University of Groningen Magazine for

This is your own personalized information magazine about the University of Groningen, its programmes, the City of Groningen and student life. Enjoy reading it and we hope you like it! All URLs in this magazine are clickable so if you’re interested, click on the URL and you will find more information on the University website.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can find all the contact information on the last page of this Magazine.

More informationwww.rug.nlwww.rug.nl/internationalstudentswww.rug.nl/howtoapply

A word from the Rector Magnificus

Thank you for considering us for your studies. Studying at the University of Groningen will provide you with a truly international experience, which will broaden your horizon.

The global outlook we will provide you with will give you a competitive advantage in realizing your future career plans. All this takes place in the City of Talent: Groningen – a city where distances are small and possibilities are endless!

We are looking forward to welcoming you!

Prof. dr. Elmer SterkenRector Magnificus

CONTENTS

Rankings 2015

#56ESI Citations Impact most productive universities worldwide

#75Academic Ranking of World Universities worldwide

#100QS Worldwide

#117Times Higher Education Worldwide

Top 100 University

x x x› Y our progra m m es

› U niv ers ity Inf o . . . . . . . . . .2› Tea ching a nd R esea rch . . . . . . .3

› B S c Interna tiona l B us iness . . . . . .4› P repa ring f or G roningen . . . . . . .5› F ina nces . . . . . . . . . . .6› G roningen . . . . . . . . . . .7› The N etherla nds . . . . . . . . .8› C onta ct Inf o . . . . . . . . . .9

Alexandra Costa› Your programmes

› Your Student Life information

› University Info . . . . . . . . . . . . .2› Teaching and Research . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

› MSc Behavioural and Social Sciences(Research Master) . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

› Graduate Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . .5› Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . .6› Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . .7› Student Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . .8› University Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .9› Working in the Netherlands . . . . . . . . . . . . .10› Faculty of Behavioural and SocialSciences . . . . . . . . . . . . .11› Behavioural & Social Sciences -Romania . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

› Preparing for Groningen . . . . . . . . . . . . .13› Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . .14› Groningen . . . . . . . . . . . . .15› The Netherlands . . . . . . . . . . . . .16› Contact Info . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is one ofthe oldest universities in Europe. It is characterized by a modern, student-oriented vision on education and it enjoys an international reputation as one of the leading research universities.

An International Community: Passion and PerformanceThe University of Groningen realizes that knowledge has no borders and knows no boundaries – it is universal. Already in the 17th century, close to half of the students and lecturers came from outside the Netherlands. Today, close to 55% of our 1,500 PhD students are international students. By attracting genuine talent, irrespective of the country of origin, we ensure the quality of teaching and research.

Leading Research University: Facilitating ExcellenceWe belong to the top three percent of European Research Universities in the fields of: › Nanoscience› Ecology/Biology › Materials Sciences› Chemistry› Physics

Other strong research groups are Molecular Biology, Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, Sociology, Marketing, Philosophy, Theology, Archeology and Arts & Humanities. All awarded degrees have been accredited by the Dutch Government and are internationally acknowledged.

www.rug.nl

FAMOUS GRADUATES & SCIENTISTS› Aletta Jacobs, first female student in the Netherlands› Wim Duisenberg, first president of the European Bank› Several members of the Royal Family› Jacob Cornelius Kapteyn, discoverer of evidence of galactic

rotation› Frits Zernike, Nobel Prize Physics 1953› Ben Feringa, Spinoza Award Nanotechnology

The University of Groningen

FACTS & FIGURES› 30,000 students› 4,151 international students› 10 Faculties & 9 Graduate Schools › Bachelor, Master and PhD› 114 English-taught degree programmes› 14 Double Degree programmes› 8 Erasmus Mundus programmes

With a degree from the University of Groningen, you can be confident that you have the required skills and theoretical background to pursue your future career.

Teaching styleStudy programmes are carefully defined and highly structured. Independence and individual opinions are highly valued in Dutch education. Our system might be different though from the educational system you are used to. To help and guide you, the University of Groningen offers several student support facilities.

