Four bachelor's programmes at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam have once again been awarded the distinction of 'Top-rated Programme'. This year, VU Amsterdam has risen one place to rank fifth among broad-based universities in the Netherlands. This is according to the latest edition of the Keuzegids, published on Thursday 5 November.
Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts sees the results as a welcome recognition of the quality of education at VU, which was also highlighted recently in the Institutional Audit of Quality Assurance (ITK): "I could not be prouder of these programmes, which continue to demonstrate what makes studying at VU so special: a commitment to lifelong learning, embracing innovation where needed, striving for continuous improvement and always keeping sight of the person behind the student. Outstanding!"
Earth Sciences named a Top-rated Programme for the thirteenth consecutive year
Earth Sciences, Medicine, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), and Literature and Society have all retained their 'Top-rated Programme' status. For Earth Sciences, this marks the thirteenth consecutive year that the programme has received this prestigious distinction. The programme is currently shifting its focus towards viewing the Earth as an integrated system, bringing together subjects such as the subsurface, landscapes and climate, alongside the techniques required in today's professional field, including fieldwork, machine learning and modelling. In this way, the programme continues to deliver the same high standard of education to future generations of Earth scientists.
Medicine programme introduces innovative ‘VUMED360’
The Medicine programme at VU Amsterdam is also undergoing a transformation under the name ‘VUMED360’. The redesigned curriculum places greater emphasis on independent and collaborative learning, practice-based education, and the development of broad medical and professional skills. In addition, topics such as prevention, medical technology, AI and the wider societal context of health are being given greater prominence. The Living Library has also recently opened its doors. This new space provides medical students with an opportunity to meet, practise clinical skills, work together and explore the human body in 3D using an anatomical visualisation table.
Unique combination of literary studies and creative writing
In 2024, the bachelor's programme in Literature and Society expanded to include a specialisation in Creative Writing in Dutch, which has received positive reviews. It is the first university programme in the Netherlands to combine an academic foundation in literary studies with creative writing skills. This creates a unique combination of academic depth and the practical experience of writing.
PPE brings together philosophy, politics and economics
The interdisciplinary bachelor's programme in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), which entered its third decade this year, has been awarded 'Top-rated Programme' status for the fourth consecutive year. PPE stands out for its small-scale, intensive teaching, in which students learn to analyse complex societal issues from philosophical, political and economic perspectives. Its continued success highlights the strength of its interdisciplinary approach to education and the close-knit academic community of students and lecturers at John Stuart Mill College.
About the Keuzegids
The Keuzegids compares all bachelor's programmes at Dutch universities each year, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their studies. Programmes that achieve above-average scores in areas including curriculum content, teaching staff, assessment, career preparation and learning environment are awarded the distinction of 'Top-rated Programme'. The assessments draw, among other sources, on accreditation data from the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) and results from the National Student Survey.