You'll start with the course The LEGO Bricks of Life, learning about how biomolecules impact biology as a whole, up to the level of populations and processes as complex as evolution.
First-year bachelor students bachelor Biomedical Sciences must buy their own lab coat this year.
Looking forward to the 2020-2021 academic year
In light of the corona crisis, we would like to keep you updated on how we plan to shape education at the Maastricht Science Programme.
The newest updates will appear at the top. To make sure you can keep track, we have highlighted a few particularly important messages that you can directly view using the menu below.
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Looking forward to the new academic yearEveryone | 19 June 2020 At MSP we are committed to give you the best educational experience possible within the current restrictions. We are actively examining different types of multi-location collaboration to see which methods work best for student learning. We understand that not all of you can be in Maastricht when classes begin in September, but we still want to ensure that you are supported by and connected with the programme. The educational experience will be a mix of offline and online components; some activities will take place in our buildings (practical work), while other activities may be online (lecture sessions). The exact mix will depend on the module in which you are enrolled and the activities employed by the course. Whether you can be physically present in Maastricht or not, we will make sure that you can start education and continue to work toward your degree in the new academic year. |
Educational Experience working group
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Save the date: Bachelor Introduction DaysProspective students | 19 June 2020 The MSP Introduction Days will take place on the 24, 25, 26 and 27 August 2020. The MSP Introduction Period gives you all the necessary information to successfully start your studies at MSP and is mandatory for all incoming students. This year, the MSP Introduction Period is spread over four days: 24, 25, 26 and 27 August. Due to COVID-19, this year our Introduction Days will be structured differently: On campus if you can, online if you have to. What does this mean for you? Parts of the information you would normally get in-person, are now offered online in the form of videos. During the month of August we will share these videos with you followed by optional online Q&A sessions. You can watch these videos any time that is convenient for you before August 24. Please make sure that you watch the videos before the start of the Introduction Days. The goal of the MSP Introduction Period is that, via on- and offline sessions, you are introduced to the Maastricht University teaching method PBL (Problem-Based Learning), Liberal Arts and Sciences education, the different offices at MSP and our lab facilities at the Chemelot campus. You will also get to know Maastricht University, its electronic facilities and the city of Maastricht. Moreover, it is a great opportunity to ‘meet’ your fellow students and MSP staff! The final programme will be shared with you in a few weeks. |
We wish you happy holidays and look forward to meeting you on Monday 24 August.
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law (Law) offers an Honours programme to students who demonstrate the potential to excel in their studies. The Honours programme provides its students with an open and supportive learning environment in which they work closely with members of the academic staff to develop their personal leadership, professional and academic skills.
Programme content
The honours programme is an extracurricular programme comprising 25 ECTS over a two-year period. The programme combines project work and a personal leadership track.
| Year 1 honours (2nd year bachelor) |
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| Year 2 honours (3rd year bachelor) |
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Project work
During the Honours programme, you will primarily focus on project work that you initiate yourself. The nature of the project is for you to develop, which allows you to follow your curiosity and interest. You can complete a project individually or in a team. You are free to a certain degree to decide the subject matter of the project (provided it falls within the end terms of the bachelor programme you are enrolled in), its scope as well as the end product.
You can develop one large project (e.g. worth 5 or 10 ECTS) or a number of smaller projects (e.g. worth 2 or 3 ECTS).
Your project is initiated by a project plan which must be submitted for approval to the Honours programme coordinator. The project plan outlines the purpose and design of the project, elaborates on the competences to be developed, as well as timing, deliverables, supervision and an accounting of the number of ECTS.
Upon completion, you submit an end product for assessment to the supervisor/programme coordinator as part of your portfolio. The end product may be a written document, it could also be something fundamentally different from a paper or essay, for instance a draft piece of legislation, judgment, draft contract, memorandum and/or pleading, presentation, a debate, series of blogs, podcasts, vlogs, legal problem analysis report, website or webpages, an app, or a documentary.
As part of the project work, second year students participate in the UM-wide Honours+ programme. Honours+ brings together honours students from different faculties to work on interdisciplinary projects. More information on Honours+ can be found here.
