University College Groningen is a Faculty of the University of Groningen, one of the world’s top 100 universities. Our mission is to challenge you, and to give you the space and support to thrive. Our Liberal Arts and Sciences programme is designed to empower you to forge your own path, develop your own identity, and find your position in a constantly changing world.
Our Liberal Arts and Sciences programme offers students the opportunity to study a broad range of subjects whilst developing specialist knowledge in their major discipline (Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences). Throughout the degree students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a series of projects that take them outside of the classroom. This will enable students to learn how to apply a creative approach in finding solutions for complex global challenges.
Liberal Arts and Sciences skills give graduates the flexibility to move between careers and even create their own! Project management skills and intercultural competences, along with communication, creativity and critical analysis skills are in demand both by employers and Master's programmes. Students who graduate with the LAS undergraduate degree are prepared for a broad range of Master's programmes and career options.
This bachelor programme is based on the American principle of Liberal Arts and Sciences, creating a higher education bachelors degree that gives you the opportunity to learn in an international and interdisciplinary environment.
Your first year provides you with basic skills in planning and conducting (interdisciplinary) research, as a part of our Research and Methodology learning line. All students take the courses 'Academic Skills' and 'Introduction to Academic Research' and then select a discipline-specific research methods course of their choice.
Students explore the multidisciplinary fields of the Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, starting in semester one with Challenges of Modern Society as well as two Core Electives. These electives introduce you to interesting societal issues and at the same time gives a broad introduction to the majors. Meetings with your Academic Advisors will help you consider courses and reflect on 'the bigger picture' of your LAS programme. Last but not least, you will conduct your first project in year one.
In year two you gain more specialised knowledge in Research and Methodology. All students take Philosophy of Science, offering students opportunities to discuss, explore and reflect on histories, perspectives and methodologies in the different disciplines. Students have declared a Major or Major Specialisation and are filling out their programme with electives. Students will apply methods and knowledge gained from the electives in a research-based project.
In semester 1, you may choose to do a University Minor, a Personal Minor, do an Internship or go on Study Abroad. The Minor can help you expand your profile within a discipline (if required to access a Master's programme), or provide more breadth by exploring different disciplines or explicitly societal issues such as the Minors Entrepreneurship, Public Health, or Gender and Diversity in Science, Society and Culture.
If, instead, you decide to go on Study Abroad you may choose to go to one of our Partner Universities across the globe. You will spend a semester deepening your knowledge in a field of your interest. Choosing to take up an internship can be a valuable experience if you would like to develop yourself professionally and personally. You will further develop and finalise your Major by working on your Bachelor thesis and carrying out your third year project in collaboration with either local business owners or institutional partners.
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
The programme consists of three main parts: an Academic Core Programme (55 credits), a Major (95 credits) and a Minor (30 credits). This amounts to a total of 180 credits. The Core Programme is the list of courses that provide a broad foundation for your education as an LAS student. The general educational purpose of a core course of study is to ensure that all students take and complete courses that are considered to be academically and culturally essential. For example: academic skills and re
The Major is basically the field into which you may want deepen your knowledge. At UCG, we have four Majors: Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Free Major. Within each Major, Major Specialisations allow you to combine different academic disciplines or perspectives into a tailor-made programme that fits your interests and prospective Master choice. Majors Specialisations are carefully designed pathways to specific Master's programmes. There is also the possibility of a Free Major, in which you create your own programme with the help and guidance from our own Academic Advisors.
The Minor, instead, is the first semester of the third year of the bachelor programme. In this time, students may further develop their academic profile by following a Minor programme within UCG or at a different Faculty of the University of Groningen. Also possible is to go on Exchange at one of our Study Abroad partners or take up an Internship.
