Global Responsibility & Leadership Bachelor’s programme named a Top Programme once again; ranks among the best in the Netherlands

The bachelor's programme in Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL) at Campus Fryslân, part of the University of Groningen (UG), has once again been awarded the designation of Top Programme in the 2027 Keuzegids, marking its eighth consecutive year receiving this recognition. With a score of 92 out of 100, GRL once again excels and is the highest-rated program at the UG. This once again places the UG among the top three of the best programmes in the Netherlands.

Nick Emlen, programme director, proudly emphasizes that this recognition is a testament to the dedication and commitment to educational excellence across our academic community: “We are very proud to see GRL rated once again among the very best bachelor’s programmes in the Netherlands. We have a special group of students and faculty members at Campus Fryslân who have created a vibrant and energetic academic community, and this recognition is a testament to their dedication and hard work.”

GRL distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinary approach, academic quality, and societal relevance. The programme prepares students to address complex global, political, and sustainability issues at the intersection of different disciplines. Since the founding of the Campus Fryslân faculty in 2018, GRL has been awarded the “top programme” designation every year.

GRL Becomes GPS—Top Programmes Across Borders

Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL) will continue under a new name: Global Politics & Sustainability (GPS). The new name further clarifies what the programme is all about: the interplay between global political developments and sustainability issues.

The programme prepares students to understand and address complex challenges that transcend national borders. Based in Leeuwarden, the programme brings together students from around the world, approximately half of whom are international, to study societal transitions from various perspectives, including politics, climate and human behaviour.

Indira van der Zande, Vice Dean of Education at Campus Fryslân, emphasizes that this recognition affirms the faculty’s unique character: “We are incredibly proud that our bachelor’s programme has once again been recognized as one of the top three in the Netherlands. Based in Leeuwarden, the programme is a hidden gem of the University of Groningen: a place where interdisciplinarity, critical reflection, and a commitment to global and local societal transitions thrive. Receiving this distinction is a tribute to the collective efforts of our students, staff, and partners, and to the unique, close-knit community that equips the next generation with the tools to imagine and shape sustainable futures.”

Thanks to the close ties to research and collaboration with community partners in Fryslân, students learn to put theory into practice and to translate insights into practical solutions. Some graduates continue to work in the region after completing their studies.

About the Keuzegids Universiteiten

The Keuzegids Universiteiten is an independent college guide for high school students, college students, and guidance counsellors who wish to compare undergraduate programmes. The guide is published annually by the Center for Higher Education Information (CHOI) and contains information on topics such as educational quality, academic success, and student evaluations.

The “Top Programme” designation is awarded to programmes that, according to the assessment method used, score more than 75 points on a scale of 100. The assessments are based on various sources, including the National Student Survey, data from Studiekeuze123, and accreditation reports from the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO).