Your first year provides you with basic skills in planning andconducting (interdisciplinary) research, as a part of our Researchand Methodology learning line. All students take the courses'Academic Skills' and 'Introduction to Academic Research' and thenselect a discipline-specific research methods course of theirchoice.
Students explore the multidisciplinary fields of the Sciences,Social Sciences and Humanities, starting in semester one withChallenges of Modern Society as well as two Core Electives. Theseelectives introduce you to interesting societal issues and at thesame time give a broad introduction to the majors. Meetings withyour Academic Advisors will help you consider courses and reflecton '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 andMethodology. All students take Philosophy of Science, offeringstudents opportunities to discuss, explore and reflect onhistories, perspectives and methodologies in the differentdisciplines. Students have declared a Major and are filling outtheir programme with electives. Students will apply methods andknowledge gained from the electives in a research-basedproject.
In semester 1, you may choose to do a University Minor, aPersonal Minor, do an Internship or study abroad. The Minor canhelp you expand your profile within a discipline (if required toaccess a Master's programme), or provide more breadth by exploringdifferent disciplines or explicitly societal issues such as theMinors Entrepreneurship, Public Health, or Gender and Diversity inScience, Society and Culture.
If, instead, you decide to go on Study Abroad you may choose togo to one of our Partner Universities across the globe. You willspend a semester deepening your knowledge in a field of yourinterest. Choosing to take up an internship can be a valuableexperience if you would like to develop yourself professionally andpersonally. You will further develop and finalise your Major byworking on your Bachelor thesis and carrying out your third yearproject in collaboration with either local business owners orinstitutional partners.
The programme consists of three main parts: an Academic CoreProgramme (55 ECTS), a Major (95 ECTS) and a Minor (30 ECTS). Thisamounts to a total of 180 ECTS. The Core Programme is the list ofcourses that provide a broad foundation for your education. Thegeneral educational purpose of a core course of study is to ensurethat all students take and complete courses that are considered tobe academically and culturally essential. For example: academicskills and research, methodology etc.
The Major is the area of study that you choose.
At UCG, we have three Majors: Sciences, Social Sciences orHumanities. Within each Major, you can combine different academicdisciplines or perspectives into a tailor-made programme that fitsyour interests and prospective Master choice.
There is also the possibility of a Free Major, in which youcreate your own programme with the help and guidance from ourAcademic Advisors.
The Minor is a secondary area of study that may or may notcompliment your major. You can further develop your academicprofile by following a minor at the University of Groningen but youcan also use this semester to study abroad (go on exchange) orpursue an internship.
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| Health and Life Sciences and Neuroscience (profile) Health and life sciences focus on understanding, diagnosing,treating, and preventing diseases in humans and other organisms,making a tangible impact on the world. Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field dedicated tounraveling the complexities of the human mind. Discover howbiological principles intersect to shape our thoughts, emotions,and behaviors, and be at the forefront of groundbreaking researchand innovation. Non-medical/biological perspectives on these topics areimportant to UCG, which encourages multidisciplinary approaches toproblem solving. Students study through small group lectures,working groups, journal clubs, laboratory practicals andself-study. More information about this option |
| Philosophy, Politics and Economics (profile) This area of expertise studies the structure, and thephilosophical and economic principles of today's (global)society. The study addresses various societal problems such as thepolarisation of society, sustainable economic development,democracy and immigration. These problems have important economicdimensions, and present ethical dilemmas. They also requireeffective political solutions. Students focus on the nation state,the market and individual behaviour, and discusses how entitiesinteract. Combing philosophy, politics and economics gives studentsa multidisciplinary framework to analyse and address globalchallenges in a sustainable and evidence-based way. More information about this option |
| Law (profile) Law is much more than courtroom drama and legal statutes. It's a dynamic field that delves into societal, political, andphilosophical issues, offering students unique insights into thesystems and relationships that shape our world. Within our LiberalArts and Sciences program, studying law hones your criticalthinking, analytical skills, and ethical understanding, preparingyou for a wide range of professional careers. At UCG, studying law provides a deep understanding of how legalprinciples intersect with global and societal issues. You'll learnabout the rule of law as a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring lawsare applied equally and fairly, safeguarding human rights andliberties. Our program emphasizes not only the functioning of legalrules but also the ethical imperatives essential for justice andequality in modern societies. Engaging with law at UCG meanspreparing for responsible leadership, informed citizenship, andethical decision-making. This foundation empowers you to excel invarious fields, both academic and professional, and to make ameaningful impact in the world. More information about this option |
