Program Overview

Introduction to the Honours Programme

The Honours Programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers motivated students the chance to deepen their academic experience beyond the standard curriculum. It is designed to challenge students intellectually and provide additional skills and knowledge that complement their degree.

Why Apply to the Honours Programme?

• Broaden Your Academic Perspective: The programme provides unique opportunities to take courses outside your regular curriculum and explore topics in depth.
• Taught by Leading Scholars: Courses are designed and delivered by top faculty members. With small class sizes (10-25 students) and a strong emphasis on teacher-student interaction, these specially curated courses are offered at no additional cost.
• Recognition and Certification: All successfully completed Honours courses are listed as extracurricular achievements on your BSc diploma. Upon full completion of the programme, you receive a special BSc diploma that specifies:
  • Participation in the VU Honours Programme
  • Completion of your BSc degree within three years
  • A minimum average grade of 7.5 for BSc courses
  • An additional study load of 30 EC through Honours courses

Available Course Structure

The Honours Programme requires a total of 30 ECTS. You have flexibility in structuring these credits, provided your curriculum includes:

• Minimum 12 ECTS interfaculty courses (typically 2 courses)
• Minimum 12 ECTS faculty courses (typically 2 courses)
• Remaining credits (up to 6 ECTS) can be allocated to either category based on your academic interests.

Faculty of Science Honours Programme

Application and Admission Requirements

• Completion of all first-year bachelor courses
• Minimum average grade of 7.5
• The programme is selective; your faculty will make the final qualitative selection.

Course Options

• Faculty Courses (6 ECTS): See overview for course options. Instructions for application are provided.
• Internship Extension (6 ECTS):
  • Goal: Research depth + academic skills.
  • Requirements: Written report + oral presentation.
  • Planning: Discuss early with thesis supervisor.
• Star Variants (3 ECTS) or Research Modules (6 ECTS)
  • Star Variant: Deepen a course topic (literature review, presentation, poster for a conference, etc.). Requires supervisor and Honours coordinator approval.
  • Individual Research Module: Gain additional research experience and improve your academic skills. Submit report about the project + presentation.

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

• The Information Sciences department has a unique offer: each student can mix and match courses, effectively creating individual tracks of excellence.
• There are two main types of courses:
  1. Focused on a high-quality, scientific research project that is unique for each student.
  2. Focused on learning in the structure of a traditional course.
• How many courses should you take?: The general structure of the HP at the VU offers the prestigious HP annotation to their BSc degree, upon completing at least 30 ECs over the regular programme of 180 ECs (extra credits).
• Which courses can you take?: Consult the extensive section ‘How to complete the Information Sciences HP?’
• Who can apply, how, and when?: Are you highly motivated, have good grades (above 7.5 grade point average in the first year), and have passed all your first-year courses? Then you can apply for the Honours Programme.

Interfaculty Courses

• The Honours Programme offers a wide range of engaging interfaculty courses open to all Honours students.
• These interdisciplinary courses are primarily scheduled in the evenings and are taught by leading lecturers from VU Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University College, as well as guest experts from the Netherlands and abroad.
• Classes are small, encouraging active participation through presentations, written assignments, and discussions.

VU-UT and Honours

• VU-UT Creative Technology and Mechanical Engineering students are welcome to participate in the Honours Programme of the Faculty of Science.
• Students can choose from the courses listed, noting that some courses are alternating, offered every other year.

Conclusion

The Honours Programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam provides a unique opportunity for students to deepen their academic experience, broaden their perspectives, and gain additional skills and knowledge. With its flexible course structure, recognition, and certification, the programme is an excellent way for motivated students to challenge themselves and enhance their academic achievements.