Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master's program in Regional and Urban Economics (Spatial and Applied Economics) focuses on the economic forces that shape regions, cities, and neighborhoods. The program explores key questions such as:

• Why do people and businesses concentrate in specific areas?
• Why do some cities grow while others decline?
• How does economic theory help us understand and address urban challenges like crime, segregation, traffic congestion, and pollution?
• What happens to buildings and infrastructure as cities grow or shrink?
• How does spatial planning impact a city's development potential?
• What are the benefits and trade-offs of investing in sustainable, "green" buildings?

Program Details

The program is unique in its clear connection to real estate and land use, both essential for understanding the dynamics of cities and regions. The curriculum is based on real-world data and robust empirical methods, enabling students to analyze and shape policy at the household, local, and national levels.

Program Structure

The program is a one-year, full-time Master's degree taught in English. It is recognized for its quality, having been named the Best Economics Master's program in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2025, and consistently receiving high scores in the National Student Survey.

Research Areas

The program covers various research areas, including:

• Urban economics
• Transport economics
• Environmental economics
• Health economics
• Development economics
• Public economics

Program Goals

The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the economic forces that shape cities and regions, as well as the skills to analyze and address urban challenges. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to contribute to the development of sustainable and thriving cities.

Program Recognition

The program has received several awards and recognition, including:

• Beste Economiemaster van Nederland (Best Economics Master's program in the Netherlands) in the Keuzegids Masters 2025
• High scores in the Nationale Studenten Enquête (National Student Survey)
• Bronzen medaille (Bronze medal) in Elsevier Beste Studies 2023

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