| International Business (profile) International Business is about the global exchange of goods,services, capital, knowledge, and technology. This field dives into managing businesses that operate acrossdiverse cultural, political, and economic landscapes. As a student,you'll explore key areas like international trade, global supplychain management, and cross-cultural management. You'll learneffective strategies to tackle global challenges and seizeopportunities, while also developing the skills to navigate boththe technical and ethical aspects of international business. Our program integrates insights from politics, economics, andglobal justice, offering a comprehensive perspective on howbusinesses impact and are influenced by global trends. In an erawhere globalization is constantly reshaping industries, studyinginternational business is crucial for those aspiring to lead in theevolving global economy. More information about this option |
| Interdisciplinary AI (profile) AI is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, playing acrucial role in solving societal challenges across fields likehealthcare, education, transportation, and environmentalsustainability. Interdisciplinary AI is a dynamic and evolving field that notonly addresses critical societal issues but also embraces a widerange of perspectives from different disciplines. At the heart ofInterdisciplinary AI is a commitment to educating and empoweringstudents in the ethical and innovative use of AI. Our program isdesigned to equip the next generation with the skills needed tocreate intelligent, responsible systems for the future. We focus onnurturing your ability to develop cutting-edge technologies,regulate emerging trends, and prioritize the creation of systemsthat are centered around people. More information about this option |
| Psychology (profile) Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. It seeks todive into understanding the intricate dynamics of our mental lives,from how we process information to how we act alone and withothers. Studying this field, you will explore how psychology describes,explains, and predicts the complexities of human thought andaction, equipping you with insights to navigate and influence theworld around you. More information about this option |
| Economics (profile) Economics explores how societies navigate the challenge oflimited resources, making decisions that shape our world. It's about understanding the choices we make and how they impacteverything from resource distribution to social welfare. Economistsare at the heart of tackling some of the biggest issues we facetoday, from economic crises and inequality to climate change. By mastering tools like econometrics and cost-benefit analysis,you'll gain the skills to influence policy and drive solutions formarket failures and economic development. Studying economicsempowers you to make a real difference in today's interconnectedworld. More information about this option |
| Politics (profile) Politics revolves around power, governance, and society'sorganization. It explores conflict management through deliberation,compromise, and democratic decision-making. As a politics student, you'll study political institutions andprocesses, learning how public decisions are made and implemented.You'll tackle crucial issues like resource distribution, conflictsof interest, and managing domestic and international disputes. Ourfoundational courses will help you critically analyze key conceptssuch as justice, rights, freedom, and democracy. You'll alsoexplore the ethical dimensions of political decisions and theirimpacts on human rights and well-being. More information about this option |
| Philosophy (profile) In Philosophy, you'll delve into the nature of truth, meaning,rationality, reality, and values. You'll explore human dilemmas through a philosophical lens,grappling with questions such as: What does it mean to act morallygood? What does it mean to act and think rationally? What is themeaning of "truth," and what makes a true statement true? What is alogically valid argument? What distinguishes science-based claimsfrom others? Is there an objective reality? Key subjects include ethics, philosophy of language, aesthetics,political philosophy, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, philosophyof science, and philosophy of technology. Embark on a journey tounderstand the fundamental aspects of human existence andthought. More information about this option |
| Culture and Literature (profile) In this field of study, you'll dive into the rich tapestry ofhuman culture and literature. As cultural beings, everything we do—from technology andthe arts to language, politics, and science—is shaped by ourcultural context.Studnets can also focus on literaturespecifically, which is a particularly gripping, relevant andinfluential part of culture. Within the field of Culture andLiterayre, you'll explore questions like 'How do cultures differacross history and around the world?', ' How do media andtechnology shape our lives, thoughts, and politics?', 'Can weunderstand current democratic challenges by exploring theirhistorical roots?', and 'What role do narratives and myths play inthe public sphere?' More information about this option |
