Business Economics

What does this programme involve?

Companies play a major part in society. They produce most of the goods and services we consume. Vegetables, video games, vehicles… almost everything you can imagine is produced by a firm, transported, sold and – preferably – recycled. In our Business Economics programme, you’ll discover how businesses operate, by exploring the world of finance & accounting, marketing, management, human resources, and operations. And the world is changing. To survive you’ll need to adapt and make decisions. Good ones. We’ll show you how. With theory and practice, and a thorough understanding of the economic, social, and legal environments. Turning you into a jack of all trades. Ready for the future. Let’s go!

Discover the study programme

Who better to tell you what this programme is like than some of our own students?

• Sean-Daniel Buddingh  | Alumnus
  "When I started this bachelor, I generally expected to be nurtured into the knowledge and culture of business and entrepreneurship. In the end, I got so much more. Honestly, if you have a desire to grow professionally and gain knowledge that will likely set you apart from your peers later in life, then the Bachelor in Business Economics will get you there so long as you take it seriously."
   
• Augusto Galarza | Alumnus
  "I feel like I've acquired a varied amount of knowledge which allowed me to go deeper into different subjects within business and economics. The programme covered a wide array of subjects which has given me flexibility when looking for jobs and further studies. I've been accepted to study a master's programme in Australia."
   
• Rene Aparicio | Alumnus
  "I feel that VUB has given me the tools and preparations to tackle the next challenge in my professional career. The Bachelor's in Business Economics degree gives students a well-rounded knowledge and practice in multiple fields of business so that they can stand out as being versatile rather than simply a specialist."
   
• Deborah Nkelende | Alumna
  "I started this bachelor's thanks to the diversity of the courses and the many doors it opens for the future. Being interested in a lot of subjects yet unsure about what I really wanted to do, I felt that the Bachelor of Business Economics was the perfect fit for me. I was able to learn a lot of subjects and develop my interests throughout the semesters. The fact that we can take some science courses when choosing for the 'Business & Technology' major is a great added value to the programme."

Test your prior knowledge

We expect you to have a solid prior knowledge of mathematics. Take our optional short online self-test to check whether your math skills are up to par. You should be able to finish these exercises without too much trouble. Struggling with one of the topics? Then be sure to take the time to brush up on your knowledge.
Go to the self-test

The same programme in Dutch?

Apart from the language aspect (English vs Dutch), there is the international focus in the courses, the international vibe in the classroom and the third-year specialisation option. However, our TEW bachelor's students are welcome to join the English-taught master's in International Business and vice versa.

What is the difference with a bachelor of Economics?

A Bachelor of Economics focuses on economics and typically contains little or no business courses. Our bachelor of Business Economics combines business and economics: it provides solid foundations in micro- and macroeconomics, a strong background in mathematics and statistics, and courses in most functional fields of business (management & organisations; marketing; finance & accounting; operations). This gives you a broader choice when you graduate, both for graduate programmes and in the job market.

What is the difference with a bachelor in Business Administration?

The bachelor of Business Economics is interdisciplinary: there are strong ties between the economics courses and the functional fields of business. The economics courses are not just service courses, but an essential component in the programme. In this programme, you are exposed to the scientific literature in the field, and prepared to write an academic bachelor's paper. There is a strong emphasis on analytical problem-solving skills (e.g. using mathematical tools). As a result, the bachelor of Business Economics gives you access to a wide range of graduate programmes, including master's programmes in economics and maths-intensive master's programmes in finance. You can expect to acquire better analytical skills than if you choose a Business Administration programme.

Why study at VUB?

Studying at VUB offers you more than a degree. You learn to view the world with an open mind and without prejudice. You hone your critical thinking and you learn to express your opinion. You commit not just to study, but to participate in meaningful social projects that make the world a better place. In short, this is where you shape your identity. Who you are today and want to be tomorrow.

Discover our general strengths as a university

Combining your studies with a job

The bachelor in Business Economics is a daytime programme. Therefore, there is no option to combine this study with a full-time job.