New Curriculum

The UCR curriculum is organized into six clusters of related courses. These clusters include ‘Business & Entrepreneurship’, ‘Data Science & Intelligent Systems’, ‘Environment & Sustainability’, ‘Government & Society’, ‘Health, Cognition & Behavior’, and ‘Media, Culture & Communication’.

Figure 1: A foreseen list of clusters, units and mandatory elements.

The curriculum is structured in a modular format, enabling students to design their academic pathways with minimal prerequisites. Some courses are open to all students, while others require gateway courses that provide foundational knowledge for advanced study. This modular approach ensures maximal flexibility in students’ ability to design their own unique program. Additionally, all students follow a mandatory trajectory on Personal and Professional Development, cultivating skills such as communication, teamwork, study strategies, and adaptability and supporting students crafting their own academic and personal learning goals. This initiative develops well-rounded individuals prepared for academic, personal, and professional success.

Courses within clusters are categorized as Core (Fixed) Courses and Responsive (Fluid) Courses to ensure both foundational rigor and adaptability. Core courses provide essential knowledge, ensuring students meet undergraduate competencies and are well-prepared for graduate programs. Responsive courses adapt to student interests and emerging societal challenges, keeping the curriculum relevant and engaging.

Figure 2: Gateway, core and responsive courses. Gateway courses can be organized differently from the visual.

To enrich scholarship, prepare engaged citizens, address critical societal issues, each cluster engages with external stakeholders through real-world applications, research, and community engagement. Activities include challenge-based projects, research opportunities, and community-engaged learning.

University College Roosevelt is home to a vibrant international community, with 70% of students and staff having a non-Dutch nationality, representing over 70 different nationalities. This diverse environment enriches classroom discussions and fosters cross-cultural exchange, allowing you to learn from and collaborate with peers from all around the world. The global perspective you gain at UCR extends beyond academics, creating lasting connections and friendships that prepare you for a world that is increasingly interconnected.

At UCR, small class sizes (average <30 students per class) are a cornerstone of the academic experience. This intimate setting fosters meaningful interactions between students and professors, allowing for personalized attention and in-depth discussions. With fewer students in each class, students are encouraged to actively engage, ask questions, and collaborate with their peers, creating a learning environment where ideas are valued, and academic growth is prioritized.

As a residential college, UCR guarantees affordable housing for all students for the entire duration of their studies. This commitment ensures that every student has a secure, comfortable place to live in one of four UCR campus locations, all situated in the charming city center of Middelburg, just a short walk from the university buildings.

Middelburg offers the perfect balance between city life and nature, making it an ideal home for students. Located in the historic former town hall, UCR is right in the heart of the city, with all amenities just steps away. Middelburg retains the charm of a smaller town, with beautiful beaches and dunes nearby for a peaceful escape into nature. For those craving the energy of a bigger city, excellent train connections make it easy to explore major cities such as Rotterdam and Brussels, ensuring they truly get the best of both worlds.

At UCR, student life is entirely student-led, giving students the opportunity to shape their own university experience. With an active student government in the form of the Roosevelt’s All Student Association (RASA), Academic Affairs Council (AAC) and Housing Affairs Council (HAC), as well as a wide variety of committees, teams, and initiatives, there is always a way to get involved, pursue one’s passions, and make an impact. Whether students are organizing events, joining a sports team, or advocating for change, UCR’s vibrant student community is driven by the creativity, energy, and leadership of its students.

For an overview of the changes to UCRs core educational principles such as small-scale, research-oriented and interdisciplinary education, please review this document.

With the move from a track-based curriculum to a cluster-based curriculum, many of the old tracks will still be incorporated in the new clusters in some way. Find out where old tracks go and which new disciplines are added in this document.

Click here if you want to know more about the rationale, process and next steps for this curriculum update.