Business (research master)

The Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) program is a two-year in-depth course of study that combines coursework and two master's dissertations - one in each year.

Highly motivated students with at least three years of academic study in economics, econometrics, or other social sciences, a bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S./B.Sc.) in any of those disciplines, or a comparable undergraduate qualification are encouraged to apply for this rigorous and challenging program.

Candidates already in posession of an M.A. or M.S./M.Sc., Drs. or Ir. degree will be able to join the program in the second year, although they may be required to complete additional coursework offered in 1^st year of the M.Phil. program to compensate for any deficits that might hinder their ability to succeed in the Ph.D. program.

The program comprises three types of courses:

• Core methodological courses are mandatory for all students. Students must take two of the three courses offered.
• Core field courses provide broad knowledge in each of the five fields or tracks (Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Operations Research and Organization) and are mandatory. Students choose one of the four fields and must complete the courses in that field.
• Elective courses give students the opportunity to develop a rich and varied background, consistent with individual preferences and needs. Electives may be core courses within the school or those offered by national or international networks.

In addition, students who do not have a strong background in Mathematics are required to take a refresher course in Mathematics and Business Statistics before starting the first year.

M.Phil. dissertation
The first-year dissertation is designed to train students to identify a research question, collect and review existing literature, design a coherent research project, and write a concise and articulate dissertation. The second-year dissertation focuses on original research content and is supervised by a CentER faculty member. Students may write their final dissertations in conjunction with an internship at a private sector business, such as a bank, insurance company, or consulting firm. The final dissertation may also be based on a study performed at Tilburg University. Planning for the internship and dissertation will be done in consultation with the company sponsoring the internship. Those who plan to continue on with the Ph.D. program will write a research paper as their final dissertation that is suitable for publication in an international research journal. Students will present their Master's dissertations in front of their peers and a committee, consisting of the thesis supervisor and two other faculty members, who will evaluate the work.

Graduates of the M.Phil. program will have a thorough understanding of the principles of business theory and its applications in various fields, along with the ability to think systematically about, and apply quantitative methods to, business problems. They will have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to begin working independently on their Ph.D. dissertations. Those who opt for a career in the business sector are ready for the job market, particularly for positions with a strong research component.