MaRBLe project
Third year students can participate in a MaRBLe project as part of the project work. MaRBLe projects comprise 18 ECTS, of which 6 ECTS are extracurricular. These 6 extracurricular credits contribute towards the 10 ECTS project work requirement in the bachelor Honours programme in your third year. More information on MaRBLe can be found here.
Personal leadership
Each year, students in the Honours programme also participate in five seminars on personal leadership track. These sessions focus on various aspects of personal leadership, such as collaborating in teams, trust-building, feedback giving and receiving. To complete the personal leadership track, you will be required to complete assignments and reflect upon the insights you have gained to develop your own personal leadership portfolio.
Assessment: Portfolio
At the end of each academic year, you will be required to submit a portfolio in which you outline the work that you have completed in the Honours programme during that academic year. The portfolio includes the following:
- Project work: the project plan, end deliverables and a final reflection on competence development at the end of the project.
- Personal leadership: the assignments from the personal leadership seminars.
- Honours+: the Honours+ project and reflection assignment (for second year students).
- Legal competence report: a reflection on course work during the academic year in the context of the regular bachelor programme.
Students who successfully complete the bachelor Honours programme receive an Honours Certificate upon graduation.
Selection procedure
Applications for the Bachelor Honours programme can be submitted by students in the bachelor programmes European Law School, Rechtsgeleerdheid, and Fiscaal Recht who have completed their first year successfully.
To apply to the programme, you can send an email to the bachelor Honours coordinator in which you include a motivation letter, an up-to-date cv, and an overview of your grades.
During the first week of the new academic year, you may be invited for a selection interview. The application deadline is 15 August 2025, 17:00.
Applications are to be sent to: honours@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Programme coordination
The bachelor Honours programme is coordinated by Dr. Kate O'Reilly.
Clicking links or buttons, or opening an attachment, is often the beginning of a successful cyber attack. That is why it is important that we are all cautious when we perform this type of action.
- First of all, check whether you could expect that email—from that particular sender or with that particular content.
- Check the actual link behind the text or button by hovering over it or, on the iPad, touching the link a little longer.
- If the link goes to an unknown or unreliable domain, don't click on it!
- Pay attention to deliberate spelling mistakes in a domain, such as https://www.maastriichtuniversity.nl, with an extra ‘i’ in the name.
- When opening an attachment, pay attention to whether a warning appears about unsafe content (usually a yellow bar at the top of your screen). Then be extra cautious.
- When in doubt, ask your local ICT support officer for advice or forward any suspicious email to servicedesk-icts@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Think twice!
Cartoon: Ruben L. Oppenheimer
A malicious person needs less than 30 seconds to make changes to your workstation that will allow them to gain access later. So if you leave your workstation unprotected, your own files and email are at great risk, and possibly also the entire university. Intruders can install malware and then take over other workstations and even servers. This can be the entry point for a cyber attack on UM's entire IT landscape. We don’t even want to think about that happening (again).
Turning off your workstation is usually not practical if you’re just walking away from your desk. By locking your screen (after pressing Ctrl, Alt and Delete at the same time) your strong password, your pincode or fingerprint already offer sufficient protection. And don’t think, ‘My colleague is there anyway, he or she will look after it’. That’s making your colleague responsible for the protection of your data. Take that responsibility yourself.
Shut the door!
Cartoon: Ruben L. Oppenheimer
Yes, I would like to be actively involved in the continuation of Action against Racism at UM and sign up for the follow-up session on Friday 30 October 2020 (09.30-12.30):
Registration form 'Action against Racism @UM' follow-up session - 30 October 2020
Maastricht University stands in solidarity with People of Colour all around the globe. We stand in solidarity with People of Colour in the Netherlands, Maastricht and our own university community.
We need to talk about:
- Racist violence
- Everyday discrimination on e.g. the street, in the classroom, at work, in the supermarket
- Ethnic profiling by e.g. the police and tax authorities
- Institutional racism
because it leads to fewer chances for People of Colour to safely live their lives and follow dreams, ambitions and talents.
We are currently updating our overview with resources and inspiration.
Update: 2020 - 2021
In June 2020, the Executive Board asked the D&I Office to develop a concrete action plan to tackle racism at UM. During the summer, as you might have heard or read, we organized focus groups with staff and students of color to offer a safe space to share experiences and to brainstorm on possible actions and policy solutions.
