First year (B1)

The first year is an introductory year in which students become acquainted with the basic principles of economics and business economics. There is also a first year programme in Dutch.

An overview of the core terminology and basic principles of economics (and business economics) is given during the course Introduction to Economics and Business (Economics and Business Economics). After completing the course you will view economics as a social science that is closely related to issues in the field of economic politics and policies. Methods of Research and Intervention introduces the tools scientists use when conducting research (research methods). Academic Skills is a practical course given to groups of 15-20 students at a time and is intended to help you acquire the skills you need to complete your academic studies successfully. You collect and structure scientific information which you then present orally or in writing. The Statistics course links basic elements from descriptive and inferential statistics to economic research. It prepares you for the research projects later during the programme and for the other courses in Finance, Accounting and International Economics. Macroeconomics teaches you to analyse how consumption, production and macroeconomic policies are related to inflation, unemployment and economic growth.

An introduction to the tools needed for analysing economic models and theoretical issues is provided during Mathematics in Economics and Business. You practice using mathematical techniques that are linked to research questions in economics. In the Microeconomics course you examine how individual consumers and firms make decisions and how the interaction of many individual decisions affects markets. Econometrics and Integration: Money, Banking and Financial Markets helps you to become familiar with financial organisations, capital markets and the important role that money plays in the world economy. International Business Ethics teaches you to view the ethical aspects of organisations from a philosophical perspective. You gain insight into the role ethics plays in the decision-making process of international organisations and how to apply the main ethical theories to moral dilemmas found in the business world. The focus of Accounting is on the financial and administrative aspects of organisations, in particular those of enterprises.