University College Roosevelt (UCR) was founded in 2004 with a pioneering spirit; to bring liberal arts and sciences education to the Netherlands in a way that was small-scale, student-centered and internationally oriented.  As one of the country’s first institutions of its kind, UCR has grown into a vibrant academic community, embedded in the unique delta of Zeeland. While UCR is an independent institution, our program is one of Utrecht University.

With just 550 students, guaranteed housing, and a close-knit campus in the historic center of Middelburg, UCR is a place where education connects; we believe learning is a shared endeavor between students, staff, and the communities we are part of. Whether you are a student, parent, partner, or colleague: welcome to a place where ideas grow and people grow.

Our open curriculum with over 150 courses gives students the freedom to shape their own academic path, combining disciplines in ways that spark their interest and challenge their mind. Our Liberal Arts and Sciences program is inspired by the ideal that learning should set free, giving students the tools to think deeply, explore widely, and pursue a purpose bigger than themselves.

While embracing the liberal arts and sciences traditions of student centeredness, and open curriculum and small scale, our program is distinctive in its approach: a curriculum embedded in society, responsive to global and local developments, and adaptable to diverse ambitions and needs.

Learning that’s Embedded in the real world

Our classrooms extend far beyond campus walls. Every course is designed to connect academic knowledge with the real world, creating benefits for both students and communities. Courses are grouped into themed clusters that bring together different disciplines and often involve collaboration with external partners.

From co-creating VR games for health care, to working with local schools to boost children’s confidence, from uncovering hidden stories of historical objects to developing sustainable business ideas with local entrepreneurs, by linking theory with practice, our students, staff, and partners learn from each other and create lasting impact.

A responsive curriculum that stays relevant

The world is changing fast—and so is our curriculum. Each thematic cluster combines:

core courses, providing a strong academic foundation and responsive courses, evolving to address emerging issues and opportunities. Whether the topic is climate change, artificial intelligence, or global inequality, our teaching reflects the debates, discoveries, and dilemmas of today. This agility ensures that our graduates—and the knowledge we produce—remain relevant and future-oriented.

A personalized pathway with broad impact

We recognize that every learner’s journey is unique. Our flexible, modular structure allows students to combine courses across academic domains, aligning their education with personal ambitions. Some courses are open to all; others build on gateway courses for more advanced study.

Alongside academic exploration, all students engage in personal and professional development, building skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability. Here, education is more than a degree.  It’s about shaping people who are ready to make a difference, curious minds who grow into engaged citizens, equipped to address the complex challenges of our time.