Why this programme?
We live in a highly complex, interdependent world, and the number of decisions we need to make is growing exponentially. Due to increasing knowledge and scientific progress, we have a lot more information at our disposal that can be used to make these decisions. At the same time, we face growing uncertainties like financial crises, climate change, migration and international terrorism on the one hand, and more individual freedom and autonomy on the other.
Under these circumstances it is increasingly difficult – yet also increasingly important – to understand how to make smart individual and strategic decisions. Such decisions form the cornerstone of the proper functioning of institutions, organisations and markets, on which our very wellbeing depends. This programme gives you a thorough understanding of the cognitive and social aspects of human decision-making so you have better knowledge of what good decisions are and how we can make them.
Economics and psychology: The best of both worlds
Jointly offered by the School of Business and Economics and the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Human Decision Science combines the best of both worlds. It uses a genuinely interdisciplinary approach to understanding human decisions that combines economics and psychology in all their different facets.
What will you learn?
During this programme, you will learn:
- to analyse decision situations using the appropriate theoretical and empirical strategies
- to address the design of institutions, procedures and protocols, such that you and the parties involved can make good decisions
- about the tools needed to improve the decision-making processes in your chosen field of application, in line with your interests and career goals
To succeed in Human Decision Science, you should be an analytical thinker with an interest in strategy and problem-solving. For this programme, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in the social or natural sciences, such as economics, business, psychology, political science, mathematics, physics or computer science. But most importantly, you should be someone who thrives when working on complex decision-making problems.
World-class education
It's never business as usual at Maastricht University. Not only do our academic programmes incorporate the latest developments in each field, but we also focus on research and innovation in education itself. One of our three university-wide research themes is Learning & Innovation. With the creation of EdLab and the continuing improvement of our education strategies, you can be confident that not only will you know your chosen discipline inside and out, but you will also have the best learning experience possible.
Small groups = big advantages
Problem-Based Learning
As with most UM programmes, the School of Business and Economics uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL). In small tutorial groups of no more than 15 students, you seek solutions to ‘problems’ taken from real-world situations. Instructors only give help as needed, allowing you to develop independence and problem-solving skills useful to your career. This dynamic, collaborative system has one of the highest knowledge retention rates of any teaching method.
Maastricht University students on Problem-Based Learning
Amazing education opportunities @ SBE
Excellence programmes
To help students to excel, we developed the following excellence programmes:
- International Triangle Programme
- Dual Degree Programmes
- Global Innovation Challenge
- MARBLE Programme
- PREMIUM Honours Programme
Internships Office & TIP
The Internship Office has an extensive database of internship opportunities and is on hand for guidance and counselling. Students also have the option of combining their thesis and internship. During the Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP), your thesis will be written on a topic relevant to a company or organisation during a part-time internship.
Career development & Maastricht Business Days
We believe that partnerships, networking and Problem-Based Learning are crucial to connect our students to the business world. Together with our partners and alumni, we organise events to support students in their development and expand their networks.
International experience
Maastricht University is among the top 15 most international universities in the world. We encourage our students to see themselves as world citizens, and our educational programmes encourage study abroad, multilingualism, cultural exchange and sensitivity, and international career goals.
The International Classroom
UM embraces the International Classroom, an environment where our differences become our strengths. From day one, you’ll be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. This kind of interaction brings you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching you not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. SBE is one of the most international faculties at Maastricht University, with over 60% of students and 55% of the academic staff coming from abroad, representing roughly 60 different nationalities.
Study abroad and get to know new people
Students from every one-year, full-time SBE master’s programme can apply for a master’s exchange semester. However, a master's exchange is only possible if you have 100% study progress. Students who will be doing their exchange in a third, extended, semester will take priority over students who will run into more of a study delay. Competition for exchange positions is high, and applying for a semester abroad does not guarantee a spot or that you will be allocated to your preferred choice. SBE will consider your study progress, motivation, academic achievements and curriculum vitae in the selection process.
- For more information, please contact the International Relations Office.
- If you are already an SBE student, you can find more information in the student portal.
Take your degree anywhere!
The SBE has the ‘Triple Crown’ of accreditations: from the American AASCB, the British AMBA and the European-wide EQUIS. This means your degree is recognised in many places throughout the world: perfect for an international career or postgraduate studies abroad.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit