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2014 – 2015

Economics andBusiness

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 Economicsin Groningen1 Reasons for studying Economics

and Business Economics

1 Business Economics specialization

1 Economics specialization1 International Economics and

Business specialization

2 The degree programme in

Groningen

2 Facilities

2 About Groningen...

The content of the degreeprogramme6 The Dutch education system

6 Propaedeutic phase

7 Post-propaedeutic phase

10 Careers weeks

10 Master’s phase

13 Study abroad!

Student life14 Introduction and study progress

supervision14 Student associations

After graduating16 Another way to do it

Admission18 Tuition fees

Information and Enrolment19 Information

20 Addresses

CONTENTS

In 2014 the University of Groningen will be 400 years old. That deserves to be celebrated!

For a whole month, from 15 May to 15 June, Groningen and environs will be celebrating

with the theme For Infinity (4∞). A whole month of celebrations, sport, science and culture

open to all, including prospective students!

› www.rug400.nl

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, with 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

› Most sustainable university of

The Netherlands

Facts & Figures

› 27,512 students

› 3,700 international students

› 115 nationalities

› 9 faculties

› Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes

› 9 Graduate Schools

› 101 English-taught degree programmes› 16 English-taught double degree programmes

Information for international prospective students

Aman Sharma (21)Senior student, from India

‘The good reputation and the international orientation is what

made me decide to come to Groningen. I explored my options

well, because The Netherlands doesn’t come to mind to most

Indians as a destination for higher education! Now I’m here

I know that I couldn’t have got such an experience and exposure

anywhere else in the world. Adjusting to the way of life was

smooth – I was made to feel like a local right from day 1. For

me University of Groningen is the perfect start to a successful,

international career.’



International applicants

Admissions requirementsApplicants will be assessed on an individual

basis. The admissions procedure involves

the evaluation of your educational

background, including secondary school

courses/grades, and your English language

proficiency (IELTS 6, with Speaking 6/

Writing 5.5; TOEFL 80, with Speaking19/Writing 20; CAE; CPE. You should

have passed mathematics as a standard/

methods level subject during your

secondary school education.

Not directly admissible?If you do not meet the requirements for

direct entry to this degree programme,

then you have the option to enter through

an International Foundation Year.› www.rug.nl/feb/foundationyear

Apply before1 May 2014 for all international applicants

Tuition Fee› EEA-students € 1,835 per year

› non-EEA students € 7,500 per year

› Already completed a Bachelor’s degreeof a Dutch university or a Dutch HBO?

You will be charged a higher tuition fee.

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.rug.nl/howtoapply

(international applicants)

› www.rug.nl/insandouts

(practical information)

The latest Worldwide Cost of Living Survey shows thatliving expenses in the Netherlands are modest comparedto 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 B

Reasons for studying Economics and Business EconomicsHow 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 policy makers attempt to stimulate both corporate andeconomic 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

all students take the same courses. In the second year you will decidewhether 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 specializationWhat 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 from relevant academic research and

practice case studies, including: how to choose the right investments

(and how to finance them), how to market products and services, how to

control organizational processes with the help of accounting systems,

and how to conduct proper human resource management.

Economics specializationIf you are interested in economic and social 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 specializationThe 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

Economics and Business Economics offers you valuable tools for

addressing decision-making issues within organizations. It learns youhow to analyse the behaviour of firms within different types of markets.

You also study global topics such as the world financial crisis and

international business needs from different perspectives.

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. After that you can choose to

specialize in the discipline that interests you most.



ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ECONOMICS IN GRONINGEN

regulations, cope with different legal systems and balance multiple

currencies. The international economics and business specialization

gives you the tools to understand the behaviour of internationalcompanies, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental

agencies. 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 andknow-how is reflected in their teaching and mentoring. They have

contacts with academic institutions and businesses 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 meetingrooms 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 andpleasant 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 BataviaReplica 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)



I really likethe theoretical

side

Joost Bats (19)first-year student in Economics and Business Economics

‘As I was living abroad when I had to choose my programme of study I explored my

possibilities by checking out the website and the books that are used. That way I got a good

picture of the materials that are dealt with in the programme. I really like the theoretical

side of Economics and Business Economics; it matches my interests in economics and

mathematics.

Although the move from Sint-Maarten to Groningen was a huge change, I did feel at home

early on and I adapted to living on my own quite quickly. This is due to the fact that besides

studying I also do sports, I am a member of a student association and I have a job on theside. I really enjoy doing all these activities next to my studies and by planning properly

I am left with enough time to fit everything in.’


