MSc in Human Decision Science

Are you interested in human behavior, psychology, and empirical research? Do you love coming up with solutions to complex problems? And would you like to be the person people look to whenever a difficult decision has to be made? Then the master's program in Human Decision Science is the perfect program for you. It takes the clarity of economic and game-theoretic decision analysis and combines it with the human factors of bounded rationality, biases, and emotions from psychology. You'll study different facets of both fields, ranging from the neuropsychological basis of decision-making to the mechanics behind decisions on a macro level. After completing the program, you'll be able to work on complex decision-making problems and you'll be well equipped for a career in senior and executive positions.

Fast facts

• A unique combination of economics and psychology
• Analyze decision situations using theoretical and empirical strategies
• 1-year, full-time master's, taught in English
• Starts in September
• Weekly: 40 hours of coursework
• You’ll get an MSc in Human Decision Science

Why this program?

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, organizations, and markets, on which our very well-being depends. This program 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.

Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands and, with nearly 22,000 students and 4,400 employees, is still growing. The university distinguishes itself with its innovative education model, international character, and multidisciplinary approach to research and education.

Thanks to its high-quality research and education, as well as a strong focus on social engagement, UM has quickly built a solid reputation. Today, it is considered one of the best young universities in the world.

Fast facts

• 50% students & 40% staff from abroad (100+ countries)
• almost 40% of our students study abroad
• curriculum and research focus on international themes
• Certificate for Quality in Internationalisation (CeQuInt)
• 400 international partnerships
• Living lab and expertise center Europe
• UM is the sixth-best Young University in the world

The European University of the Netherlands

Located in the heart of Europe, UM can rightly call itself the European university of the Netherlands. More than half of our student population and almost half of our academic staff come from abroad. Together, they represent more than 100 different nationalities.

We are anchored in the Eu(region)

Maastricht University aims to play a leading role in the sustainable economic development of Limburg. We do this through Kennis-As Limburg, an ambitious strategic program that aims to connect the campuses in Maastricht, Geleen, Venlo, and Parkstad to form a single knowledge center.

We are ‘the young future of Europe’

UM is the coordinator of Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE). This alliance of eight universities is currently developing a model for a ‘truly European university’. Students will be able to follow a study program comprised of courses from the eight partner universities.

We collaborate within WUN and YERUN

UM is the only Dutch university in the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), which consists of 18 research universities on six continents. As one of the top young universities in the world, UM is also one of the 18 founding members of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN).

Innovative education

Small-scale and international

Problem-Based Learning

Since our establishment, we have fully implemented Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in our teaching and we are continuously developing it further. Students are challenged not only to develop professional expertise but also to work on their talents, interests, and skills. PBL helps them become true global citizens.

International orientation

UM can rightly call itself the European university of the Netherlands. This starts with our international students and staff, who represent more than 100 nationalities. But it is also reflected in the content of our programs, most of which are taught in English. We see ourselves as a 'living lab' and a center of expertise for Europe.

Employability

Providing excellent preparation for the labor market—is our commitment. At Maastricht University, students are given the space to develop academically, professionally, and personally. This helps them become active, globally-oriented citizens with 21st-century skills or, in other words, easily employable professionals.

Cutting-edge research

Working on the important issues of today

Transdisciplinary

Research at UM is interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary in nature. It is inspired by contemporary social issues and seeks to contribute to their solutions. To this end, researchers not only cooperate with colleagues from other disciplines and UM faculties, but also with Dutch and international institutions and businesses. Our research is also integrated with education at every level.

Research themes

Maastricht's identity is determined by its history, location, and the people who live and work here. Maastricht University's research reflects this and is centered on four themes: Quality of Life, Learning and Innovation, Europe in a Globalising World, and Sustainability and Circularity. Some of the issues that fall under these themes are healthy aging, climate change, demographic changes, the impact of technological developments, aging populations, healthy and affordable food, and the European integration process.

STEM research and education

For a number of years, Maastricht University has been hard at work on scientific research and education in the STEM* disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; known as ‘bèta’ in Dutch). In our Sciences+, the plus refers to the cross-fertilization between the exact, medical, and social sciences, as well as the humanities. That is because it is precisely at these interfaces where the opportunities lie to make a difference for the future, also together with public and private partners.

We know what we stand for

Maastricht University is a young university in the heart of Europe with a clear global perspective. We see ourselves first and foremost as an open and inclusive academic community that strives for a good mix of Dutch, European, and other international students and that addresses both European and global issues in our education and research programs.

Recognition & Rewards

As part of the Dutch and international scientific community, Maastricht University has wholeheartedly joined the national initiative to redefine the recognition and rewards system for academics. In the coming years, we will ensure that academics are valued in a more equitable way for all of their tasks.

Diversity & Inclusivity

Maastricht University is committed to an inclusive culture, to an environment that is open and accessible to everyone. Where academic citizenship is part of who we are and it is recognized and rewarded. Where all students and staff feel at home. And where alumni are truly members of our community, in the Netherlands and around the world.

Sustainability

Maastricht University wants to contribute to a sustainable future for the planet, as described in the Sustainable Development Goals. By 2030, the university wants to be sustainable, We will therefore reduce our ecological footprint in our business operations, focusing on a CO2-neutral future, circularity, and health and well-being.

Why UM?

1. Personal approach to Problem-Based Learning

   Students at UM learn in small tutorial groups, which means you participate actively and acquire essential skills for your future. Tutors typically know you by the first name and are always accessible and approachable.

2. Unique programs

   UM offers a number of study programs that can be found nowhere else in the Netherlands. Examples include the Bachelor in European Public Health, the Master in Forensics, Criminology, and Law, and the Master in Global Health.

3. Most international universities in the Netherlands

   Most of our programs are also on offer in English, and 53% of our students and nearly 40% of our staff come from abroad. This makes UM the most international university in the Netherlands.

4. Research

   Our multidisciplinary research, from growing human tissue to exploring sustainability issues, provides a fertile breeding ground that feeds into our education. Academics are heavily involved in teaching, and interested students have a range of options for getting involved in research themselves.

5. Amongst the best young universities worldwide

   UM is the fifth best young university worldwide, according to the 2018 edition of the Times Higher education ranking for young universities. In other rankings, too, UM consistently achieves good scores: in 2018, UM placed 15th in the QS ranking for universities younger than 50 years.

6. Educational innovation

   We are continually working to improve our educational methodology in the UM Edlab, which also supports tutors and provides excellent programs for students.

7. The heart of Europe

   Maastricht lies at the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, in the very heart of Europe. In just a few hours’ time, you can be in Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, or London, and several airports are within an hour’s drive. To Life@UM

8. The city of Maastricht

   From cinemas, theatres, and hundreds of cafes, bars, and restaurants to a brand new sports center and state-of-the-art study facilities under construction at the Tapijn site – Maastricht is a living city with a historic center. And every academic year kicks off with an unforgettable Inkom week.

9. Honours programs

   For students who like an extra challenge, we offer a suite of honors programs: Premium, MaRBle, and Honours+.

10. Finding a job

    Research by the UM Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) shows that some 93% of graduates are working in a paid job within a few years of graduating (Maastricht University graduate surveys 2021).