| Programme options |
|---|
| Health and Life Sciences (specialization) The scope of this specialisation ranges from cell biology to human physiology, immunology, microbiology, neurobiology and important areas in human biology and their relevance for health and disease. Non-medical/biological perspectives on these topics are important to UCG, which encourages multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving, and these perspectives are part of the specialisation whenever appropriate. Students study the topics in this specialisation through small group lectures, working groups, journal clubs, laboratory practicals and self-study. |
| Smart Technologies (specialization) The Smart Technologies specialisation aims for students to understand how novel technologies work, and at the same time are able to grasp the implication at an individual, social and economic level Smart technologies are changing our life and our societies on a deeper level than ever before. Smart home assistants, vehicles, factories, banks, buildings and many more are highly interconnected, communicate with their environment and with us, and operate using various levels of artificial intelligence. To shape the future, we need creative and interdisciplinary minds with knowledge of science, technology and computer science to develop, implement smart technological solutions in our modern society. |
| Mind, Machines and Morality (specialization) Students receive training at the intersection of machine learning, psychology, and philosophy, in order to fully engage with the challenging and rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. Online assistants, targeted advertisements, self-driving cars and smart robots are just a few examples of automated systems that rely heavily on artificial intelligence. At UCG, we believe that, to fully understand how such systems engage with people and influence our society, we must go beyond the traditional core algorithmic focus. |
| Mind and Behaviour (specialization) Students in this specialisation dive into the heart of all human activity: the psychology of how we think, feel, and behave. The complexity of mind and behaviour requires that students travel back and forth through the micro-scale dimensions of the individual and the macro-scale dimensions of culture. In doing so, students address questions such as: How and why do we filter incoming information to understand the world around us? How do our identities, personalities, and abilities emerge across our lifespan? What role do societal norms play in the increasing prevalence of depression and anxiety? |
| Philosophy, Politics and Economics (specialization) This specialisation studies the structure, and the philosophical and economic principles of today's (global) society. The study addresses various societal problems such as the polarisation of society, sustainable economic development, democracy and immigration. These problems have important economic dimensions, and present ethical dilemmas. They also require effective political solutions. The specialisation focuses on the nation state, the market and individual behaviour, and discusses how entities interact. Combing philosophy, politics and economics gives students a multidisciplinary framework to analyse and address global challenges in a sustainable and evidence-based way. |
| International Relations & International Law (specialization) This specialisation studies the role of the state and international organisations within the international community. It addresses global societal problems such as armed conflicts, human rights violations, terrorism, migration and climate change. This specialisation studies how states interact with each other, how they balance their national interests and global needs and it studies what the role of international law is. It aims to find means by which international political leaders can come to effective policymaking on the international level. |
| International Business & Entrepreneurship (specialization) The focus of this specialisation is on international business and entrepreneurship. It aims to understand the global business strategy and analyses how international business and multinationals strategically operate in the global market. It discusses the implications of their strategies and addresses ethical dilemmas. Special attention is also given to the principles of entrepreneurship and the role of entrepreneurship in society. |
| Social and Cultural Change (specialization) In the Humanities we study human culture. Human culture is everywhere: it encompasses whatever humans think and do. Think about technology, the arts, language, politics, and science. At UCG we focus on the ways in which insights in culture can be used to bring about social change. Areas of study we cover are: media and technology, gender, the arts, history, the public sphere, philosophy, culture and cognition. |
| Truth, Meaning and Rationality (specialization) In this specialisation within the Humanities Major, you will get to analyse the very nature of truth, meaning, rationality, reality and values. You will explore a number of human dilemmas from a philosophical perspective. The key subjects in this field are Ethics, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Technology. What does it mean to act morally good or to think rationally? What is the meaning of “truth”? There are no boundaries to the depth that you can study a field. No question is excluded as "too basic" in this specialisation. The topics discussed within the Truth, Meaning and Rationality Specialisation are not only philosophical questions. They are directly relevant to many societal problems. |
We encourage our students to study their minor (30 EC) abroad in the 1st semester of year 3.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
VWO or HBO-propedeuse diploma |
| additional subject |
Proficiency in English and Mathematics |
| language test |
Since English is the official language at University College Groningen, applicants are required to demonstrate proof of their English language proficiency. The following exemptions apply from demonstrating English language proficiency:
If you do not meet the requirements listed above, one of the following tests will provide proof of English proficiency: IELTS (Academic), TOEFL IBT (internet-based) or Cambridge English. These tests will always be accepted by UCG as proof of English proficiency (provided that the minimum score was obtained). |
| math test |
Even if you do not meet our mathematics requirement, we still encourage you to apply. After reviewing your complete application, the Board of Admission will decide whether you need to submit an alternative test to complement your application. Due to the content of the courses offered at UCG, we ask that students have achieved a certain level of mathematics proficiency during their prior education. Most students in our programme will have one of the following mathematics qualifications:
For other qualifications not mentioned above, generally, we measure mathematics proficiency by having passed mathematics as a final year or final exam course in a qualification that is equivalent to pre-Dutch University education. The Board of Admission will decide whether the level of the mathematics course within your curriculum is sufficient based on the transcript(s) you provide in your application to UCG. These are the tests that the Board of Admissions might ask for:
|
| (motivation-) letter |
During the first step of our application process you need to meet the admission requirements. Once these requirements are met, you can continue with the second step of our application process: selection based on motivation video. |
For the academic year 2022/2023, we have 150 places available in our Liberal Arts and Sciences programme. University College Groningen uses a holistic admissions process which balances academics with motivation and your personal experiences. Our approach means that we look at the big picture regarding your application: who you are, what you've done and what you want to do in the future. Therefore, even if you don't meet (all the) admission requirements, we still strongly encourage you to apply.
