QUESTIONS TO ASK AN INFORMATION OFFICER OR DEGREE PROGRAMME LECTURER
Below you will find a number of questions that you can ask at the UvA Bachelor’s Day. We’ve divided
the questions into various topics. For some questions you will be able to find the answer on the
webpage for the programme that you are interested in. This may be helpful preparation for your visit to
the UvA. To see a list of programmes go to uva.nl/bachelorsprogrammes.
Admission and enrolment
1.
Is this a programme with selective admission? What are the entry requirements for admission?
2.
When is the application deadline?
Content and structure of the degree programme
1.
How are the three years of the degree programme structured?
2.
What are the modules in the first year of the programme, and what do they consist of?
3.
How many hours of class do you receive each week in the first year?
4.
How many hours are you required to spend on independent study each week?
5.
How much time is spent working in project groups or tutorials?
6.
Is this degree programme also offered at other universities? What areas does the University of
Amsterdam’s programme focus on compared to the other universities? Why should I do this degree at
the University of Amsterdam?
7.
What are the options in terms of specialisations?
8.
Is it possible to do part of the degree programme abroad and/or at a different university?
9.
Are there opportunities for work placements?
10. What textbooks are used? Is it possible for me to view them somewhere?
11. How high are the costs for textbooks and other materials?
12. How many students are there on the degree programme? What proportion of students is Dutch and
what proportion is international? What countries are the international students from? What is the maleto-female ratio?
Supervision and examination
1.
What supervision is provided as part of the degree programme? Will I be assigned my own mentor?
How often will I meet with them?
2.
What kinds of examinations will there be? (papers/written examinations/oral examinations/group
assignments)
3.
What is the minimum number of credits you need to obtain in the first year in order to proceed to the
second year?
Degree programme experience
1.
What qualities and competencies will students who have successfully completed this degree
programme have acquired?
2.
Which modules in this degree programme do students tend to find particularly difficult, and why?
3.
When is it not a good idea to choose this degree programme? Are there pitfalls?
After completing this Bachelor’s programme
1.
What Master’s programmes am I eligible for after completing this Bachelor’s programme?
2.
What types of companies or jobs will be open to me when I graduate?
3.
Are graduates able to find jobs easily?
QUESTIONS TO ASK A STUDENT FROM THE DEGREE PROGRAMME
Some questions are better answered by a current student who is doing the programme that you are
interested in. You can chat with students at the information fair, and some programme information
sessions will include a student presentation.
The degree programme
1.
How do you feel about the degree programme?
2.
What do you find difficult and what do you find easy about the degree programme? What challenges
did you run in to?
3.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Amsterdam?
4.
What interests are useful to have if you are to enjoy this degree programme? Which modules do you
enjoy, and which ones are you not as excited about?
5.
How many hours of class do you have each week, and how many hours do you spend on independent
study in addition to this time?
6.
What is the average class size? What is the ratio of Dutch to international students?
7.
What is the ratio of lectures to tutorials? Do you enjoy taking part in tutorials?
8.
What is the general atmosphere in the degree programme? How is your relationship with the lecturers?
9.
How would you rate the supervision provided by lecturers or tutors/study advisers?
10. How is information about, for example, schedules, examinations, and lecturers being absent
communicated to students?
11. Were there any teaching or study methods that you had to get used to? What was different about
them?
Extracurricular
1.
Do you have the time for a part-time job? If so, how many hours a week do you work?
2.
Are you a member of a study association and, if so, how do you like it?
3.
Do you live in Amsterdam? Did you have an easy time finding housing? Do you have any advice?
4.
Do you like living in Amsterdam? What are your favourite and least favourite things about it?
5. Do you spend time with your fellow students outside the lectures?