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Instituut voor Interdisciplinaire Studies IIS
Master
Vergelijk
Econometrics and Policy Analysis (Econometrics)

The study programme

 Translate research results into policy recommendations. This track focuses on econometric methods for answering policy-relevant questions about contemporary economic and societal challenges. You will develop advanced skills in causal inference and learn to conduct applied research at every stage: from designing a research project and analysing observational data to interpreting your findings and communicating evidence-based policy recommendations.

The programme

Econometrics and Policy Analysis is one of the tracks of the Master’s in Econometrics. During your Master's you will follow 4 general courses and 5 track-specific courses and electives. You will finish with a thesis. 

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Data Science Methods
    5

    In this course, you will cover the foundation of multivariate data analysis and statistical methods in data science. You will focus on the most relevant multivariate techniques, as well as their application to econometric data in computer lab sessions. We will introduce you to Python, NumPy and pandas, data scraping, cleaning and wrangling.

  • Theory of Markets
    5

    In this course, you will study the microeconomic theory of perfect and imperfect competition. You will learn under what conditions markets perform well as a means to organise economic activity (and under what conditions they do not).

  • Advanced Econometrics 1
    5

    In this course, you will gain a deep understanding of econometric theory, practice and inference. You will learn how to apply advanced econometric techniques in practice, extend available methods for particular applications and how to implement them in a matrix programming environment. You will also learn to understand and derive their statistical properties.

  • Health Econometrics: Empirical Research
    5

    Drawing on key concepts in health economics, this course introduces the potential-outcomes framework for estimating and interpreting causal treatment effects. You will critically assess the strengths and limitations of research designs and empirical studies and apply causal-inference methods to health data using R and Stata.

  • Topics in Modern Econometrics
    5

    In this course, you will build upon the general knowledge you acquired in Advanced Econometrics 1. You will gain a deep understanding of econometric theory, acquire the technical skills to conduct inference and be able to implement these techniques using software like MATLAB, R or Python.

  • Environmental Econometrics: Empirical Research
    5

    In this course, you will learn to develop identification strategies for estimating causal effects given the empirical context and available data. You will examine how econometric evidence can inform the design and evaluation of environmental policy. During computer lab sessions, you will replicate results from influential empirical studies and critically assess their policy implications.

  • Macroeconometrics
    5

    This course surveys recent developments in macroeconometrics based on modern time series and panel data methods for empirical research. We introduce specific econometric topics and outline their main elements. You then critically discuss key empirical papers that apply those methods. In assignments, you address particular research questions and discuss the policy implications of your findings.

  • Restricted-choice electives
    5

    Choose 1 out of 2 electives.

  • Restricted-choice electives
    5

    Choose 1 out of 4 electives.

  • Master's Thesis
    15

    The academic programme culminates in a thesis, which allows you to engage with state-of-the-art data analysis and statistical techniques. The Master's thesis is the final requirement for your graduation. It is your chance to dive deep into a topic in your field of choice (track) that you are enthusiastic about and allows you to do an independent research project. A professor of your track will supervise and support you in writing your thesis.

Compulsory course
Elective
Specialisation
Send me the course schedule + programme summary

Do you want to know more about the courses?

The course catalogue provides detailed information for each course, including subjects, assessment methods and recommended literature.

Check the course catalogue for all details

Honours programme

If you are a student of the Master’s in Econometrics and you have a record of academic excellence, a critical mind and an enthusiasm for applied research, then our Econometrics Honours programme is a great opportunity for you. 

More about the Honours programme

Double Degree Master's programme

If you want to pursue a Master’s degree in Econometrics as well as in Mathematics, you can opt for one of our Double Degree Master’s programmes: 

  • Master's in Double Degree Programme in Econometrics and Mathematics. In combination with all specialisations of the Master's in Econometrics. 
  • Double Degree Master's programme Econometrics and Stochastics and Financial Mathematics. Only in combination with the specialisation Financial Econometrics of the Master's in Econometrics. 
More about the Double Degree Master's programmes
Experience the programme
Real-life case: The gender gap in educational performance

What is the contribution of prenatal testosterone to explaining gender differences in educational performance? In this case, variation in prenatal testosterone exposure can help explain differences in educational performance. The analysis uses differences between same-sex and opposite-sex twin pairs as a natural experiment. Because growing up with a brother or sister may itself affect educational outcomes, the analysis uses an additional comparison group to distinguish the effects of prenatal testosterone exposure from socialisation effects. The case illustrates how you can use econometric research designs to identify causal effects from observational data.

Frequently asked questions
  • When do I need to select a specialisation track?

    A specialisation track must be chosen when applying for the Master’s programme. However, track modifications are still possible until late October. The criteria for all tracks are identical and do not impact the likelihood of being accepted into the programme.

  • How many students are in the programme?

    Our Master’s programme admits around 20 students per specialisation track. If you meet the entry requirements, you will always be accepted; this Master’s does not have a numerus fixus.

  • What are the weekly contact hours?

    Most courses have one 2-3 hour lecture and one 2-hour tutorial per week. Generally students take 3 courses at a time, so count on about 12-15 contact hours per week.

  • Will all lectures be held in person, or will there be options for online attendance?

    Our preference is for in-person lectures. Certain sessions may be pre-recorded or follow a hybrid format. This entails preparing for Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions through video clips and readings, with subsequent discussions during meetings.

  • Is attendance compulsory for lectures, tutorials, and other sessions?

    Attendance is usually not compulsory for lectures, but commonly for tutorials and other sessions. Students greatly benefit from being present and engaging in discussions with both the instructor and their classmates.

  • What is the typical method of assessment for most courses?

    The majority of courses have a final written on-site exam. Most courses have additional assessment methods, including oral presentations, developing research proposals, conducting experiments and writing up results. Finally, some courses grade active participation. This is reflected by attendance and activity in tutorials and online assignments.