Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities: Archeology and Minorities & Multilingualism again in top 5 of the Netherlands

Seven University of Groningen (UG) Bachelor’s degree programmes have been awarded the ‘Top Degree Programme’ quality label by the Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities (Keuzegids) 2021, placing them among the top in Dutch academic education. Just as last year, two degree programmes are in the top five of the best-assessed university Bachelor’s degree programmes: Archaeology and Minorities & Multilingualism. In the category ‘Broad-based General Universities 2021’, the UG is in a shared fourth place (of six) this year.

The Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities 2021 has awarded the ‘Top Degree Programme’ label to Bachelor’s degree programmes that earned a total score of at least 75 points (out of 100). Of the 63 degree programmes around the country that were awarded this label, 7 belong to the University of Groningen; just like in 2020. The best UG Bachelor’s programme is Archaeology, with a total score of 93 points.
The six other top UG Bachelor’s degree programmes according to this threshold are: Minorities & Multilingualism (91), English Language and Culture (86), Global Responsibility and Leadership (86), Theology (79), Religious studies (79) and Philosophy of a Specific Discipline (75). It is notable that, just like last year, almost all of them belong to the Humanities.

A degree programme can also be the best in its category without achieving the ‘Top Degree Programme’ label. Another four UG Bachelor’s degree programmes were recognized as the best in their category: Human Movement Sciences, Information Science, Astronomy, Media Studies and Pharmacy. Unfortunately, 17 UG Bachelor’s degree programmes scored below 55 points this year. This number was lower in the past five years. That is why it is on the agenda.

In total, 49 UG Bachelor’s degree programmes were assessed, giving the UG, together with Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam, the highest number of Bachelor’s degree programmes across all 14 Dutch universities.

About the Dutch Higher Education Guide

The Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities 2021 was published on Thursday 26 November. It lists the new study success numbers, new data on the job market and an overview of all university Bachelor’s degree programmes on offer in the academic year 2021/2022. This year, more attention has also been paid to the differences in content between degree programmes. The Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities is published annually by the Centre for Higher Education Information (CHOI; Centrum Hoger Onderwijs Informatie) and is intended for school pupils and deans who want to inform themselves about university Bachelor’s degree programmes.