Teaching methodsMost of your courses will employ a mixture of two or more of the teaching methods mentioned below.› Lecture: large group of students, listening to a professor, less

interaction › Seminar: small group, a lot of interaction, active participation is

expected › Work/project group: a group of 3-5 students conducting their own

research, active participation is expected, guidance from the professor when needed

› Independent study: independent research projects, guidance from the professor when needed

ECTS and GradingECTS is an EU standardized system for measuring study load as a way to facilitate international mobility.

1 ECTS = 28 hours of study (incl. contact hours, reading, exam preparation, etc.)

60 ECTS = one year

GradingThe Dutch grading scale runs from 1 (lowest grade) to 10 (highest grade). As an indication, 5,5 is a passing grade. Please be aware that grades 9, 10 and all grades lower than 3 are highly exceptional and are therefore rarely given.

Dutch EducationThe Netherlands has two types of universities: Universities of Applied Sciences and Research Universities. The first are more career-oriented and offer 4 year Bachelors (B) and 1-2 year Masters (M), while they do not offer PhD degrees. Research Universities are more research-oriented, offer 3 year Bachelor degrees (BA, BSc, LLB), 1-2 year Masters (MA, MSc, LLM) and do offer PhD degrees. Depending on your future career wishes, you should be very aware of the difference between these two types of universities.

The University of Groningen is the only Dutch higher education institution to have an ECTS label and a Diploma Supplement label, awarded and recognized by the European Commission

Teaching and the Educational System

MSc Behavioural and Social Sciences (Research Master)

KEY FACTS› Start programme: 1 September› Duration: 24 months› Tuition fees EU/non-EU: approx. €1,984/€ 13,900

COURSE EXAMPLES› Reflecting on Science› Applied Statistics› Interdisciplinary courses› Traineeship

GENERAL INFORMATION

What determines success in achievement situations? Which mechanisms are involved inthe maintenance of mental disorders? What is the influence of family andneighbourhoods on the development of behaviour among youth? What are the effects ofnew approaches in junior education?

The five specializations represent the research programmes that are consistently evaluatedas among the best in the Netherlands:› Social and Organizational PsychologyCombines and integrates Personality, Social, and Organizational Psychology›Clinical Psychology and Clinical NeuropsychologyThe program teaches how to apply theoretical and methodological knowledge andadvanced research methods in the area of psychopathology and clinical neuropsychologyand consists of two streams: clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology› SociologyFocus on areas such as research in organizations, sociology of education, interculturalintegration, social stratification or households› Education and DevelopmentFocus on the effectiveness of education and improvement of developmental processes› Psychometrics and StatisticsFocus on the application of advanced statistical data analysis methods and theirrelationship with other methods

Career prospects› Conduct fundamental and appliedresearch in the social and behaviouralsciences› Further study and training for a PhD thesis› Employment in the public or private sector

More informationProgramme websitewww.rug.nl/gmw/remawww.rug.nl/gmw/masters_programmesQuestions?www.rug.nl/gmw/questionandanswer

WHY CHOOSE US?› Highest student ranked ResearchMaster's programme› Work one-on-one withinternationally acknowledgedresearchers› Suit the programme to your ownambitions and interests

ApplicationYou can apply online, please go towww.rug.nl/howtoapply

Application deadline EU: 1 MayApplication deadline non-EU: 1 March

AdmissionBachelor degree in Psychology,Sociology, the Pedagogical orEducational Sciences or a relatedfield› TOEFL: 600/250/100 or IELTS: 7.0

Please visit our website for detailedinformation

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University of Groningen Graduate Schools: Matching Science with Education

In the University of Groningen Graduate Schools, highly esteemed staff members and talented students sharing a common interest are brought together in a coherent research education track that incorporates 2-year Research Masters and PhD training programmes (2-4 years).

Although these Master and PhD programmes can be followed seperately, the Graduate School offers students a unique opportunity to perform high level research with the support of scholars excelling in a specified field of expertise. Input from distinguished scientific staff from nine different faculties ensures an interdisciplinary environment, in which you will have access to a wide range of (external) networks and a variety of tailor-made services, activities and events that will enhance your scientific skills.

