Welcome to Rotterdam University
3 Welcome to Rotterdam! Rotterdam. One of the main cities in the Netherlands, one of the largest international ports, a gateway to Europe and a multicultural home to over a hundred and sixty nationalities. Rotterdam is an enterprising metropolis with innovative architecture and an extrovert nature.
We are proud to have our university in this lively and interesting city, but Rotterdam is more than a challenging region. We are proud of the attitude of the people of Rotterdam. It’s a way of living, thinking and working. We like to challenge our students to work hard, realise their dreams and overcome fear of failure. We teach them to think big, show boldness and expand their limits, so that they exceed their own expectations!
This attitude will be an asset to them wherever they are in the world and a key to success. Anyone who succeeds in Rotterdam, succeeds anywhere.
On behalf of the Executive Board of Rotterdam University,
J.A.C.F. Tuytel Chairman
4 University in the heart of Rotterdam Rotterdam is a dynamic, bustling city, with a modern city centre. Festivals, concerts, theatre performances and other events take place throughout the entire year. The city’s many museums, cafés, restaurants and other places of entertainment make Rotterdam a perfect university city. The university buildings are all within easy reach by underground. Rotterdam University is one of the major universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, located in the heart of the internationally oriented city of Rotterdam. Currently almost 28,000 students are working on their professional future at our university. The university is divided into eleven schools, each of which offers degree programmes for specific professional sectors. Rotterdam University hosts more than 75 degree programmes in almost every professional sector, varying from chemical and technical engineering, building and architecture, media and ICT, economics, financial management, business studies, education, health care, social work and arts. Most programmes are full-time. However, a large number of programmes are also being offered part-time, or in combination with on-the-job-learning. Further details about the degree programmes can be found at the back of this brochure or at our website rotterdamuniversity.nl. Rotterdam University wants to be a university of applied sciences in and to the benefit of the city of Rotterdam. The university therefore strongly invests in its relations with professional organisations, businesses and industries in Rotterdam and its environment. The university has numerous cooperation agreements with
5 companies, social organisations and health care institutions. This network enables the university to continually attune its education to the needs of the labour market. Besides, these relations generate many student projects and internships which enable our students to practice their knowledge and skills in a ‘real life’ setting and get in touch with potential future employers. Rotterdam University also continually seeks for strategic cooperation with other education institutions, within the Netherlands and beyond. Cooperation makes us stronger, as we share visions, thoughts and beliefs and learn from each other. All this contributes to the goal of even better serving our students with the highest quality of education!
Rotterdam, an international city Rotterdam is a city with an international orientation and a multicultural character. The large international port makes Rotterdam a central hub of international business activity and a gateway to Europe. Being in such an international environment, Rotterdam University certainly is an interesting party for international cooperation. The university is ready to welcome national or international students who want to take the challenge to learn and develop themselves in an international setting. The current student population contains about eighty nationalities. This international learning environment of Rotterdam prepares students for a global citizenship in an international labour market. The university explicitly pays attention to the international dimension of the professional field in each study programme. Besides, the university actively participates
in international networks in order to enhance international cooperation between both staff and students.
Higher education in The Netherlands The Dutch system of higher education holds two types of higher education institutions: Research Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences. Research Universities prepare students for the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. Universities of Applied Sciences are more practically oriented, preparing students directly for specific professions. Rotterdam University is a University of Applied Sciences. This means that our education is strongly focussed to professional practice and more dedicated to applied research, instead of scientific research. Rotterdam University offers over 75 Bachelor programmes. These programmes directly prepare students for a professional career and generally take four years of study. After completion of a Bachelor programme, students may use the internationally accepted title of Bachelor. To be eligible for a Bachelor programme at a University of Applied Sciences, students at least need to have obtained the Dutch HAVO (a Dutch secondary education programme) diploma or a diploma of equivalent level. A number of programmes allow faster graduation, e.g. for students who have completed specific degree programmes (senior secondary vocational education, mbo), or students who meet the vwo admission criteria (vwo: pre-university education).
6 After completion of a Bachelor programme, students may continue their studies during a Master programme. A Master programme offers students a deeper knowledge in a specific field or subject. Rotterdam University currently offers 13 Master programmes, which take one or two years of study. After completion of a Master programme, students may use the internationally accepted title of Master. The study load of our programmes is indicated in credit points according to the European Credit Transfer System. The quality of our degree programmes is guaranteed, as all our degree programmes are accredited by the Netherlands-Flemish accreditation organisation (NVAO).
View on education All our degree programmes have been developed according to a shared vision on education. Rotterdam University wants to inspire people with the typical down-to-earth mentality of the people of Rotterdam. Our educational approach reflects this attitude. Rotterdam University wants to be closely connected to society and teach students to link their knowledge and skills to a sense of social responsibility. Therefore, we closely cooperate with businesses and organisations in the region. This benefits both the practical field as well as the quality of our education. At the same time, our students learn by doing and find out what works in practice. They are challenged and supported to expand their
limits more than they would have thought possible. Rotterdam University expresses this with the slogan ‘Exceed expectations!’.