The D&I Office collected these solutions and made an inventory. On 30 October 2020 a broader group of UM community members was invited to discuss proposed solutions in more depth and think about how to devise and implement anti-racist policies, support structures, processes and initiatives. We were a diverse group of around 60 participants consisting of students and staff of color, members of faculty boards, study advisors, confidential advisors, representatives of the University Council, HR and SSC and other community members who want to be an actively involved in tackling racism at UM. The main input for this discussion was a list of concrete action points collected through our focus groups that took place in July and other conversations we had over the past months. All proposed actions fall under three overarching themes: Education/Research, Organizational culture, and Support. This session was facilitated by the D&I Office in collaboration with ECHO (Expertise Centre for Diversity Policy).
This work resulted in the Action Against Racism Plan that has been presented to the Executive Board and faculties in spring 2021. Relevant units as e.g. faculties, Student Services are encouraged to work with this action plan (PDF) in their respective context.
If you have any questions about future sessions, please do not hesitate to get in touch: diversity@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Executive Board:
No one can win this battle alone; defeating racism and
discrimination is a challenge for our entire community.
Read the full message.
UM's statement on 'Zwarte Piet':
At UM the character of 'Zwarte Piet' is not welcome.
Read the full paragraph on Sinterklaas and Black Pete.
President Martin Paul addressed the action against racism in his Opening Academic Year 20/21 speech. (as of 5:00)
A reminder about Sinterklaas at UM has been sent to the UM community in October 2020.
We offer an innovative and diverse environment for students to carry out data science research. It ranges from Bio-informatics to applied data science in Law. Please browse for available projects and If you are interested in a topic, please send a short email in which you briefly state your motivation and attach your grade list to the supervisor.
Student Assistant to Work on Drug Repurposing Project
Main Duties:
- Work on a web-based application for filling an interactive questionnaire;
- Validation of the work with end-users;
- Report on the development and findings.
Technical Skills:
- Web development
- Scripting languages
- Knowledge of Neo4j is a plus
IDS Supervisors:
Dr. Visara Urovi and Dr. Remzi Celebi
Description:
This project focuses on building the Responsibility Matrix as a tool to raise awareness about ethical data-driven research and scientific integrity. This tool will support researchers and organizations to transparently and explicitly describe the design choices and accountabilities related to a project that processes data.
The responsibility matrix is a grid, with components on the y-axis and scopes on the x-axis. Users fill out the cells of the matrix to specify design choices, plan possible outcomes and plan to mitigate risks of unintended outcomes.
Your tasks are:
- To build a web-platform to enable users to fill in the matrix. The platform is implemented in the form of a questionnaire that suggests answer examples, allows the users to inspect their answers and stores the matrix for future use.
- To test and re-iterate the matrix within the IDS and UM end-users.
- To report the technical development and the findings.
What we offer:
- A position in a young and ambitious environment;
- 10-20 hours a week (2-3 days per week);
- A €30 per hour salary;
- Flexible contract via InterUM;
- Position to be filled in as soon as possible
- A shared workplace at Maastricht University Institute of Data Science combined with working from home (covid measures apply).
- A supportive working environment in which your tasks as a student assistant will be supervised and supported by our team members.
We are looking for a student who has good programming skills and web-development experience. This project can be incorporated into an internship and thesis work if the student desires.
Application procedure:
If you are interested in this project, please send a short email in which you briefly state your motivation, and attach your CV and grade list to v.urovi@maastrichtuniversty.nl and remzi.celebi@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
We understand that in these uncertain times it is difficult to assess what the new academic year will look like. And we imagine that you have questions like "how about safety in Maastricht?", "what will education look like at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences in September?", or "what can I expect from student life?".
On this page we will answer your questions in the best way possible. But be aware, the coronacrisis can always throw us an unexpected curveball, which changes things again.
Set-up of the first semester
What can you expect in terms of on campus and online education during the first semester?
