The Bachelor in Science Global Responsibility & Leadership of University College Fryslân has been rated as the best bachelor’s programme in all of the Netherlands according to the Dutch Higher Education Guide for Universities 2022.

This hands-on bachelor is a future-oriented programme inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and rooted in the Liberal Arts & Sciences philosophy. It's dedicated to training a new generation of leaders to address global challenges by finding innovative local solutions. As a student you get the opportunity to foster your personal development in a small-scale, international learning community. Experience it yourself!

In the first year, you create a solid knowledge foundation by following a variety of courses that will reveal the underlying interconnectedness of global challenges and local solutions. You will also get familiar with academic skills such as conducting and presenting research, academic and intercultural communication, and work on your leadership skills. Next to your study, you can take part in extracurricular activities organised by fellow students or yourself.

In the second year, you further tailor the programme to your own needs, by specialising through one out of three Majors: Responsible Governance, Responsible Humanity or Responsible Planet. Additionally, you will follow courses in ethics and leadership, and you will have the opportunity to put learned theory into practice by completing a Living Lab (research internship) in collaboration with one of our non-academic partners.

In the third and final year, you continue following courses in your chosen Major. Furthermore, you have the option to participate in an exchange programme abroad, a minor at another faculty or university in the Netherlands, an internship or complete a pre-master in preparation for a Master's degree. You will complete the bachelor with your Capstone, which is a creative way to present the results of your academic research and written thesis.

Are you looking for a comprehensive study in which you take a deep dive into topics such as politics, psychology, economics, global health, earth system and data science?

A programme in which you study global challenges and explore local solutions? Then a 'Top-rated bachelor programme' in the Netherlands Global Responsibility & Leadership of the University College Fryslân is perfect for you!

Hands-on and future-oriented, this bachelor is inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and rooted in the Liberal Arts & Sciences philosophy. It's dedicated to training a new generation of leaders to address the global issues of the changing world. As a student you get the opportunity to foster your personal development in a small-scale, international learning community. Experience it yourself!

Programme

Year 1 consists of seven courses introducing students to the interdisciplinary educational concept of the programme and the majors. The Foundation consists of core courses in Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Earth & Energy, Global Health, Information Technology. Students must also complete the Skills Lab which provides a solid ground in academic communication, research methodology, intercultural communication, and collaboration.

Throughout the three years, students have the opportunity to design their own programme based on the major and minor options as well as complementing it with extracurricular activities.

Entry requirements

The applicant must pass a two-step selection procedure in order to be admitted to the programme. The selection procedure consists of two steps:

• Selection Documents
• Selection Interview

With your online application (Studielink & OAS) you’re also asked to upload the following documents as well:

• Letter of Motivation or a Video Presentation
• Reference Letter
• Curriculum Vitae

If you’re deemed admissible to the GRL programme, the Admissions Board will then have a further look at your selection documents and decide if you are invited for the second part of the selection procedure: the selection interview.

Job prospects

Compared to a mono-disciplinary bachelor, a university college education offers a broad study programme.

The bachelor Global Responsibility & Leadership combines the best of both worlds: it offers you a wide variety of opportunities to explore different disciplines, but also the advantage of structured guidance, similar to a dedicated bachelor programme. This will benefit your choice for a master's programme after graduation, as you will have a profound background related to one of the three majors: Responsible Governance, Responsible Humanity or Responsible Planet.

After graduation, you can choose from a wide array of master programmes. Here are some examples:

• Political Science
• Economics
• Psychology
• Environmental Sciences
• Health Sciences
• International Relations
• Psychology, Politics, Economics
• Sustainable Entrepreneurship
• Business and Public Administration
• Euroculture

After getting your master's degree, you can choose to apply for a PhD position or start working as a policy advisor, a consultant, an entrepreneur or as a development specialist in both the private or public sector. Given the fact that your bachelor is internationally orientated and recognised, you will have outstanding career perspectives in an international working environment.

Job examples

• Policy Advisor
• Researcher
• Entrepreneur
• Consultant

Development Specialist