just valuable tools for addressing decision-making
issues within organizations, but also for the analysis of global topics
such as the world financial crisis, the environment, health care and
international business needs.
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, and can then choose to
specialize in the discipline that interests you most.
2
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ECONOMICS IN GRONINGEN
currencies. The international economics and business specialization
gives you the tools to understand and possibly influence the behaviour
of international companies, intergovernmental organizations and non-
governmental agencies in a global business environment. For instance:
where in the world would you advise Appelsientje to harvest oranges?
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 businesses and institutions 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 café. 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 doesn’t 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
One of the most stirring economic events in The Netherlands has to be 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. One condition remains, however, as Jumbo has to sell 18 stores where
competition could be severely affected. The NMa does not foresee any problems on national level, as
Jumbo’s future market share of 23% is still relatively limited after the acquisition.
A personal
approach
Omiros Kouvavas (27)
first-year student of Economics and Business Economics
‘My Bachelor’s degree programme in Economics and Business Economics is actually my
second Bachelor’s programme. I always wanted to work in the field of economics, so after
my first degree I decided to go for it.
My home country is Greece, but I decided to come to the Netherlands because of the
combination of high quality education and affordable tuition fees. I chose the University of
Groningen because out of all the Dutch universities its approach was the most personal, as
demonstrated by its admission process.
The programme is pretty intensive, but it is well structured and allows motivated students
to excel. I will start the Honours programme soon, which has a heavier workload. I found
that I had some free time on my hands and the Honours programme seemed an extra
opportunity to develop myself academically.’
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 need to come up with a
good marketing strategy, and may need to reserve
exclusive rights with a patent. You obviously have
to think about efficient and effective use of your
resources. It’s a handmade bike. Would automating
the bike-making process be worthwhile or should
you hire more staff? What will it cost to produce the
bikes? 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
Bachelor’s 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
28,198 students altogether
995 Bachelor’s students in
Economics and Business
Economics
5,945 first year students
altogether
340 first year students in
Economics and Business
Economics
3,500 international students
5,550 employees
570 professors
49 Bachelor’s programmes
146 Master’s 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
Each academic year has two semesters. A semester consists of two
blocks of seven lecture weeks, with an examination period at the end

of each block. The first semester runs from September to February,
the second from February to July. 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 Bachelor’s thesis is worth 10 EC. A Bachelor’s
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
The first week is the Faculty Introduction Week. This week not only
marks the start of your degree programme, but you will also get to
know your new environment through all kinds of workshops and
activities and you start planning your study career. During the first
year of the programme you will take the same courses as your fellow
The Bachelor’s 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.
D€pr€$$ion!

A worldwide credit crisis is nothing new. Ever since the Greeks first used money in 600 BC there has
been the potential for economic turmoil. We seem to be caught in a never-ending cycle of economic
crises like the Wall Street Crash of 1929. The course History of Economic Thought covers the work
of classic economists such as Adam Smith and famous twentieth-century economists such as John
Maynard Keynes and Milton Friedman. Studying the past may be just what is needed to find real
solutions for the future.
7
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
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 and Financial Accounting you will find out how firms acquire,
use and account for capital. You will learn about shares, bonds and
options, company cash flows and capital budgeting. 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.
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 that multinational firms attempt to spread the fixed costs of
developing new products and processes among customers worldwide,
but that they are often hampered by 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 in 2013, 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 doesn’t 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. It’s great fun and you can also learn from each other.
The most interesting class I’ve 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 I’m working
on at the moment. I like the combination of different subjects within the specialization Business Economics. Combining accountancy,
mathematics, and finance: it’s 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 wouldn’t 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
Bachelor’s 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
BACHELOR’S 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 Bachelor’s thesis at the end of your third year.
Business Economics
If you choose to specialize in Business Economics, you will develop your
skills in Management 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. In Operations and Logistics Management,
Second and third years
10
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.
Master’s phase
Although you may decide to start working straight after gaining your
Bachelor’s degree, additional knowledge and improved research skills
could increase your career opportunities. The University of Groningen
offers a variety of suitable Master’s programmes. Our Master’s 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 Master’s in Economics is a high-calibre programme
in economic theory and policy. Another suitable programme is the
Master’s 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
Master’s degrees - with the University of Göttingen (Germany), Corvinus
University of Budapest (Hungary) and Fudan University (China).
Other programmes you might be interested in are the Master’s in
International Business and Management, the Master’s in International
Financial Management, the Master’s in Business Administration, the
Master’s in Marketing, the Master’s in Supply Chain Management, the
Master’s in Human Resource Management, and the two-year Research
Master’s programme in Economics and Business in preparation 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 Master’s programmes. This programme lasts
two years and leads to two Master’s degrees.
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
Management Accounting and Human Resource Management you get
a grip on the overall operating practices 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
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
right from its beginnings. In Labour Economics you will attempt to
understand the resulting pattern of wages, employment and income.
International Economics and Business
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, when and why
multinationals adopt particular strategies, and how they implement

them. By following the Philosophy and Ethics of Business you will learn
about organization theories and examine the ethical and moral problems
that arise in a business 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, either at a different faculty of the
University of Groningen or at a university abroad. 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 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.
www
› www.rug.nl/feb/bscecobe
› www.rug.nl/feb/msc (Master’s degree programmes in
Economics and Business)
11
ACCESSIBLE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMMES
› Finance