For students who wish to follow a 2-year Research Master, the Graduate school can be an extra boost to their career prospects as well as an excellent preparation for a PhD. For PhD students the Graduate school provides a balanced mix of expert supervision, tailor-made postgraduate training and the freedom to pursue your own ideas within relevant research themes.

The Groningen Graduate School facilitates a union of outstanding science and excellent education, preparing you for high level scientific and professional careers.

For more information please go to: www.rug.nl/graduateschools

The Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in Europe and one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Foreign visitors are often surprised to learn how difficult and expensive the housing situation is. The University of Groningen, like many other Dutch universities, does not have a campus. This means that every year, thousands of new first-year students scramble to find a room or an appartment. Finding a room can sometimes be a frustrating experience, so try to be patient.

Since you are an international student, the Housing Office, a non-profit organization acting as an intermediary, will help you find temporary furnished housing. Housing is scarce and not cheap, so try not to be disapointed when you see what you are offered (and how much it costs). Bear in mind that local students are also paying high prices for their accommodation.

In most cases you will be housed in one of the International Student Houses that are spread throughout the city of Groningen. These houses employ (Dutch) student managers to welcome new students and act as caretakers. Matching Dutch student accommodation, the facilities include:› Private study/bedroom› Shared kitchen and bathroom, shared living rooms› Fully furnished (bed, desk, lamp, chair, closet/locker)› Free wireless internet

Living with other international students, you will quickly feel at home in the multicultural, relaxed atmosphere. For some it might be a challenge, but for most students it will be one of the best parts of their study abroad experience.

For more information please visit www.housingoffice.nl

Accommodation: A Home Away From Home

The University is committed to recognizing and stimulating excellence in academic achievement. To outstanding and motivated international students and researchers we offer the University of Groningen Talent Grants (partial and full scholarships).

These grants are available to students who wish to follow a Bachelor, Master or PhD programme, or plan to participate in an exchange, short course or research project at our University.

You can also apply for grants awarded by the Dutch government, the EU and (inter)national organizations. For an overview of all available grants, please go to www.rug.nl/grantfinder

You do have to realize that many students apply for these scholarships and only a few are available. Plus, you have to be aware that many of our programmes require that you apply approximately 2 months before the official application deadline of the programme, so please start searching for scholarships and grants early!

Scholarships: Achieving Academic Excellence

Studying in Groningen not only involves attending lectures and passing exams. The city is home to a great variety of international student organizations that can further enrich your study abroad experience.

ESN-GroningenThis organization takes care of all international students in Groningen. ESN connects you to a Dutch mentor student and organizes various activities such as an introduction week, social meetings, theme parties, excursions, and much more.

AEGEE-Groningen AEGEE-Groningen is part of AEGEE-Europe, the largest student organization in Europe. By organizing intercultural activities, this association combines fun and content to promote a unified Europe, cross-border co-operation and communication, and integration among European students. www.agee-groningen.nl AIESEC-GroningenThis association for students of Economics and Business is part of the largest student organization in the world. It facilitates international exchange of students and recent graduates, giving you the opportunity to develop your intercultural understanding and build an international network. www.aiesec.nl

HOST-Groningen Organizing activities for foreign students and other international newcomers, this Christian association aims to provide useful information, create a platform to build personal relationships and have fun. www.hostgroningen.nl

SIB-Groningen SIB, also known as DUNSA (Dutch United Nations Student Association) arranges weekly lectures, conferences, debates, excursions and meetings with politicians and other important actors in the international arena. In addition, SIB organizes parties, holiday trips, hitchhiking contests and many other fun social events. www.sib-groningen.nl TEIMUNThe main objective of this foundation is to educate students about multilateral diplomacy in general, and the United Nations in particular. They organize conferences and workshops. In addition, they create a nice social environment through excursions and parties. www.teimun.org

International Student Organizations

› ASC: African Students Community: www.afscom.nl › ACSSG: Association of Chinese Students and Scholars in Groningen: www.acssg.nl› GISA: Groningen Indian Students Association: www.gisa-rug.nl/cms› GUTSA: Groningen University Turkish Student Organization: gutsa-blogspot.com› ALAS: Association for Latin American Students: www.alas-groningen.org› PPI: Indonesian Students Association: www.ppigroningen.nl

www.rug.nl/prospectivestudents/aboutgroningen/verenigingen

The University of Groningen offers the following practical services to facilitate your studying experience.

