New Economics degrees to be launched in The Hague
Leiden University is going to offer two new Economics degree programmes at its campus in The Hague: the bachelor’s in Economics and Society and the master’s in Public Sector Economics. The NVAO has decided to award accreditation to both programmes, which will be taught in Dutch. The bachelor’s programme involves collaboration between Leiden University and the Erasmus School of Economics. Both programmes are set to be launched in September 2025.
BSc Economics and Society
As part of the bachelor’s programme in Economics and Society, students will combine their economics knowledge and skills with concepts and ideas from political science and law. ‘This will allow students to come up with effective solutions to complex economic issues, factoring in the political and legal context,’ says Programme Director Philippe van Gruisen. In its report, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) mentions the programme’s unique profile, the involvement of potential employers and the clear curriculum structure as key strengths of this new degree programme.
MSc Public Sector Economics
The master’s programme in Public Sector Economics is for students who aspire to careers as policy economists. Programme Director Jim Been: ‘This programme will bridge the gap between economic theory and scientific methods, the operation of Dutch institutes and the application to policy issues.’ Later, graduates will be able to work as policy makers and advisors within Dutch government ministries and international organisations or as managers in the business world.
The Hague: close to the economic hub
Taught in The Hague, the new programmes will bring students close to the Netherlands’ economic hub. The added value is that students will be within easy reach of potential employers who show a lot of interest in future economists. These employers were involved in the development of these new Economics degree programmes and will be invited to give guest lectures as part of the programmes.
Making an impact in tomorrow’s world
Olaf van Vliet, Professor of Economics, says: ‘Society needs modern economists with strong analytical skills, who are also prepared to navigate the real world.’ These new Economics degree programmes will give students the tools to tackle this challenge and make an impact in tomorrow’s world.
