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Manuela van Vlasselaer (UCU Alumna)

“I feel fully prepared to tackle anything that comes my way.”

 

Even though I've only just started my Master’s Programme Global Criminology, I have found the transition thus far to be very smooth and seamless. I haven't experienced any gaps in existing knowledge of Criminology or methodology, so I feel fully prepared to tackle anything that comes my way by having majored in Social Sciences. Although doing fieldwork and an internship will be a new experience for me, UCU has prepared me really well for this type of studying.

A few good tips I would give to those looking into a UU Master’s Programme, would be to ask your professors for advice, or letters of recommendation if your Master requires. Give your professor at least 3 weeks to write a letter of recommendation as they can be very busy, but also do not be afraid to kindly remind them or ask for an update. Furthermore, it may take some time to gather all the necessary documents for the application, give yourself & the UCU Administration at least 3 weeks to get these done, to avoid stress. This means don't leave everything to the last minute. Start thinking of Masters over December break! Go to the Master's Open Day, and if you already know specifically which field to go into then only go to that faculty's Open Day or Introduction.

Ivar Troost (UCR Alumnus)

"The shift is easy to adjust to as long as you’ve chosen a programme that fits you." 

Still finishing my double Master’s Programme in Game & Media Technology (GMT) and Educational Sciences: Learning in Interaction (EdSci), I'm very much enjoying my combination study and I could only recommend upcoming UC students who are orienting for a Master’s programme to think outside of the box as well.

"My tip would be to go beyond the flyers and brochures, and delve into the specifics of what the courses offer. Looking up professors on Google Scholar takes only a moment, but offers good insight. The direction of these potential colleagues impacts which student-assistant opportunities may open up, who could supervise a thesis that you are driven to complete, and which career options may be available to you after graduating. I also found speaking to the programme coordinators reassuring; in the end, what universities really offer is an educational climate – so make sure it fits you well."

"Personally, the shift from studying Interdepartmental Major in Computer Science, Theatre & Media Studies, Philosophy and Human Geography at UCR to the double Master’s programme at UU was different for both programmes. EdSci is as intensive as UCR was, but GMT is quite different, with larger classes and more lecturing. Overall, this combination of learning environments is quite pleasant, and easy to adjust to after a UC career. So it really differs per programme as to how different it will be, but I’m sure that the shift is easy to adjust to as long as you’ve chosen a programme that fits you."

Daan Reijnders (UCU alumnus)

“UCU’s high workload prepared me well for the large number of projects and deadlines in my programme.”

 

At UCU I became determined that I wanted to continue studying my favorite subjects -mathematics and physics- though in a societally relevant context. After visiting the Master’s Open Day and having a coffee with the programme advisor, I became confident I found a Master’s programme that is right for me: Climate Physics

The transition to my Master’s went as smooth as can be. At UCU I had already taken an off-campus course and several lab courses that were held at the UU, so it didn’t feel as if I moved to a different university. UCU’s high workload also prepared me well for the large number of projects and deadlines in my programme. Moving to a program that is so much more focused around one particular topic rather than the broad-scoped vision of Liberal, Arts & Sciences may seem daunting at first, but Liberal, Arts & Sciences students definitely benefit from their ability to quickly adapt to different academic settings.

You might be surprised about how many Master’s programmes lie at the intersection of different disciplines. Try to find a program right where your different interests meet. If your eye has fallen on a programme, make sure to visit the Master’s Open Day. If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements or if you think you may lack certain courses, have a chat with the program advisor. Already sure about the field you want to do your master’s in, but not yet sure whether Utrecht is the right choice for you? Try to take an off-campus course to get a feel for the teaching style.