UG/Campus Fryslȃn bachelor programmes top-rated and the best in the Netherlands:                   Global Responsibility & Leadership and Data Science & Society

The two bachelor programmes of the University of Groningen/Campus Fryslân have both been awarded the top quality label ‘Top Degree Programme’ by the Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities (Keuzegids) 2024. The programme Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL) is even recognised as the best bachelor's programme in the Netherlands with a total of 99/100 points. The bachelor's degree in Data Science & Society (DSS), released in 2022/2023, also achieved a great result by becoming top-rated in the first year of its foundation.

Top-rated since the first year

A programme receives the top-rated label above 76 points. It is, therefore, a great acknowledgement that both Campus Fryslân bachelor programmes are at the top of their league. GRL has received the quality label each consecutive year since its foundation in 2018 and has the highest ranking in the Netherlands for the third year in a row. DSS is the second bachelor's programme designed by Campus Fryslân and is already in its first year recognised for its quality with 88/100 points.

University College Fryslân programme director dr. Élise Rouméas says: “To be recognised as the best bachelor’s programme in the Netherlands for the third time in a row is incredibly rewarding for the UCF community. We are proud of our cutting-edge educational programme, which attracts students with strong values and commitments. What we have created in Leeuwarden is unique and contributes to tackling the global challenges of our time.”

Programme director dr. Oskar Gstrein complements: “The top-rating for the Data Science & Society Bachelor programme is a recognition that interdisciplinary education on cutting-edge subjects leads to high-quality outcomes, if done in the right environment. The faculty Campus Fryslân is a unique place enabling the development of outstanding programmes with societal relevance and impact. We will continue to pursue this path.” 

Students proud to study at UG/Campus Fryslân

Chiara Matarazzo, student assessor and second-year student in Global Responsibility & Leadership: “University College Fryslân  is an incredibly diverse and welcoming community that I consider myself lucky to be a part of and contribute to. The sustainability aspect of the bachelor together with the relevance of the studies, allows us students to reflect and contribute to our future career. The small-scaled classes enable rich discussions between the students with the inclusion of the professors. I find this such an important aspect of education, and it is strongly enhanced within our campus.”

Imaji Rizal, Data Science & Society, currently a second-year student: “I joined the programme due to the growing relevance of data across various sectors. Beyond that, I see that the programme shows commitment to community welfare by focusing on responsible data practices and societal impact. The engagement with the public and private sectors adds practical depth to my learning experience. The faculty is such a close-knit community, and I am grateful to have been presented with multiple opportunities for my personal growth and to expand my network.”

About the Dutch Higher Education Guide

The Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities 2024 was published on Thursday, 30 November. The guide highlights new statistics regarding study success, classroom experience and student assessments of all bachelor’s degree programmes offered by research universities in the Netherlands, as well as sharing information about the feasibility of a degree programme and its language of instruction. The Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities is published annually by the Centre for Higher Education Information (Centrum Hoger Onderwijs Informatie CHOI) and is intended for school pupils and deans who want to inform themselves about bachelor’s degree programmes. The assessments provided in the guide are based on student evaluations (National Student Survey 2024), data from the national degree programme database Studiekeuze123 and visitation reports by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).