Although we are not a numerus fixus programme, we are a selective programme. Application proceeds in two steps. In the first step your eligibility is determined. If you are deemed eligible for admission, then in a second step your motivation video is used to determine whether you will ultimately be admitted to the programme.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
We only offer a September intake.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
International Equivalent of the Dutch VWO Diploma |
| additional subject |
Proficiency in Mathematics and English |
| grade average |
GPA (depends on type of high school diploma) |
| language test |
Since English is the official language at University College Groningen, applicants are required to demonstrate proof of their English language proficiency. The following exemptions apply from demonstrating English language proficiency:
If you do not meet the requirements listed above, one of the following tests will provide proof of English proficiency: IELTS (Academic), TOEFL IBT (internet-based) or Cambridge English. These tests will always be accepted by UCG as proof of English proficiency (provided that the minimum score was obtained). |
| math test |
Even if you do not meet our mathematics requirement, we still encourage you to apply. After reviewing your complete application, the Board of Admission will decide whether you need to submit an alternative test to complement your application. Due to the content of the courses offered at UCG, we ask that students have achieved a certain level of mathematics proficiency during their prior education. Most students in our programme will have one of the following mathematics qualifications:
For other qualifications not mentioned above, generally, we measure mathematics proficiency by having passed mathematics as a final year or final exam course in a qualification that is equivalent to pre-Dutch University education. The Board of Admission will decide whether the level of the mathematics course within your curriculum is sufficient based on the transcript(s) you provide in your application to UCG. These are the tests that the Board of Admissions might ask for:
|
| (motivation-) letter |
During the first step of our application process you need to meet the admission requirements. Once these requirements are met, you can continue with the second step of our application process: selection based on motivation video. |
| other admission requirements |
Students are required to have successfully obtained a secondary school diploma which allows entry to an academic university. Therefore, students need to obtain a Dutch VWO diploma or international equivalent before gaining entry to the programme. The most common secondary school diplomas that are considered equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma are the British A-Levels, the German Abitur, the International Baccalaureate diploma, the EB certificate and the American High School diploma (in combinati |
| Exam | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS overall band | 6.5 |
| IELTS listening | 6.5 |
| IELTS reading | 6.5 |
| IELTS writing | 6.5 |
| IELTS speaking | 6.5 |
| TOEFL internet based | 90 |
For the academic year 2023/2024, we have 150 places available in our Liberal Arts and Sciences programme. University College Groningen uses a holistic admissions process which balances academics with motivation and your personal experiences. Our approach means that we look at the big picture regarding your application: who you are, what you have done and what you want to do in the future. Therefore, even if you do not meet (all the) admission requirements, we still strongly encourage you to appl
Although we are not a numerus fixus programme, we are a selective programme. Application proceeds in two steps. In the first step your eligibility is determined. If you are deemed eligible for admission, then in a second step your motivation video is used to determine whether you will ultimately be admitted to the programme.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
We only offer a September intake.
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 4588 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 14300 | full-time |
University College Groningen is accredited as a small, intensive teaching provider, and therefore the tuition fees are higher than for regular Dutch university programmes. The extra investment ensures small teaching groups and the opportunity to customise your degree, both of which provide you with an enhanced learning experience.
Practical information for:
After three years at UCG you will have obtained either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Groningen.
En route, our student discover their drives and their passions, and graduate fully equipped with the knowledge and skills required for life after UCG.
Whereas some of our graduates start up a business or enter the job market, most of our graduates successfully enter the masters programme of their choice, either abroad or in the Netherlands.
Examples of Master programme our Alumni have enrolled in:
In Projects, UCG students collaborate with experts to tackle real-world issues. In this environment, UCG students learn to work with each other, and draw from the knowledge of multiple academic fields.
This is unlike the training offered in other degree programme. Our graduates are provided an excellent foundation from which to pursue further education or enter the workforce.
Graduates’ choice of specialisation determines which masters programmes to which they can apply. Our students are guided in these decisions by assigned academic staff.
At UCG, students can fulfil most subject requirements for further study. However, some vocational programmes, such as law or clinical psychology, are likely to have additional requirements.
Furthermore, strong marketplace interest in Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates makes our students highly sought-after by employers around the globe.
Would you like to read some of our Alumni Stories?
Our world is changing in such a way that new situations, uncertainties, and problems emerge constantly. At UCG, we want to prepare you with the skills that allow you to adapt to an ever-changing professional market. We want you to be able to deal with a complex and changing world in ethical and effective ways. This requires an interdisciplinary, creative, and - above all - adaptive attitude and skill-set. Our students are curious, ambitious and interested in a variety of different subjects.
Liberal Arts and Sciences at UCG is a demanding programme. Students are expected to be highly motivated. Additionally, one of the main characteristics of the programme is the emphasis on the learning community. It is of importance that students as a class stay together over the years. Students are expected to collect all 60 credits for the first year of the programme within the first year.
We encourage our students to take ownership of their education. They can build their programme in line with their own interests and ambitions in order to become independent and self-determined young professionals. To support our students, UCG provides a dedicated guidance team consisting of Academic Advisors and a Personal Support Advisor. Students are also paired with a Student Mentor, who will help with a students transition to UCG.
This personalised guidance system helps students to reflect on their study plans and course choices, offers advice in personal and academic matters, and encourages inspiration and curiosity.
Concretely this means that your Advisor helps you plan your curriculum so that you develop and pursue your intellectual interests while meeting degree requirements. Your Advisor helps you keep track of your progress and signals (potential) problems. Advisors are involved in the process whereby students select courses, compose majors and minors, and plan their future studies and careers.
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