International Service Desk (ISD)The International Service Desk provides personal and professional assistance with practical matters concerning studying at our University or living in the Netherlands. Specialized in Dutch immigration law, ISD staff members are responsible for the visa and residence permit applications of all international students and staff. More information: www.rug.nl/isd

Language CentreWhether you aim to improve your English, learn Dutch, or wish to master any other foreign language, the University of Groningen Language Centre offers numerous language courses at varying levels. The Centre also offers a thorough test if you need proof of your English language level. More information: www.rug.nl/languagecentre

University LibraryThe Library of the University of Groningen consists of the central library, called de Universiteitsbibiotheek or UB, located in the city centre, and 12 faculty libraries. Combined, they contain three million books and periodicals that can easily be located with the University’s online Catalogue. The libraries are also an excellent place to study. You will find a large number of open reading rooms as well as closed carrels. On more than 300 digital workstations you can consult catalogues, online databases and journals, and you have free access to the full-text content of more than 25,000 electronic journals. Your student card will serve as your library pass. More information: www.rug.nl/library

Computer and online facilitiesWhen you register at the University, you will receive a computer account and e-mail address. Your account gives you access to high-speed (wireless) internet inside the University buildings and other online educational services and support systems. The computer rooms at your faculty and the central library are available to you without reservations in advance. It is also possible to follow a computer course at the University’s Center for Information Technology. More information: www.rug.nl/cit

University Services

Working During your Studies

Many international students coming to Groningen have the intention to work during their studies. However, getting a job as an international student is certainly not easy. The main problem for most is that for the majority of jobs, a reasonable or fluent command of the Dutch language is required. Secondly, depending on your nationality, your employer might have to get a residence permit for you. It takes about five weeks to process the application, and you are not allowed to work in the meantime.

It is also important to know that a job here might not be as financially rewarding as you expect. Again, depending on your nationality, you are allowed to work either up to ten hours a week, or full-time in the monts of June, July and August, but not both. Since having a job means that you are no longer just a student, but also an employee, you are required to take out a public healthcare insurance, which may be more expensive than the insurance you would otherwise use. Also, a job might actually be detrimental to your scholarship income, as you are obliged to pay taxes over your total yearly income, and your scholarschips could be added to this total.

Finally, you should also bear in mind that your studies will demand a great deal of time, and a job on the side could turn out to be too time consuming.

Taking all this into consideration, it is, naturally, completely up to you to decide whether or not you want to pursue a job. For details on the requirements for a working permit and other relevant information please go to: www.nuffic.nl/international-students/living-in-holland/working-while-studying

We study issues ranging from:

› the functioning of the human brain› the relationships between people› large-scale processes in society

This includes the study of how people function under normal circumstances, but also of the problems encountered by individuals or groups and how these can be resolved or prevented.

The faculty has a twofold task: research and teaching. Thanks to its research activities, the faculty has become a leading centre in research-driven education in the behavioural and social sciences. The faculty stimulates students’ drive for new knowledge, and to develop the skills that enable them to acquire and assess knowledge independently.

In terms of research, we excel through a number of programmes that lead the field worldwide. Research of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is embedded in three Research Institutes:

The Heymans Institute for Psychological Research The Nieuwenhuis Institute for Educational Research The Groningen Centre for Social Science Research

We have an extensive international network within the professional field, in particular through the research we carry out and the advice we provide for companies and organizations in society.

Striving for excellence: Honours streamsOur mission is to conduct high-level research and provide high-quality teaching based on research. We offer teaching and research of the highest quality and our students and staff are recognized for their potential and encouraged to excel. In terms of education, this is embedded in:

› our Honour Bachelor Programme› our Honours Master’s Programme

www.rug.nl/gmw

Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is a centre of knowledge focussing on individuals and society.