Outside in – Inside out Our approach to education can be described as practical, innovative, focussed on interdisciplinary cooperation, with a sense of social responsibility. Interaction between the school and the professional field is an important part of this approach. Professionals from the field contribute to our education, and our students contribute to developments in the field: Outside In, Inside Out. No imaginary exercises, but concrete projects, research questions and societal demands from the Rotterdam region that need a solution. Our students are learning by doing. This occurs during project assignments from businesses and organisations in the region, internships and graduation projects. Rotterdam University also frequently invites guest speakers from the field who share recent developments and activities in their working environment with students. Additionally, for each study programme a representative group of field professionals are consulted to help us continue meeting the demands of the field. This way we keep the content and quality of our degree programmes up to date. Our contributions to the professional field are just as important: the creativity, brainpower and labour of students and more than one thousand teaching and reserchstaff are utilised to work on solutions for issues from the region. We add the talents of our students to the expertise of our staff and return these to the region.
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8 The Rotterdam Education Model All our degree programmes are built-up according to a similar curriculum design: the Rotterdam Educational Model. The basic principle of this model is that students acquire knowledge and skills which they directly learn to put into practice. Throughout the programme, the complexity level rises and students learn to act independently. At the end of the programme students have learned to adequately handle issues in the professional field. Throughout the entire study programme, three learning tracks are embedded: Knowledge track: This track includes modules aiming at acquiring knowledge, theoretical concepts and skills. Practical track: This track includes modules in which students work on solutions for projects and research questions directly derived from the professional field. Student track: This track offers students the opportunity to choose modules or assignments that meet their own individual learning objectives and gives room for individual coaching and student support. During the first part of the study programme, emphasis is more on the knowledge track as students first need to acquire basic knowledge and skills that are necessary in their field. As the study programme progresses, the intensity of the practical track and the student track increases. Students then learn to practice and advance their knowledge and skills. Besides, they have more possibilities to choose modules or assignments that more specifically prepare them for their future career in the professional field. Throughout the entire programme students receive individual study coaching.
Innovation Labs The most important tasks which the Rotterdam region is facing, are often complex, multi-dimensional issues; as such they require an approach in which a number of complementary disciplines co-operate. By responding to these issues we have created a new learning environment: the innovation lab, a learning and research community in which students and lecturers from various disciplines, together with associate professors, design a new, joint solution for a current issue. In the final stage of their study, all students choose a minor, a specialisation, by means of which they can add a special touch to their own profile. Students who have distinguished themselves during their study may join an innovation lab within the context of their minor. In this way these students can develop themselves as i(nnovation)-professionals and have the opportunity to excel even further by taking part in an honours programme.
Research centres In addition to its task to prepare students for their professional career, Rotterdam University also wants to contribute to strengthening the professional field by offering, sharing and developing knowledge. To realise this, research centres have been established. Research centres relate applied research and education to questions and problems from the professional field. In a knowledge centre, readers, researchers, teachers and students work together on solutions for problems that require an interdisciplinary approach. Research centres open up great opportunities. To the benefit of our education, new modules, projects, minors and internships are
generated. Through the research activities, new contacts with regional, national and international professional networks are established. Besides, research centres publish research reports and offer master classes, seminars and lectures which are open to professionals. This way the research centres also serve the professional field.
International cooperation The establishment of an international network with foreign higher education institutions is one of the main objectives in our internationalisation strategy. We believe that international cooperation strengthens both partners, as knowledge is exchanged and we learn from each other. The quality of degree programmes will improve when our staffs exchange teaching approaches or subject knowledge, and provide guest lectures to each others students. Besides, opportunities can be created for both partners’ students to learn to cooperate internationally during projects. And of course student exchange or foreign internships are possibilities as well. Currently Rotterdam University has over one hundred cooperation agreements with higher education institutions in and outside Europe for student exchange, projects, study trips, foreign internships or graduation projects. Rotterdam University also participates in international cooperation projects that aim to develop new knowledge, teaching approaches or degree programmes. All partners benefit from the project results, and the knowledge and expertise of all partners are applied for a better quality of education worldwide.
International Student Support International students who come to Rotterdam University to take a study period, internship or other study activity receive various kinds of support. International students that aim to enrol in a degree programme at Rotterdam University receive support for the application for a residence permit (necessary for most students from outside the European Union). Students may also use the university’s furnished student housing service. Some international students may need to follow a pre-course to be eligible for the degree programme of their choice. Rotterdam University offers three different pre-courses which prepare students for enrolment in the degree programme. European Union students who wish to enrol in a Dutch study programme are offered the possibility to follow an intensive Dutch language summer course. Further information about international student support or applying for degree programmes can be found at our website rotterdamuniversity.nl.
