Are you a creative and analytical thinker? Do you like coming up with smart solutions for tax problems? And would you love to learn about all the ins and outs of the tax system? Then Fiscal Economics might be just the thing for you. This master's program merges insights from economics, business economics, and law. Its quality is recognized by the Dutch Order of Tax Advisors (NOB).
You'll take a range of compulsory courses that give you an in-depth academic understanding of taxation, accountancy, corporate and value-added tax, government policies on taxation, and other essential fiscal areas. You'll also be able to choose elective courses that match your personal interests and career ambitions. After you’ve graduated, you’ll have all the training you’ll need to work as a tax advisor, tax consultant, or tax inspector.
Fast facts
the program's quality is recognized by the NOB
merges insights from economics, business economics, and law
find work as a tax advisor, tax inspector, or tax consultant
1-year, full-time master’s, mostly taught English
starts in September and February
weekly: 8 hrs classes, 16 hrs group work, and 16 hrs independent study
"Fiscal Economics was the perfect master to combine tax law and my love for numbers! While specialised, it still offers many different opportunities after graduating."
Name: Kim Erens
Company: Ernst & Young tax advisors LLP
Position: Senior Consultant Tax Specialities: People Advisory Services
Why this program?
Fiscal Economics has an interdisciplinary curriculum, drawing on general and business economics, as well as fiscal and private law. It’s a highly challenging program that will stretch your intellectual and analytical abilities. It allows you to become a registered tax advisor at the Dutch Association of Tax Advisors (NOB) – but also teaches you the economic aspects of taxation, making it possible to work in policymaking positions as well.
What will you learn?
You'll learn to analyze the economic effects of taxation on the market behavior of producers and consumers, thereby gaining a deep understanding of how taxation works. Additionally, you'll explore strategic and creative solutions to tax problems and learn how to communicate these to management teams and tax lawyers. You'll study relevant areas such as accountancy, finance, corporate and value-added tax, tax management, and European tax law.
At the end of the program, you will be able to:
understand the implications of tax laws on an organization’s tax strategy
use quantitative methods as a basis for strategic tax decisions
give tax advice on a senior level
playa bridging role between accountants and tax lawyers
What you’ll actually do:
work in small groups to examine up-to-date, real-life problems and come up with practical solutions
use economics, accountancy, management, and law to analyse the effects of taxes on national and international economies
as a member of First, the Fiscal Economics study association, enjoy optional visits to key companies at home and abroad, as well as work experience opportunities
develop crucial qualities such as independence, confidence and critical thinking
benefit from this practical springboard into the international economic workforce
Amazing education opportunities
Premium honors program
Premium gives you that extra edge by offering real-world experience during your studies. As part of a team of students, you’ll build the experience and skills employers are looking for. Work on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO, or educational institution. Create a personal development plan. Participate in intensive individual coaching, masterclasses, and workshops.
Internships
Internships give you practical experience that enhances your studies and increases your employability. Many graduates often end up working at the organization where they intern. SBE encourages master’s students to do an extracurricular, 8-26 week internship. The SBE Internship Office has an extensive database of internship opportunities and is on hand for guidance and counseling.
Combine thesis & internship
Rather than face a trade-off between finishing their studies and doing an internship, SBE students have the option of combining the two. During the Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP), your thesis will be written on a topic relevant to a company or organization during a part-time internship. This gives your thesis focus and applicability and gives you practical work experience.
Courses & curriculum 2022 - 2023
The master’s program in Fiscal Economics is a one-year, full-time program and is taught in English, with the exception of one course. You will have about 8 hours of classes, 16 hours of group work, and 16 hours of independent study per week.
Curriculum
TAX4001 Fiscaal Concernrecht or TAX4010 Comparative Corporate Taxation
EBC4040 Taxation, Financial Decision-making, and Accounting
TAX4002 International and EU Tax Law
EBC4034 Tax Policy in the International Context
EBS4003 Writing a Master’s Thesis Proposal: Fiscal Economics
Economics Elective
Law Elective
Master's Thesis or Thesis Internship Programme
TAX4019 International Tax Planning and Fiscal Ethics
Rankings & recognition
Triple Crown accreditation - School of Business and Economics
UM is the ninth-best Young University in the world
Financial Times lauded SBE in best practice examples of sustainability, ethics, and social purpose in teaching and education methods
Your future
As a Fiscal Economics graduate, you can look forward to a challenging but rewarding career, with plenty of opportunities for advancement. The demand for qualified fiscal economists outstrips supply, so your theoretical, practical, and interpersonal skills will make you highly sought after by both large corporations and small tax consultancies.
Career paths
Tax inspector
Fiscal economists that work for fiscal authorities are responsible for checking the tax declarations of private individuals or organizations. They also ensure that taxes are levied and paid on time and are responsible for detecting irregularities and fraud.
Tax advisor
As tax advisors, fiscal economists are responsible for managing tax compliance and providing clients with tax advice. They file tax declarations and keep in contact with tax inspectors to ensure that they interpret tax legislation correctly.
Researcher
Some Fiscal Economics students choose to pursue a Ph.D. after they’ve graduated. They try to answer questions such as “Will a proposed tax incentive scheme be effective?” or “How can tax regulations be improved?”
Employment statistics
According to a study conducted by Elsevier, Fiscal Economic graduates in the Netherlands are able to find jobs relatively quickly and on average, they have a higher salary and a larger chance of getting a permanent contract.
