Maastricht

Overview

Location: Maastricht, The Netherlands

Students: 16,300 (~50% international students)

Graduate & Professional Students: ~200 (Master’s, Ph.D., Professional)

Total Teaching Staff: ~1,800

Faculty: 229

For more data, see the Maastricht’s website.

Maastricht University (UM) is built around problem-based learning (PBL) and an open curriculum which allows for a wide-range of multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree options. The academic year is divided into eight-week “Blocks” and the student PBL teams change every Block. Maastricht offers degrees in: Arts and Social Sciences, Economics and Business Administration, Health Medicine and Live Sciences, Data Science, Humanities and Sciences, Law, Psychology and Neuroscience. Most courses are taught in English

Core Courses

Students must take the following course during their first 2-3 semesters at Maastricht:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Liberal Arts & Sciences
  • Mathematical foundations of physics
  • Research methods
  • Research, data analysis and presentation academic skills
  • Project Philosophy of science

Programs of Note

The following are noteworthy programs or practices that differ from MIT offerings. Unless otherwise stated, assumptions should not be made about the effectiveness of these programs and/or practices.

Problem-Based Learning

Most the academic learning at Maastricht occurs via problem-based learning, in small tutorial groups, with very few large-class, lecture experiences. Students generally work in teams of ten to fifteen students to develop potential solutions to real-life challenges. The PBL experiences are designed to:

  • Allow students to develop a deep understanding of the subject
  • Work and study independently
  • Work collaboratively in teams
  • Develop and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Develop and apply strategies for effective oral communication

Tutorial Groups & Tutors

The Tutorial Group experience is an essential component of Problem Based Learning (PBL) at Maastricht. The Tutorial Groups are the means by which students learn both discipline-specific content, and develop discipline-specific skills, as well as general problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Because Tutorial Groups change every eight-weeks, students learn how to work effectively in teams with a wide-range of peers.

The Problem-based Learning experience at Maastricht University is supported by tutors. Tutors are Ph.D.-level staff, and are members of the faculty. The guide the tutorial group as facilitators, but students are expected to take ownership of their learning by asking and answering their own questions and making critical decisions in teams.

New Student Orientation

Although Maastricht University does not have its own new student orientation, the INKOM is an introduction week for all new bachelor's and master's students at Maastrich and Zuyd Universities (both in the city of Maastricht). Each incoming student is paired with two senior students from their university, as part of the orientation process. The senior students introduce new students to the programs and services available at the universities. There is a large social component to the orientation.

Co-op Programs

During their second and third years of the program, students in the undergraduate degree program in Data Science and Knowledge Engineering spend 50 % of their time in class and 50% working a a local company (e.g., Vodafone, Medtronic). This is a relatively new program – which started in 2011.

Service- & Community-Based Learning

Match

Match gives Maastricht students opportunities to apply what they have learned in their tutorials and PBL experiences to real-life situations, in the support of local organizations in the city of Maastricht. Students engage in solving problems related to illiteracy, social isolation, and the integration of international refugees.

Open Day

Two times/academic year Maastricht organizes an Open Day for all bachelor’s programs. During the Open Day, students and tutors are available to answer questions about their programs (majors). Open Day is designed for prospective students.