Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Groningen once again listed as Top Degree Programmes

Once again, our Bachelor’s degree programmes in Theology and Religious Studies have been proclaimed Top Degree Programmes by the Dutch Higher Education Guide (Keuzegids Universiteiten). Both degree programmes scored highly among our students. They are very positive about the provision of information, supervision and their lecturers. ‘In Groningen, you can expect a thorough academic training.’

Director of Teaching Sipco Vellenga is delighted with the results: ‘What a wonderful score. It’s a huge compliment to all our lecturers. And it’s great that we can offer our Bachelor’s students two Top Degree Programmes. Dean Mladen Popović shares Vellenga’s enthusiasm and adds: 'This recognition of quality is also recognition of the relevance of our degree programmes. Knowledge and the study of religion and culture, both past and present, is tremendously important in a world characterized by migration and globalization, regardless of whether you are religious or not; it’s a topic that concerns everyone.’

Religious Studies

Last year marked the introduction of the programme’s new curriculum, which places greater emphasis on academic development. And it appears to be paying off; this is one of the areas in particular in which the Religious Studies programme is succeeding at setting itself apart from the rest. And, just like last year, it has been awarded the Top Degree Programme quality label. For many years, Groningen and Nijmegen have dominated the field of Religious Studies. Last year, the programme in Groningen was assessed as the best in the Netherlands; this year, that accolade goes to Nijmegen, followed closely by Groningen.

What the Keuzegids has to say about Religious Studies: 'The lessons are challenging and inspiring. Assessments fit in well with the lessons and knowledge and understanding are tested in an appropriate way. Radboud University Nijmegen, Utrecht University and the University of Groningen achieved top ratings in the Keuzegids this year. The facilities, such as classrooms, scored well at these institutions. In Groningen, you can expect a thorough academic training.’

Theology

For the sixth year in a row – and with a brilliant score of 90 points, the Bachelor’s degree programme in Theology has earned the right to call itself a Top Degree Programme, thereby proving the consistently high quality of the programme. But just like last year, TU Apeldoorn scored slightly better. What the Keuzegids has to say about both degree programmes: ‘The students at both TU Apeldoorn and the University of Groningen are very enthusiastic. The material covered in the programmes is challenging and at a high level. The students also appreciate the feasibility of the programmes. The deadlines are spread out nicely throughout the year, making it easier to complete assignments on time.’ It would seem that the objective of the programme’s curriculum overhaul, which took place last year, has been achieved.

Nationally, the Theology programme at the University of Groningen ranks fifth within the Humanities. Two other Humanities degree programmes at the University of Groningen also made it into the Top 5: Philosophy (2) and Minorities and Multilingualism (4). It is therefore not surprising that the University of Groningen has been proclaimed the best broad-based classical university in the Netherlands by the Keuzegids.

Keuzegids Universiteiten (Dutch Higher Education Guide)

The Keuzegids Universiteiten is published annually by the Centre for Higher Education Information (CHOI; Centrum Hoger Onderwijs Informatie) and is intended for secondary school pupils and counsellors who want to find out more about university Bachelor’s degree programmes. The assessments in the guide are based on student evaluations (National Student Survey), the national degree programme database Studiekeuze123 and NVAO visitation reports. There is a separate guide for Master’s degree programmes.