Challenging, captivating, and enrichingAfter one year as a student in the Research Master’s programme in Behavioural and Social Sciences, I know that this is an experiencethat I will never forget.

I have found this programme to be challenging, captivating, and enriching. The requirements are demanding, but it provides me with an advanced training for my future research career.

Groningen is a vivid and youthful city, with many students from various backgrounds, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable opportunities to spend your free time and join a wide variety of sports. Most of the Dutch speak English,and I would say that this is just one sign of their hospitality.

I would warmly recommend the University of Groningen. For its high quality education, international atmosphere, and for the great value that is attached to independence, individual opinions and teamwork.

Nicoleta Bâlâu, Romania Student of the Research Master’s Programme in Behavioural and Social Studies

Once you are accepted by a programme, the Inter-national Service Desk (ISD) or the faculty contact person will assist you in applying for a visa, dealing with immigration authorities, arranging insurance and registering at the university.

Admission and registrationOur admission requirements vary per programme and each application is assessed on an individual basis. Admission procedures are managed by the Central Admissions Office. www.rug.nl/internationalstudents

Visa and residence permitIt depends on your nationality whether you need a residence permit or entry visa (MVV). You have to apply for an entry visa and/or residence permit before departure. The University will assist you with these applications. Below it shows if you need a residence permit and/or an entry visa.

Nationality Residence permit Entry visa (MVV)EU/Schengen countries, No NoBulgaria, Romania

Australia, Canada, Japan, Yes NoMonaco, New Zealand,South Korea, UnitedStates, Vatican City

All other internationals Yes Yes

All visa and residence permit applicants must prove to be able to finance the study and cost of living. Dutch Immigration authorities determine the annually needed amount: 2014–2015: appr. EUR 900 per month.www.rug.nl/education/international-students/visa-immigration/

Health insuranceMedical costs can be very high, especially if they include a stay in ahospital. You must arrange your health insurance yourself, eitherbefore coming to the Netherlands or upon arrival.www.rug.nl/prospectivestudents/information/healthInsurance

Preparing for Groningen

Cost of living› Housing € 350–500 per month› Administration costs housing € 300› Security deposit € 325 (refundable)› Food € 200 per month› Health insurance € 75–100 per month› Bicycle € 45–110› Language course € 100–450 per course› Books € 300 per semesterEstimated costs for one year Approx. €10,000–12,000Excluding travel costs and tuition feesTuition fees EU/EER nationals Approx. € 1,906 per yearTuition fees non-EU nationals Approx. € 10,800– 13,400 per yearwww.rug.nl/prospectiveStudents/scholarships/pricesGron

Working in the NetherlandsMany students want to have a job while going to university to cover for the expenses. However, this might be very difficult in the Netherlands. International students may only work 8 hours a week maximum, plus most jobs available require that you speak Dutch.www.rug.nl/prospectiveStudents/information/workPermit

Tuition feesHigher education in the Netherlands is subsidized to uphold its high academic standards. As a result, tuition fees are kept low for all EU students, while due to taxation reasons non-EU students pay higher fees. If you are an EU student, already in possession of a Dutch Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, please check the website for moreinformation on tuition fees. www.rug.nl/insandouts

Scholarships: The University of Groningen Talent GrantsThe university is committed to recognizing excellence in academicachievement by offering a number of scholarships, the University ofGroningen Talent Grants, for international students and researchers. www.rug.nl/grantfinder

Finances

Groningen is the economic and cultural capital of the northern Netherlands. The city’s history of almost a thousand years is evident in its architecture and historic sites. Home to a large number of students, Groningen has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfectly suited to the dynamic lifestyle of young people.

The many international students coming to Groningen greatly contribute to our culturally and ethnically diverse character, bringing the Dutch international tradition to full expression. For students coming to the Netherlands, Groningen offers a combination of excitement and variety with a very safe environment. In the inner city, everything you need is nearby and conveniently reachable by the Dutch number 1 mode of transportation: the bicycle.

