Education

Education at the Dutch research universities is well known for:

• its high quality;
• its international orientation: virtually all Master's programmes are taught in English and about 19 percent of all Master students are international students;
• its close interrelationship with research;
• its long national and international traditions of participation in networks incorporating the oldest and most prominent universities in Europe and the rest of the world.

Bachelor's and Master's programmes

The Dutch research universities began introducing the three-cycle structure (Bachelor, Master and doctorate) already in 2002, and all study programmes have by now been organised accordingly. The first cycle, Bachelor's degree programmes leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc), takes three years (180 ECTS credits). The second cycle, Master's degree programmes leading to a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MSc), takes one to two years (between 60 and 120 ECTS credits).

In 2009, the Dutch research universities together offered 431 Bachelor's programmes and 855 Master's programmes (see the Eurydice report "Organisation of the education system in the Netherlands"). In 2008, there were 219018 students studying at the Dutch research universities.

Figures

Registered students; programmes and degrees

International student mobility

More differentation and stimulation

The Dutch research universities believe that there should be a broad range of courses and programmes available to cater for the different needs of a large and diverse student population. Students should have the space to pursue their individual interests and to develop their potential to the full. Students are encouraged to think critically, to accumulate and apply knowledge and to develop their creative, social and organisational talents. Moreover, universities are currently implementing measures to increase the study success of Bachelor students, such as introducing research elements at undergraduate level ("undergraduate research"). Creating an ambitious learning culture is one of main aims concerning education of the Dutch research universities.

See also
- The Dutch higher education system
- Tuition fees and financial assistance
- The Bologna process and the three-cycle structure
- Quality assurance (accreditation)
- Education funding
- Study success
- Doctoral education