Expanding your knowledge and at the same time developing your skills is key. That is why you will participate in a variety of teaching activities. Most of the courses are evaluated with one or more tests. This is usually a written examination, but it can also be an essay, a report, or a presentation.

• Lectures (8 hours): Lectures give an introductory overview into the course content. You will attend them together with your fellow students. You take notes and have the opportunity to ask questions. Also, you can expect guest lectures from experts working in a wide range of economic organisations and fields.
• Tutorials (6 hours): During tutorials you will discuss specific subjects from the lectures in small groups. Exercises and practice assignments will help you to become adept with the theory. 
• Practicals (2 hours): During practicals you learn how to work with various mathematical and statistical computer programmes. 
• Self-study (20 hours): During your study week, you spend time to study theory, go over lectures and seminars, and prepare for exams and presentations.
• Skills & Connect: In the first 6 months of your studies, you will receive weekly coaching from a senior student in a small group. This mentor will help you learn to study more effectively, and you will work together on your basic mathematics and statistics skills. In the meantime, you will also get to know your fellow students.
• Exams: At the University of Amsterdam, the academic year is divided into 2 semesters and 6 study blocks. In each block, you take courses that are assessed through exams. Almost all courses have a final exam at the end, and some also have a midterm exam halfway through. The exams are usually written and last 2 to 3 hours. You are generally allowed to use a calculator, and in some cases, a formula sheet. You are asked to solve (quantitative) exercises with pen and paper and to explain your reasoning. You receive partial credit for partially correct answers. If you fail an exam, you will have a chance to take a resit after a few weeks.

This year is all about your basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics and economics. In particular:

• you will take courses focusing on calculus, linear algebra, probability theory and statistics.
• you will learn the basics of microeconomics, macroeconomics and finance.
• you will get acquainted with the content of the Bachelor’s programmes in Actuarial Science and Econometrics and Data Science. 
• you will learn to work with mathematical and statistical software such as R and Python.

Binding Study Advice (BSA)

All bachelor’s programmes at the University of Amsterdam are subject to a Binding Study Advice (BSA). For this programme, you need to earn at least 48 out of 60 credits in your 1st year. If you do, you will receive a positive study advice and can continue into the 2nd year.

The 2^nd year enhances your mathematical, statistical and research skills.

• You will start to apply the tools you have acquired in year 1 to actuarial problems, in courses like Life Insurance Mathematics and Risk Theory.
• You will keep expanding your knowledge of econometrics and data science, in courses like Statistical Learning and Econometrics 1 and 2.
• You will finish the year by taking a Research Seminar that focuses on more recent developments in Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance.

First semester

My Semester: customise your programme

Your 3rd year is all about exploring your individual academic interests. The 1^st semester of this year is all yours to construct. Options include an internship, studying abroad or free-choice electives.

• Doing an internship: work at a company where you can put the experience and skills that you have gained into practice.
• Studying abroad: spend a semester studying at one of our many partner universities to give you an exciting experience.
• Doing a minor: this gives you a chance to broaden and differentiate your knowledge.

• Free-choice electives: choose specialised courses in the field of business and economics to deepen your knowledge, or explore completely new subjects to broaden your horizon.

Second semester

In the 2nd semester, you will delve deeper into life insurance models, accounting for insurance companies, as well as mathematical and empirical finance. And of course, you will be writing your Bachelor’s thesis.

Are you enthusiastic about a new development or idea in Actuarial Science? While writing your thesis, you have the chance to explore it fully while simultaneously training your ability to independently conduct and communicate relevant research. Your thesis is the final requirement to be completed for your graduation. 

This Bachelor’s offers a Dutch and an English track. If you are a Dutch-speaking student, you can choose to follow our Dutch track. Both tracks are identical in terms of level and content.

Dutch track

In the Dutch track, tutorials and some lectures will be conducted in Dutch. You will also complete assignments and exams in Dutch. Each year, the amount of English used in the programme gradually increases. The Dutch track can be a good choice if you want some time to adjust to the English language and prefer a gradual transition to a fully English-language programme.

English track

If you opt for the English track, all courses are in English. From year 1 you will study with both Dutch students and students from around the world. This creates a diverse and international classroom.

The transition from secondary school to university can be a major step. For this reason, you will receive intensive academic counselling as a 1st year student. You can also count on individual support during the rest of your studies.

The UvA offers a variety of minors and a wide selection of elective courses that you can undertake during your university years to broaden or deepen your knowledge.

If you are ambitious, you can choose to take part in our Honours programme. You take the Honours programme alongside your regular studies. Completion results in you graduating 'with honours': an internationally recognised qualification.

During your Bachelor's programme, you could put your knowledge into practice by means of a work placement.

Studying abroad allows you to get to know a different culture, language and country, and we strongly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity. We have made agreements with over 100 universities abroad, enabling you to study there for a semester.

Are you interested in learning Dutch? There are different options to give you the opportunity to maximise your Dutch experience and prepare for your future job in the Netherlands.

Many of our students are members of a study association. It is fun and useful for your future career at the same time. Faculty study associations are a great way to meet fellow students and future employers. They organise study trips (abroad), career events, weekly debates, parties and receptions with drinks. Sometimes you can also purchase your textbooks and course syllabi at reduced rates.

The VSAE is the primary study association for the quantitative programmes within the economics department, i.e., Econometrics and Data Science, Actuarial Science, and Business Analytics.

Overview of Study Associations

• Faculty study association Sefa
• International Student Committee (ISC, part of Sefa)
• Study Association Actuarial Sciences, Econometrics and Data Science and Business Analytics (VSAE)
• Financial Study Association Amsterdam (FSA)
• Marketing Association Amsterdam (MAA)
• International study association (AIESEC)

Amsterdam has a thriving student community with many activities organised outside of the university’s grounds. You will find student associations focusing on networking, specific interests and sports. It is only at sororities and fraternities that you can expect an initiation ritual (hazing).

At university, you are entitled to make your voice heard and assess the quality of your own education. Students can participate in the discussion on the university's education policy in various ways, such as by joining the Programme Committee, the Faculty Student Council or the student panel. You can also stand for election and dedicate your efforts to the programme and your fellow students.