University of Groningen

What you'll study

The programme combines broad foundational training with the opportunity to specialise through majors, minors and elective modules. In the first years you follow core courses that develop academic skills (critical thinking, research methods, quantitative reasoning, academic writing) alongside introductory modules across disciplines such as philosophy, history, politics, economics, psychology, biology and data fundamentals. As you progress you choose a major pathway and complementary minors or elective clusters to build a coherent profile.

• Core skills and methods — research design, statistics and qualitative methods, academic communication.
• Foundations across disciplines — thematic modules in humanities, social sciences and natural sciences to ensure breadth.
• Major and minors — a focused sequence of advanced modules in your chosen specialism supported by related minors.
• Research project or capstone — an independent or supervised research project in the final year demonstrating subject knowledge and research competence.
• Language and professional development — options to study modern languages and modules on career skills, internship preparation and public engagement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma that qualifies for university admission in their home country. Because the programme is taught in English, demonstrable proficiency in English is required (for example through national qualifications or an accepted language test). Typical applicants will have a mix of humanities and sciences at secondary level; some specialisms may require specific subject prerequisites (for example mathematics for quantitative‑heavy pathways).

Selection may include evaluation of academic transcripts, a personal statement explaining your motivation for interdisciplinary study, and in some cases an interview or written assignment to assess fit with the programme’s small‑group, self‑directed learning model.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of careers because the programme emphasises transferable skills: analytical reasoning, research, communication and project management. Common destinations include research and postgraduate study, public policy and government, education, journalism and publishing, consultancy, data analysis and roles in NGOs and cultural institutions.

The programme’s interdisciplinary training is also well‑suited to roles that demand adaptability and the ability to synthesise perspectives across domains, and many students combine work with further professional or academic qualifications after graduation.

Why study at University of Groningen

The University of Groningen offers research‑led teaching and a broad academic environment where cross‑faculty collaboration is encouraged. Students benefit from small seminars and tutorial groups that support personalised learning and close contact with staff. The university’s international student community and strong support services help students adapt and develop professionally.

Additional advantages include access to specialised research institutes and libraries, opportunities for exchanges and internships, and a campus city with a lively cultural scene and good links to national and international employers.