3



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 may need to acquire

exclusive rights with a patent, and need to come up

with a good marketing strategy. You obviously have

to think about the efficient and effective use of your

resources. It is a handmade bike. What will it cost

to produce the bikes? Would, given the expected

amount of sales, automating the bike-making

process be worthwhile or should you hire more

staff? 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?




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 OFGRONINGEN

27,512 students altogether

995 Bachelor’s students in

Economics and Business

Economics

5,773 first-year students in total

398 first-year students in

Economics and Business

Economics

3,700 international students

5,550 employees

570 professors

45 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

An academic year comprises four blocks each lasting ten weeks.

The year runs from September to July. Tests and exams are taken

during and at the end of each block. 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. Itis 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

In order to start off your studies successfully, we provide you with an

intensive entry programme in the week of your first classes. During thisprogramme we will answer your questions, you will get to meet your

fellow students and you will get important study-related information.

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.

What is money?Money is nothing more than debt created by banks. It is a human invention that

dates back to prehistorical times. On the one hand debt contributed to our

enormous wealth, but debt is also responsible for the recent mortgage bubbles

and financial crisis. Our economic research is focused on how debt crises work,

how to get out of them and how to prevent future crises. Groningen economist

Dirk Bezemer explains the story of debt in a series of animated documentaries.

› Watch it on www.rug.nl/feb/debt



7


During the first year of the programme you will take the same courses

as your fellow students. These include introductions to Finance and

Financial Accounting, International Economics, International Businessand 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 you will find out how firms acquire and use capital. You willlearn about shares, bonds and options, company cash flows and capital

budgeting. In Financial Accounting 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 ofcustomers and suppliers.

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 about the challenges multinational firms face when dealing with

different markets and how they can overcome 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 withintwo years. (The BSA threshold may be raised to 50 EC, 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 greatfun 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

Studyingreal-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 PaperFinancial 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 EconomicsEconomic 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)


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 asInternational 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 specialization

If you choose to specialize in Business Economics, you primarily will

develop your skills in 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. Furthermore, in Operations and Logistics Management,

Second and third years



10

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 periodabroad 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.

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 inthe 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 in Economics and Business, which prepares you 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.


Management Accounting, Human Resource Management, and Marketing

Research you get a grip on the overall operating practices and theory

of an organization. Besides ensuring that these business operations areefficient 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 specialization

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

in the twentieth century. In Labour Economics you will attempt to

understand the resulting pattern of wages, employment and income.

International Economics and Business specialization

The International Economics and Business specialization focuses oninternational 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. In Multinational Firms

and Global Business you learn when and why multinationals adopt

particular strategies, and how they implement them. In International

Trade you learn about the interaction between the multinational firm

and its 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 at a different faculty of the University of Groningen.

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

www

› www.rug.nl/feb/bscecobe

› www.rug.nl/feb/msc (Master’s degree programmes in

Economics and Business)

POWER OF BANKSFor 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.



11

ACCESSIBLE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMMES

› Finance

› Economics› International Economics and Business

DDM International and Development Economics

DDM Central-East European Economics

DDM China and the World Economy

› 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

› Technology and Operations Management

› DDM Operations Management

› Supply Chain Management

› Human Resource Management

› Research Master in Economics and Business

› Teaching Economics and Business Studies


The billion dollar omeletteA 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


A difficult degree? Some students find the programme demanding. You may find that your ideas are challenged, and to do well you will need all

of your maths skills. First-year courses such as Microeconomics, International Economics, Finance and Financial Accounting in particular can be difficult. 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 inInternational 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 maybe 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 3,700

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.




14

STUDENT LIFE

Introduction and study progress supervision

You start your studies with an intensive entry programme. 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 ofGroningen (KEI-week).

Student associations

In order to get to know your fellow students, you are advised 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 CITY195,800 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 laundries94 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 beindependent

15

AFTER GRADUATING



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 tocontinue 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 analysingthe 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)

MireilleBombeldis 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...

Jelte de Jong,Economics graduate,

is a public economic

employee with the

Dutch Ministry of

Infrastructure and

Environment. As a

controller he advises

on government

policies and

investments regarding railway infrastructure.

It is his job to make sure that the risks and

budgetary effects for the government are as

little as possible and that the money is spent

as effectively as possible.