- Small-scale educational activities and/or tutorial groups
You will regularly participate in small-scale educational activities and/or tutorial group meetings on campus. This will be alternated with online participation. - Lectures
In principle, the lectures will be given entirely online. Within some study programmes, lectures will be offered partly online and partly on-campus. - Trainings, practicals, workshops and other forms of learning*
Each programme has its own specific trainings, practicals and workshops. For these programme components, we are investigating to what extent they can be organised on campus, or whether a hybrid or online format is more appropriate.
*First-year bachelor students Biomedical Sciences must buy their own lab coat this year. - Assessment
In principle, exams will take place online during the first semester.
This approach offers the possibility of gradually expanding on-campus education or switching back to fully-online education if the rules of the Dutch government change.
Curious about your first course?
Biomedical Sciences (BSc)
Biomedical Sciences (MSc)
You'll start with the course Biomedical Challenges, gaining insight in diverse molecular processes that underlie diseases, the pathophysiology, risk factors and societal burden; for development of diagnostics and therapies.
Epidemiology (Msc)
During the course Introduction to Epidemiology you'll get acquainted with the basic principles of epidemiological research (e.g. measures of disease frequency and exposure measurement, measures of association, validity and bias in epidemiological research).
European Public Health (BSc)
In the course Health, Health Determinants and the European Union, we'll cover questions such as "what do we mean by health?" and "what determines the health of populations?" You also learn about the EU.
Global Health (MSc)
You'll start with the course Governing Health in a Global Context, addressing issues concerning the political economy of global health.
Governance & Leadership in European Public Health (MSc)
One of the courses you'll start with is Public Health Leadership Strand; it introduces you to - and helps you to develop - leadership competencies.
Health Education & Promotion (MSc)
During Changing Health Behaviour, a variety of methods are introduced that can be used to influence behavioural determinants. And you learn how to translate these methods into health promotion interventions.
Health Food Innovation Management (MSc)
One of the courses you'll start with is Consumer Concerns, Health Targets and Market Segments. This course covers the multidisciplinary biomedical, technical and commercial backgrounds of the business of 'Healthy Eating'.
Health Sciences (BSc)
This Dutch-taught bachelor starts with the course Lifelong Health (Een Leven Lang Gezond). You'll look at health in the different phases of life, and the factors that play a role in it (biological, behavioural, physical and social-cultural).
Healthcare Policy, Inno-vation & Management (MSc)
During Economics of Healthcare you'll get acquainted with the economic approach of healthcare and innovations, apply knowledge and insights to different types of innovations, and study the economic evaluation of innovations.
Human Movement Sciences (MSc)
One of the courses you'll start with is Imaging Muscle Health. This course will focus on aspects of muscle health: muscle function, muscle mass, strength, endurance/fatigue.
International Track in Medicine (BSc)
You'll start with the course Growth and Development about growth and development of humans. The course also covers healthcare organisation, and the diversity of sickness and health caused by differences in for example ethnicity.
Medicine (BSc)
This Dutch-taught bachelor starts with the course Growth and Development about growth and development of humans. The course also covers healthcare organisation, and the diversity of sickness and health caused by differences in for example gender.
Medicine (MSc)
Every student of this Dutch-taught master has his/her own trajectory, but everyone starts with either the clinical internship Beschouwend (clinical reasoning, internal medicine, dermatology) or Snijdend (surgery, orthopedics, urology, plastic surgery, anaesthesia, dermatology).
Physcian – Clinical Investigator (MSc)
One of the courses you'll start with in this Dutch-taught master is Thorax, which focuses on circulation and respiration. In the first four weeks, heart and circulation are discussed. And in the second part the lungs.
Work, Health & Career (MSc)
During the course Determinants of Health and Labour Participation you'll study determinants of labour participation, such as psychosocial work environment and health behaviour.
Experience Maastricht
Being present in Maastricht gives you a rich 'Maastricht experience'. It enables you to:
- meet fellow students and tutors/mentors in person to facilitate smooth interactions,
- collaborate and discuss intensively with your fellow students,
- experience the atmosphere on campus, where everything is done to provide you with a safe and hygienic learning environment,
- participate in (small-scale) activities of study associations,
- socialise with your fellow students individually or in a sorority/fraternity,
- live in a lively, beautiful, international (student) city, where everything is accessible on foot or by bike and you are not dependent on public transport.
Refurbishments on campus, for a fresh and bright start!