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11 International Office The International Office is a central service that offers various kinds of support related to international activities to Rotterdam University’s staff and students. The International Office plays an important role in the organisation of the international student support as mentioned above. They also advise and support national students who go abroad for a study period or internship. National students may also apply for a scholarship with the International Office. Rotterdam University staff may consult the International Office for advice and support concerning the establishment of international partnership agreements and the organisation of study exchange, international projects and internships. To facilitate staff exchange, financial support can be applied for with the International Office as well.
Facts and figures 2006
2007
2008
25,219
26,123
27,637
3,473
3,626
3,977
Total number of 2,057
2,793
2,763
1,302
1,602
1,780
160,000
175,000
200,000
30,3%
29,4%
30,4%
Number of students Students enrolled Graduates Staff
staff members Teaching staff Finances Turnover (x 1,000 Euro) Solvability
12 The list below shows an overview of all degree programmes that Rotterdam University offers. Currently, most degree programmes are only offered in Dutch. However, some programmes are able to offer part of the programmes in English in order to enable student exchange, short stay programmes, projects or internships. Most degree programmes participate in staff exchange. For further details about cooperation possibilities, please contact the International Office.
Programmes SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Master of Fine Art
Bachelor of Nursing
Master of Interior Architecture & Retail Design
Bachelor of Midwifery
Bachelor of Architecture and Construction Engineering
Master of Education in Arts
Master of Advanced Nursing Practice Master of Physician Assistant
Bachelor of Civil Engineering
Master of Media Design and Communication
Bachelor of Facility Management
SCHOOL OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Bachelor of Logistics Management (economics)
Professional Master of Manual Therapy Health Care
Bachelor of Accountancy
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE
Bachelor of Finance and Control
Bachelor of Automotive Engineering
Bachelor of Financial Services Management
Bachelor of Biology & Medical Laboratory Research
Bachelor of Logistics Management (engineering) Bachelor of Maritime Officer Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning Bachelor of Fiscal Economics Bachelor of Industrial Engineering & Management
Bachelor of Chemistry SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Bachelor of Water Management
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Teacher Training in Primary Education
Master of Architecture
Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Master of Urban Architecture
Bachelor of Teacher Training for Secondary Education
Bachelor of Technology for Healthcare
Master of Urban and Area Development
SCHOOL OF HEALTH CARE STUDIES
Bachelor of Industrial Design Engineering
WILLEM DE KOONING ACADEMY ART, MEDIA, DESIGN & LEISURE (WDK)
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
SCHOOL OF COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT STUDIES
Bachelor of Fine Art Bachelor of Fine Art and Design in Education
Bachelor of Teacher Training in Welfare and Health Care for Secondary Education
Bachelor of Marketing
Bachelor of Design
Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy
Bachelor of Communication
Bachelor of Leisure Management
Bachelor of Health Care Management
Bachelor of Small Business & Retail Management
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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Master in Consultancy and Entrepreneurship
Minor International Marketing Management
Bachelor of Cultural and Social Development
Master in Finance and Accounting
Minor International Business Experience
Bachelor of Social Work and Social Services
Master in Logistics Management
Minor International Business and Control
Bachelor of Educational Theory
SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
Minor Services Management
Bachelor of Social Education Care
Bachelor of Business Management Studies
Minor Logistics and Transport Management
Master of Education
Bachelor of Human Resource Management
Summerschool Academy of Architecture and Urban Design
Master of Human and Organizational Behavior
Bachelor of Real Estate Management
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION, MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES
Rotterdam, a multicultural metropolis Minor User Experiece Design Associate Degree in Welfare and Health Care Bachelor of Business Information Technology
Minor Multimedia Concept Development Associate Degree in Technology
Bachelor of Communication & Multimedia Design Associate Degree in Technical Professions
Minor Risk Management, Product Innovation, Decision under Risk
Associate Degree in Health Care Management
Minor International Business Communication
INTERNATIONAL MINORS
These programmes are offered in English
Bachelor of GraďŹ mediatechnology Bachelor of Computer Science Bachelor of Information Technology Minor Marketing Management ROTTERDAM BUSINESS SCHOOL Minor Finance and accounting Bachelor of International Business and Languages
Minor Logistics Management and International Business management
Bachelor of International Business and Management Bachelor of Studies
Latin American Studies
Bachelor of Trade Management for Asia
Doing Business in Emerging Markets
Master of Business Administration
Sustainable Entrepreneurship
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Contact Contact information: International Office PO Box 25035 3001 HA Rotterdam The Netherlands +31 (0)10 794 *60 05 / *62 95 +31 (0)10 794 60 07 internationaloffice@hro.nl
Colophon Text: Rietje van Vliet, Anne Marie Christian-Mak, Kees de Koe Layout: Bruikmanreclame Photography: Jan Nass and Marijke Volkers Printing: Schefferdrukkerij © Hogeschool Rotterdam 2010 No rights can be derived from this brochure. Published by: Hogeschool Rotterdam Rotterdam University - University of Applied Sciences PO Box 25035 3001 HA Rotterdam The Netherlands hogeschoolrotterdam.nl
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