› Economics
› International Economics and Business
› 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
› Supply Chain Management
› Human Resource Management
› Economics and Business (research)
› Teaching Economics and Business Studies
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.
THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
The billion dollar omelette
A contract is sometimes derisively described as not being worth the paper it’s 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. First-year courses such as Macroeconomics, International Economics,
Finance and Financial Accounting in particular can be difficult. You may find that your ideas are challenged, and to do well you will need all of your maths
skills. 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 Groningen’s 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 3400 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
Your studies start with the Faculty Introduction Week. 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 faculty’s
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 may want 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
193,250 inhabitants
56,000 students
35,000 or so student residences
54 student sport associations
36 pizza shops
199 bars
8 discotheques
2,743 café 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 Bachelor’s degree you will meet the
requirements for entry-level positions, but almost all students decide to

continue with a Master’s degree. Since all our programmes are AACSB
accredited, your degree will be worth even more on the labour market.
Earning a Master’s degree appreciably increases your career options
and allows you to reach higher levels in business, government and non-
governmental agencies. A Master’s 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 you’ve studied Finance your will find a wide range of
opportunities open to you.
A Master’s 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 Master’s 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 Master’s 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
master’s 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
he’s pursuing an MBA at the prestigious
Harvard Business School.
Another way to do it
17
AFTER GRADUATING
A challenging
and diverse
job
Laurens-Jan Sipma (25)
graduate working at NIBC
‘After graduating in 2010 I began an internship at NIBC, a merchant bank of Dutch origin.
The internship provided me with the opportunity to show the company what I was capable
of. After three months I joined the NIBC Infrastructure & Renewables team, which is part of
the Specialized Finance department.
Our team finances projects ranging from road and prison building to telecom infrastructure.
For example, in 2010 we were one of the banks that financed the A15 Public Private
Partnership (PPP) project, a motorway connecting Maasvlakte 2 to Rotterdam.
On an average day, I work on several projects, all of which generally are at different stages.
This makes my job very challenging and diverse. During my studies I was taught many
aspects of the business environment and I consider this to be very useful in my work. In
my Master’s in Finance I specialized in corporate finance and quantitative skills. I think
it’s important to specialize during the Master’s phase and to take part in extracurricular
activities, as this will make you more attractive to companies.’
18
ADMISSION
WITH A DUTCH VWO DIPLOMA

Candidates with the profiles Economics
& Society, Nature & Health or Nature &
Technology can immediately enter the
Bachelor’s 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 after
September 2013; 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
Bachelor’s degree programme.
VWO
HBO
Tuition fees for Dutch students
The statutory tuition fees are € 1,771 for the 2012–2013 academic
year. Books and other study materials should come to no more than
€ 650 per year. If you pay the statutory tuition fee and you take too
long to complete your degree, you will be fined 3,000 euro, on top
of the tuition fee. In case you already have a Bachelor’s 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.
2
www
› rug.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 Faculty’s
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
19
INFORMATION AND ENROLMENT
Would you like to have more information about this and other
programmes? Come and visit our information events.
Information Day
Friday, 2 November 2012; registering in time is compulsory
› All bachelor programmes
› In and around the Academy building, city centre Groningen
› Each programme will offer a short presentation and give individual
information

› Lectures on housing, student life, etc.
› Information booths
Open Day on Location
Friday, 1 February 2013; registering in time is compulsory
› All bachelor programmes
› Visit programmes on location
› Visit three or four programmes of your choice
› Lecture, trial class, tour of the building, information booths
Last Minute Groningen, Information Day
Friday, 7 June 2013
› Short programme in the Academy Building: lecture on the ballot
system for fixed-quota degree programmes, workshops on choosing
a degree programme, an info market, information on a few degree
programmes, city walk.
Student for a Day
On 13 December 2012 and Thursday 14 March 2013 at Economics
and Business Economics
› For prospective students who have almost made up their minds
› Intensive programme at one degree programme
› The programme depends on the degree programme: lecture, tutorial,
practical, dinner in the city
› Many other degree programmes organize a ‘student for a day’
programme, but not all degree programmes
› Register with the degree programme itself, via www.rug.nl/feb/eds

If you need more information on events, check out
www.rug.nl/studiekiezers, or call the Communication Office,
(050) 363 90 11.
You
will automatically be informed of all information

events if we have your address.
Enrolment
Dutch students can enrol for this study programme on
rug.studielink.nl. Studielink is an online national desk where you can take
care of everything that has to do with registering for higher education.
It also offers the possibility to apply for financial assistance
(DUO).
International students can enrol via www.rug.nl/howtoapply.
20
Friday, 2 November 2012
Information Day
November 2012 until August 2013
Enrolment of Dutch students via
rug.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!)
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Student for a Day
Friday, 1 February 2013
Open Day on Location

Thursday, 14 March 2013
Student for a Day
Friday, 7 June 2013
Last Minute Groningen, Information Day
August 2013

General Orientation Week (KEI-week),
Orientation for student associations
and the faculties
Monday, 2 September 2013
Official start of the academic year
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

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 rug.studielink.nl
Helpdesk Studielink +31 (0)88 424 76 00
Enrolment international students
via www.rug.nl/howtoapply

2121
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/studiekiezersRUG

www.univgroningen.hyves.nl

www.twitter.com/univgroningen

www.youtube.com/universitygroningen
www.unifocus.nl (online video magazine)