Both bachelor's programmes in Theology and Religious Studies Top Rated Programme

The Keuzegids Universiteiten (Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities) 2021 is out and the tradition continues: our Bachelor's degree programmes in Theology and Religious Studies have once again been designated as Top Rated Programmes. The Keuzegids Universiteiten has been distributing this quality mark for nine years and Theology has been classified as a Top Rated Programme for nine years in a row. Religious Studies has already received that honor eight times.

Both Theology and Religious Studies received 79 points this year and are among the seven Top Rated programmes at the University of Groningen this year. Nationally, 63 courses have been designated as Top Rated Programmes.

Excellent lecturers

The Keuzegids cannot provide an extensive motivation for the assessment this year. Each year, the judgment is largely determined by the results of the National Student Survey (NSE). Due to corona, the NSE was not implemented this year, so the Keuzegids has applied the results of the NSE from 2019. This in combination with the assessment of the NVAO, the committee that checks the quality of courses in the Netherlands every five years.

Nevertheless, we are proud to have two top rated programmes again. Our students are particularly pleased with the contents of our programmes and our lecturers. Ilse van Tuinen, student member of the Faculty Board explains: “Our programmes give students the freedom to develop their own academic expertise in the field of Religion and Theology. The passionate and attentive commitment of the teachers, even in these difficult times, ensures that the content of the programmes is of high quality. Our students greatly appreciate this freedom and quality within our programmes. Due to the professional, challenging and pleasant atmosphere of the programmes, it is only right that the title "Top Rated Programme" has been awarded!"

Erin Wilson, Director of Education at the Faculty, feels especially proud about the extra efforts our lecturers make in teaching in times of corona: “Our teachers are passionate, dedicated, creative and innovative educators, experts in their field, who genuinely care about the intellectual development and overall wellbeing of our students. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that we continue delivering world-class education despite the challenges of the pandemic, whilst maintaining the personal care and attention that we pride ourselves on as a Faculty. I feel so proud and honoured to work with them.”