Program Overview

Transport and Network Economics (Spatial and Applied Economics)

This specialisation centres on the economics of networks, with ample emphasis on transport, traffic, mobility, and accessibility; while also energy, telecommunication and social networks will be addressed. These are all issues that are becoming increasingly urgent as cities face rising congestion, climate concerns, and rapid technological change.

Overview

You will explore pressing questions such as:

• How can we combat traffic congestion and protect the urban (living) environment?
• How do we ensure that cities and regions remain accessible while reducing transportation’s environmental footprint?
• How do we secure energy grids for the future?
• What spatial and economic factors are at play in these challenges?
• And how can economic theory and empirical tools help design smarter, more effective transport policies?

Programme Details

This specialisation thus entails a strong focus on network economics. You will study market failures and government responses in the functioning and design of physical infrastructure networks, such as energy grids, roads, and railways; as well as digital and social networks that influence mobility and connectivity. Understanding these matters is crucial in addressing modern challenges such as evaluating the economic impact of large-scale infrastructure projects from a broad welfare perspective, designing welfare-enhancing pricing strategies for these, integrating renewable energy sources, and managing shared mobility platforms.

Why Study Transport and Network Economics?

Studying Transport and Network Economics allows you to be taught by an expert staff that is leading in research and active in policy debates. The programme is unique that it allows you to choose courses in related fields, such as urban, environmental, health, real estate, development, and public policy economics. Grounded in real-world data and rigorous empirical methods, the programme equips you to assess and shape policies at the household, local, and national level.

Programme Recognition

Recognized for its excellence, the programme has been ranked the Best Economics Master’s in the Netherlands by Keuzegids Masters 2025, consistently receives high ratings in the National Student Survey, and earned a bronze medal in Elsevier’s Best Studies 2023.

Programme Structure

• The programme is offered in English.
• It is a full-time programme.
• The duration of the programme is 1 year.