Liberal arts and sciences at AUC

Do you have broad interests, enjoy discussions and debates, like to be challenged and feel at home in an international environment? AUC offers a Bachelor (Honours) degree programme in the liberal arts and sciences, taught in English, and open to both Dutch and international students. As a student at AUC, you will learn to analyse complex issues from different perspectives by drawing on various academic fields of knowledge. Discussions start with the ‘big questions’ in science and society and lead to in-depth study in a wide range of academic disciplines. 

AUC is:

• Interdisciplinary. Students are encouraged to think beyond traditional disciplines to address contemporary problems and issues.
• Personalised. Students work with their tutors to determine a tailor-made study plan that suits individual interests and academic goals.
• Residential. On-campus housing in Amsterdam is guaranteed for all students for the duration of their studies at AUC.
• International. More than 50% of the student community comes from abroad, the lingua franca is English and students are immersed in the ‘global village’ of Amsterdam.
• Challenging. As an Honours programme, the curriculum is designed to be rigorous and prepare students for prestigious graduate schools and careers at internationally renowned companies.
• Supportive. Between the tutoring team, peer supporters, resident assistants, well-being team, student life officer and accessible teaching staff, the tight-knit atmosphere at AUC offers a strong support network for students to thrive.

Curriculum

Three majors with many fields of study

The curriculum features three majors (Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities) and more than 20 concentrations and areas of specialisation.

Programme structure

Students at AUC choose to major in the Sciences, Social Sciences or Humanities. Within each of these majors are a variety of “tracks” through which students specialise in more specific areas of knowledge known as concentrations. These concentrations make the programme cohesive, and ensure that students attain a certain level of expertise in a specific field to proceed to Master’s degree programmes or more advanced studies in an exact field. 

These areas of study can also be combined to create unique programmes designed to address contemporary issues (for example, “health” and “biomedical sciences” to better understand public health policies, or “information” and “communication” to study the increasing effect of big data on society). 

Majors and concentrations

The three majors (Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities) are at the top of the chart in bold, followed by the various areas of specialisation (concentrations).

Housing and living on campus

All students at AUC live in on-campus housing for the duration of their studies. Residential life is seen as an extension of the liberal arts and sciences philosophy in which students live and learn together. By living together, a sense a community is fostered, creating a dynamic academic and social environment for students to grow.

The affordable rooms are a mix of studios, shared and apartment style housing equipped with modern facilities interspersed with spacious courtyards. Situated on Amsterdam Science Park in the east of the city, the AUC Academic Building (where classes are held) is just a short walk away. 

Admissions and applying

Admissions

AUC aims to admit 300 students per year. Students from all around the world are encouraged to apply. In principle, all those who have completed a secondary school diploma that is considered equivalent to a Dutch VWO diploma can be considered for admission. However, please note that admissions are competitive and the following criteria play an important role:

• Academic ability, both in terms of grades and motivation
• High levels of proficiency in English and mathematics
• Ambition to follow an intensive and broad liberal arts and sciences programme
• Commitment to contribute to AUC’s international student body and campus life

ASF Scholarship Fund

AUC has its own scholarship fund, through which we work with our industry and civic partners with an aim to increase diversity and excellence in the student body. The Amsterdam University College Scholarship Fund (ASF) bestows ASF Scholarships. ASF Scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of merit and need. Around 5-10% of AUC students receive full or partial scholarships from the AUC Scholarship Fund.

Talent Fellowship at AUC

Part of the AUC Scholarship Fund, the Talent Fellowship at AUC (TFA) aims to empower the next generation of talented Dutch students from communities that are underrepresented in higher education, including first-generation students, students with a migration background and refugee students. Talent Fellows receive 2500 EUR per academic year and participate in a tailor-made talent development programme.

Academic and career prospects

AUC graduates are well-prepared to continue their studies at the Master’s or PhD level at major universities in the Netherlands and abroad, or to pursue a career at renowned corporate or public organisations. AUC alumni have gone on to study at prestigious institutions and programmes all around the world, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Columbia University and, of course, our parent institutions the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Upon graduating, other alumni have chosen to enter the work force at internationally known companies, research institutes and organisations. Our graduates are highly sought after as they combine a high level of academic knowledge with the ability to solve problems, contribute to debates, and exhibit an awareness of the social, cultural and personal perspectives that equip them for success, leadership and global citizenship.

Contact us

If you have questions about the academic programme, admissions requirements, application procedure, scholarships, housing or life at AUC, we encourage you to send us an email (via the link below) or contact one of our student ambassadors.

Visit Amsterdam University College

Curious about learning more about Amsterdam University College? You can join one of our informational tours led by an AUC student ambassador or member of our staff. These tours are run throughout the year, including over the summer. Alternatively, you can also visit one of our (digital) Open Days or find us at the Bachelor Days of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. 

Visiting address

Science Park 113
1098 XG Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Postal address: 

Amsterdam University College
PO Box 94160
1090 GD Amsterdam
The Netherlands