Economics

About this minor

For whom is this minor?

All third-year students from Leiden University, Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam and other universities (all programs) with 30 EC minor space in the first semester.

A better understanding of economics can be an asset for people holding a bachelor in many different disciplines. It can be particularly relevant for students of Political Science, International Studies, Security Studies, Law and Public Administration.

Are you studying Public Administration at Leiden University? You can take this minor if you follow the specialization “Beleid, Bestuur en Organisatie”, but not if you follow the specialization “Economie, Bestuur en Management”.

Successful completion of the full minor gives access to the Master Economie van de Publieke Sector to students who hold a University bachelor without a major in Economics.

The minor can also be a good preparation for the Msc programme Economics and Governance.

Only students holding a university propaedeutic certificate and who are also enrolled at a university institution can be admitted to the minor.

Program (30 EC)

You will take the minor in the first semester of the third undergraduate year. The minor is taught at Leiden University's The Hague Campus. The language of instruction is English.

The minor consists of the following 6 courses of 5 EC:

Block 1:

1. Micro-economics
2. Macro-economics
3. Project 1: Introduction to data science

Block 2:

4. Public Economics
5. Trade and finance in the global economy
6. Project 2: Applied economic analysis

In block 1, you get a broad introduction in economic theory about individual decision making (“Micro-economics”) and about the working of the economy as a whole (“Macro-economics”). “Project 1: Introduction to data science” is an introductory statistics course for students without a quantitative background, but is also attractive for students who have already had statistics, due to its focus on visualizations.

In block 2, the economic concepts introduced in block 1 are applied to analyse policy issues at the national level (“Public Economics”) and about international trade, the international financial system and the role of organizations such as WTO, IMF and EU (“Trade and Finance in the Global Economy”). In “Project 2: Applied economic analysis”, you learn to understand quantitative methods used by economists to establish causal relationships, and apply them to a societal issue of your choice.

The teaching format and testing will combine written examinations, work on data analysis projects, presenting and writing notes on societal issues. You will develop skills in data analysis, analyzing and weighing information and presenting in writing and orally, so that you can use them in the world of economics and policy after your studies.

Given the structure of the program, preference is given to students taking the full minor of 30 EC. If you can fill a maximum of 15 EC of elective space, the courses taken, once passed, will be listed as electives on your degree. If you can take only 15 EC, we recommend taking the courses in Block 1, but you can also contact us for alternative arrangements.