During the summer period, we are refurbishing at campus, building fab new spaces for studying or hanging out with friends. We're happy and proud to show you these artist impressions of our new stylish addition to the campus.
Can you see yourself sitting there, come September? We can!
Artist impression
Artist impression
Artist impression
Artist impression
Artist impression
Artist impression
Artist impression
Artist impression
Safety in times of corona
The Dutch government is making a strong appeal to the common sense and responsibility of our citizens in fighting the crisis: Together, we’ll get coronavirus under control in the Netherlands. On the website of the Government of the Netherlands you can find information about what the Dutch government – together with other organisations – is doing. You can check out the current roadmap of measures against coronavirus, FAQs on health, read about the education sector and many more topics.
Safety in the city of Maastricht
The municipality of Maastricht is working with various think-tanks on how they can support citizens in what we call the '1.5m society'. To ensure safety in the city centre the 'Ingel vaan Mestreech' shows you the way and there are friendly hospitality guides who are also happy to guide you in the right direction. You can have a look at the pedestrian plan in advance so that you are well prepared for the road. A full article about safety measures in the city centre can be found here (article in Dutch).
Student life in Maastricht
To get your academic year off to a good start, various introductory events are being organised. The two most popular events in for Maastricht are the INKOM (focused on student life) and the FHML introduction days (focused on education). Besides introductory events, you can expect to find information about student associations, UM Sports and the one-stop-(information)shop for all international students!
INKOM
The INKOM is the general introduction week of Maastricht for all new students of Maastricht University and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. INKOM is a typical Dutch student life introduction, a cooperation of uni students and study assocations, focused on the student life not on the content of the educational programmes. Given the current COVID-19 crisis, INKOM 2020 will take place as a partly digital and partly physical event. But... don't worry! We are working hard to make INKOM 2020 a great edition! Block 17-21 August if you want to join the INKOM 2020. Registration opens on 8 June. Do you want the latest updates? Then follow @INKOMmaastricht on social media!
Faculty Introduction
During a one-day Faculty Introduction at the end of August, you will get to know the faculty FHML, the health campus and your fellow students. Everything is organised in such a way that it is corona-proof. The activities on that day - such as a lecture and games - will be online. And for the whole day you will be partnered up with the students of your tutorial group, so you know each other already when education kicks of.
Study associations
At FHML, there are several study associations. As a member of a study association everything is possible, but nothing is mandatory.
At the study associations you can:
enjoy lots of activities with your fellow students;
receive discount on books and study materials;
get exam training and study support;
attend lectures and workshops focused on your study programme and career;
help to improve the educational system.
Health Sciences
European Public Health
Biomedical Sciences
Medicine
Arts - Klinisch Onderzoeker
One-stop information platform for international students
Are you an international student who is planning to come to Maastricht in August? And are you looking for information regarding Health, Transport, Housing and Finances as well as Sports, Media and Community in Maastricht? Then Mymaastricht is the place for you! Mymaastricht.nl is the one-stop information platform to help international students find their way in the city. They reach students via their website, blog and social media, as well as by running workshops during the University open days. Mymaastricht works with the University and the "Gemeente" (the local municipality) to help give students the best start to their life in the city.
UM Sports
The gyms in the Netherlands may reopen on 1 July. This easing of the rules will only take place if the situation is deemed safe. The Dutch Outbreak Management Team (OMT) will give its final advice at the end of June.
In the meantime, UM Sports - which is located on our campus - is busy working on the necessary preparations to (hopefully) welcome you back on 1 July. Until then, you can make use of their range of online lessons. And their outdoor trainings have started again.
Questions?
Do you have any questions or would you like to chat with one of our student ambassadors?
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Mike Simon
Administrative Manager
Email: mike.simon@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Jacqueline Haze
Field worker for Educatieve Agenda Limburg
Email: j.haze@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Menw Hurkens
Project Manager for Educatieve Agenda Limburg
Email: m.hurkens@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Èvi Kikken
Kennis- en netwerkcoördinator voor Educatieve Agenda Limburg
Email: evi.kikken@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Marion Muitjens
Secretary
Email: m.muitjens@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Silvana de Sanctis
Secretary
Email: sg.desanctis@maastrichtuniversity.nl