A curriculum that prepares you to navigate and shape economic change
The Strategy Economics specialisation within the MSc Economics and Business is built on the understanding that economies are constantly evolving. Strategic firm behaviour—such as innovation, market entry, and investment decisions—plays a central role in driving economic growth and transformation. This programme equips you with the theoretical knowledge and quantitative skills to analyse and influence these dynamics.
Programme structure
- Core courses in blocks 1 and 2 provide a strong foundation in strategic theory, the organisation of firms, and applied micro-econometrics. You will learn how to analyse firm behaviour using empirical methods and how to translate findings into strategic advice.
- Electives allow you to explore topics such as corporate innovation, airline and transport economics and negotiation economics. These courses complement the core curriculum and broaden your perspective on strategic decision-making.
- Seminars in blocks 3 and 4 are intensive and interactive. You will apply theory and methods to real-world cases, focusing on sustainable firm strategy and global firm behaviour.
- Master thesis is written individually in block 5, based on your own research and under close supervision by a faculty member.
Curriculum overview
- 45% Strategic firm decisions (a.o., decisions related to innovation, sustainability, global market entry, location, hiring, advertising and pricing). Insights from theory and empirical analyses are applied to (firms in) different industries.
- 15% Government policy and firm strategy
- 40% Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis
Exact composition depends on your course selection.
In class
You will work on real-world challenges that require both strategic insight and analytical rigour. For example:
How should a firm expand internationally?
You will evaluate market entry strategies using firm-level and industry data, and advise on location choices based on economic indicators.
How can firms innovate sustainably?
You will analyse the development of sustainable products and services, and assess the role of public policy in promoting innovation and environmental responsibility.
How do different theoretical perspectives explain firm behaviour?
You will apply frameworks such as transaction cost economics, industrial organisation theory, and evolutionary economics to understand innovation paths in both start-ups and established firms.
Study schedule
| period | course name | EC |
|---|---|---|
| block1 | Take-Off Master | 0 ec |
| block1 | The Organization of Firms | 4 ec |
| block1 | Economics of Strategy | 4 ec |
| block1 | Applied Microeconometrics | 4 ec |
| block2 | Advanced Empirical Methods | 4 ec |
| block2 | Choose two Electives | 8 ec |
| block3 | Seminar Sustainable Firm Strategy | 10 ec |
| block4 | Choose one Seminar | 10 ec |
| block3+4+5 | Master's Thesis Strategy Economics | 16 ec |
| total | 60 ec | |
Disclaimer
This overview provides a general impression of the 2027-2028 curriculum. It is not the current study schedule. Enrolled students can find the most up-to-date version on MyEUR. Please note that minor changes may occur in future academic years.