Due to Groningen’s strategic location and excellent infrastructure, the city functions as a gateway to Europe. From Groningen, it is very easy to visit most European capitals including Paris, Brussels, London and Berlin. Come to Groningen and you will find that the distances are small, and the possibilities are endless!

Groningen: City of Talent› 200,000 inhabitants (50,000 students)› Best city of the Netherlands 2010› Best student city in the Netherlands 2006› Ranked by its inhabitants as the European city with the highest

quality of life 2006› Lively with a safe community character

www.cityoftalent.nl

Culture and FunCinemas, theatres, galleries, festivals and more cater to all cultural tastes. Matching the Groningen way of life, these venues, large and small, can be found all over the city.

› Arthouse films in cinema ‘Images’› Concerts in the ‘Oosterpoort’› Theatre at the historic ‘Schouwburg’› Live music, late-night jazz, funk and blues-rock cafés› Music festivals like Noorderzon, Eurosonic, Noorderslag and

Swinging Groningen› The Groningen Museum is the most high profile museum in the

Netherlands, not only due to its striking design, but also because of its various exhibitions

www.groningenlife.comwww.groningen.nl

The City of Groningen: culture, excitement, and safety

Although small in size, the Netherlands has a tradition of thinking globally. Situated in the heart of Europe, we are one of the founding members of the European Union. Just as people from the Netherlands can be found all over the world, people from all over the world can be found in the Netherlands.

The Dutch people’s international orientation is reflected in our widespread, generally high level command of the English language, worldwide trade connections, businesses and much more. Our welcoming atmosphere, high standards of education, health care, work ethic and social equality are some of the important factors that make the Netherlands such an attractive country to live, work and study in.

The Netherlands in a nutshell› Official name: Kindom of the Netherlands, commonly referred to

as Holland or the Netherlands› Head of State: The hereditary monarch, currently

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands› Head of Government: The prime minister, currently Mr. M. Rutte› Capital City: Amsterdam› Seat of Government: The Hague› Currency: 1 Euro= approximately 1.26 US Dollar (November 2014) › Main airport: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (the fourth largest

airport in Europe)

The Dutch Landscape› 16,8 million people living in an area of 41,526 km²› Extremely flat landscape › Water everywhere: lakes, rivers, ports and canals› Half of the country lies below sea level› Broad sandy beaches and dunes

Famous Dutch People and Brands› Rembrandt› Van Gogh› DJ Tiësto› Armin van Buuren› Johan Cruyff› Anne Frank› Royal Dutch Shell› Heineken International

The Netherlands: small in size, internationally oriented

Tess Horsley, Australia

Groningen is the perfect place for a great study

experience. You don’t need a car because you

can ride your bike everywhere. There are lots of

cheap places to hang out and the city is

beautiful. People are very nice and will go out

of their way to help, even when your Dutch

language skills are severely lacking. From

Groningen it is also very easy to go to other

places in Europe, everything is so close.

In case you have any questions or requests for further information:• Contact the Admissions Office or Officer of the programme of your

choice• Visit our website: www.rug.nl/internationalstudents• Email us at prospectives@rug.nll

International Service Desk Broerstraat 5P.O. Box 729700 AB GroningenThe NetherlandsT +31 (0)50 363 8181F +31 (0)50 363 7100E isd@rug.nl

Important web addresses General informationwww.rug.nl/internationalstudents

Degree programme informationwww.rug.nl/internationalstudents

Research/Top Masters/PhD and Graduate School informationwww.rug.nl/graduateschools

Honours Collegewww.rug.nl/honourscollege

Scholarshipswww.rug.nl/grantfinder

Application informationwww.rug.nl/howtoapply

DisclaimerAll information published in this online magazine is subject to change. No legal rights may be derived from this magazine. While the University of Groningen makes every endeavour to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this magazine, it cannot be held liable for any errors or inaccuracies you may find.

Contact info and important web addresses

ColophonThis is a publication of the University of Groningen, Communication OfficeDesign: InOntwerp, AssenWebsite: iWink, GroningenAugust 2013

SOCIAL MEDIA: get involved and stay updated www.facebook.com/universityofgroningen www.facebook.com/prospectivestudentsuniversityofgroningen

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