Studyportals placeholder

University of Amsterdam

3.8 out of 5 (207 ratings / 123 reviews) Amsterdam, Netherlands
The UvA's quality assurance system serves a number of important purposes. The UvA's key priorities may change to reflect new external requirements. The UvA's quality assurance system is designed to ensure that the University maintains best practices and continually assesses whether there is a need for improvement or adjustment.

Master's Programmes

Social Sciences (36)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (18)
Humanities (12)
Business & Management (11)
Law (8)
Arts, Design & Architecture (7)
Journalism & Media (6)
Computer Science & IT (5)
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (5)
Engineering & Technology (4)
Medicine & Health (4)
Applied Sciences & Professions (2)
Agriculture & Forestry (1)
Education & Training (1)

About

History

In January 1632, Gerardus Vossius opened the Athenaeum Illustre, the predecessor of the University of Amsterdam. The next day, Caspar Barlaeus gave his famous lecture on the wise merchant, Mercator Sapiens. It was with these two professors, who were already well known figures in the international world of learning, that the history of the University of Amsterdam started around four centuries ago.

Education

The system allows the UvA to determine whether it is achieving the desired quality standards. In other words: is the UvA taking the appropriate measures and carrying them out effectively? This is why it is important that the quality assurance system provides information on current quality levels from a range of different sources. Crucially, the system enables the University to adjust its processes; after all, quality cannot be improved without the necessary adjustments being made.

Research

The UvA is a leading international research institution that values, promotes and rewards excellent research. With an annual research budget of €850 million, we are one of Europe's largest broad-based research universities. UvA researchers publish 9,500 scientific articles per year.

University Ranking

QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2019
57 1
2018
58 -1
2017
57
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2019
62 -3
2018
59 4
2017
63
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2018
101
2017
101
2016
101
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2019
-
2018
51 4
2017
55
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world.

Services

Student services

Student Services offers information, advice or support regarding your registration as a student and other matters which concern studying at the UvA or student life in general. If we cannot help you, we will always refer you to a department or faculty which can. Student Services consists of several student support services.

Library services

From study places to borrowing and publishing your thesis, the Library takes care of you.

ICT services

As a UvA student, you have access to the UvA’s wireless network at various UvA buildings and in lecture and study rooms.

Medical services

UvA students can seek medical treatment at the Student Medical Service, where doctors are available with specific knowledge of student life. Visit a student doctor if you are sick, feeling down or have other health concerns. You are also welcome if you need a prescription, a lab test or a vaccination.

Student Life

Campus life

The UvA has four campuses located across Amsterdam. Some classes are in quaint old buildings overlooking the canals, others in high-tech laboratories.

Sports facilities

There’s more to university life than work and study! Take advantage of all that the UvA has to offer, from art courses to sports activities and public lectures. It’s a great way to meet others in the UvA community.

Student clubs

Amsterdam has a thriving student community with various student associations. There are plenty of associations and activities for students to participate in alongside their studies.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) is the official, independent body that monitors and guards the University of Amsterdam's quality assurance system.

Student Reviews

European Studies in Amsterdam
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars

In your first year you get familiar with European History, European Literature and Culture, Easter European studies and European Economics, Politics and Law. You learn how to write and conduct substantial academic research. In your second year you choose your major. I chose European History and combined this with a minor in American Studies and the mandatory Philosophy...

UvA review - very short though
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars

Pretty intense and strict but also had a lot of free time to develop hobbies and new habits.

Good course but not enough space on campus
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars

The course is really demanding and does not leave much free time, but it is interesting and well structured. As I have to study a lot and prefer to do so at university, my only regret is that there is not enough space on campus. You have to be early in oder to get a spot. As well, due to the fact that the course is very group focused, it is almost impossible to find spots...

Find More Masters