17

AFTER GR ADUATING

Discovering what you

like is mostimportant

Jakoba van der Meij (26)Economics and Business Economics graduate

‘Curiousness has driven my personal and academic development during my studies in

Groningen. Every experience contributed to finding my personal passion, and this has now

brought me to London where I work as an analyst for Pöyry Capital, a merger & acquisition

advisory firm. Advising clients on potential mergers or divestitures provides me with

a dynamic environment where a variety in tasks makes each day interesting. This mayresult in working on an information memorandum at the office one day and giving a client

presentation in Paris about possible acquisition targets the next.

My time as a student gave me many opportunities to discover my personal interests. I have

participated in various committees at the student association EBF and Risk and worked as a

student assistant. Additionally, doing internships and travelling gave me the full spectrum

and exposure for my intellectual and personal development.

Discovering what you like is most important, and from my personal experience I can

recommend having a look for yourself and attending information events. One experience of

your own cannot compete with numerous stories and opinions of others.’

ADMISSION



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 in

the future; 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

www

› www.studielink.nl (application for Dutch

students)

› www.rug.nl/hoezithet (practical information

for Dutch students)

› www.duo.nl (financial assistance for Dutch

students)

XVWO/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

Tuition fees for Dutch students The statutory tuition fees are € 1,835 for the 2013–2014 academic year.

Books and other study materials should come to no more than € 650 per year.

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.

INFORMATION AND ENROLMENT



19


Information Day

Friday, 8 November 2013; registering in time is compulsory

› All Bachelor’s programmes› In and around the Academy building, city centre Groningen

› Each programme gives a short presentation

› Talks on housing, student life, etc.

› Student Activity Fair

Open Day

Friday, 31 January 2014; registering in time is compulsory

› All Bachelor’s programmes

› Visit programmes on location

› Learn about three or four programmes

› Lecture, representative class, tour of the facilities, information booths

Student for a Day

On Thursday 12 December 2013 and Thursday 13 March 2014

at Economics and Business Economics; registering in time is

compulsory

› Intensive programme at one degree programme

› The programme depends on the degree programme: lecture, tutorial,

practical› Many other degree programmes organize a Student for a day

programme, but not all

› Register with the degree programme, via www.rug.nl/feb/eds

More information is available at www.rug.nl/studiekiezers.

Enrolment

› Dutch students may enrol directly at www.studielink.nl. Studielink is

an online service for higher education in the Netherlands, includinginformation on financial assistance.

› Applicants from outside the Netherlands may enrol at

www.rug.nl/howtoapply

Deadlines

› The registration deadline for Economics and Business Economics is

1 May for applicants from outside the Netherlands.

› The deadline for Dutch applicants for programmes without a fixed

quota like Economics and Business Economics will probably be

brought forward to 1 May too.

Matching

Once Dutch students have registered via Studielink, they will

automatically be provided with an opportunity to check wether the

chosen degree programme matches their interests. (Not for degree

programmes with a fixed quota). During this procedure, your motivation

for, ideas and expectations concerning the degree programme will be

examined.

› You must not only be registered but also have paid your tuition fees

by 1 September.




20

From November 2013

Enrolment of Dutch students via

www.studielink.nlEnrolment, 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!)

Friday, 8 November 2013

Information day

Thursday, 12 December 2013

Student for a Day

Friday, 31 January 2014

Open Day

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Student for a Day

1 May 2014

Application deadline EB&E students

from outside the Netherlands.

Probable application deadline Dutch

students, followed by procedure for Dutch

students to check whether the chosen

degree programme matches their interests.

August 2014

General orientation week (KEI-week),

Presentations by representatives of student

associations and tours of the Faculties.

Monday 1 September 2014

The official start of the academic year. You

must not only be registered but also have

paid your tuition fees.


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

[email protected]

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 www.studielink.nl

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), andInternational 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 visitwww.rug.nl/studiekiezers (for the Dutch guide) or

www.rug.nl/internationalstudents (for the English guide).

www.facebook.com/universityofgroningen

www.twitter.com/univgroningen

www.youtube.com/universitygroningen

www.unifocus.nl (weekly online video magazine RUG)



www.rug.nl/studiekiezers

8 3

June 2013

C o l o p h o n

P u b l i c a t i o n C o m m u n i c a t i o n O f f i c e ,

U n i v e r s i t y o f G r o n i n g e n

T e x t G

r a c e f u l l y P u t L a y - o u t I n O n t w e r p

P h o t o

s J o h a n Z w a r t , J a a p R o s k a m ,

E l m e r S p a a r g a r e n ,

M i c h e l d e G r o o t , P e t e r L o w i e

www.rug.nl/internationalstudents

Documents

Www.rug.Nl Education Brochures-PDF Economicsandbusinesseconomics