University of Amsterdam (UvA)

Number one in the world for Communication Science and Media Studies

Dean

Prof. Geert ten Dam

Academic staff

1,000 - 20,000

Students

34000

Locations

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Afiliations

The League of European Research Universities (LERU) The European University Association (EUA) The Coimbra Group The International Research Universities Network (IRUN) The Amsterdam University Network (AUN) The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU) The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)

Address

Roetersstraat 11, 1018 WB Amsterdam.

Social Media

URL

https://www.uva.nl/en

Summary

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a public research university located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was founded in 1632 and is one of the oldest universities in the country. The UvA is known for its high-quality education, innovative research, and diverse student population. The university offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs in various fields such as humanities, social sciences, law, economics, business, natural sciences, and medicine.

The UvA has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world. It is also a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which is a prestigious network of leading research universities in Europe.

In addition to its academic programs, the UvA is also committed to promoting social responsibility, sustainability, and diversity. The university has several initiatives and programs aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable community, such as the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the Green Office.

Overall, the University of Amsterdam is a top-ranked institution with a long history of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Its commitment to global engagement, social responsibility, and diversity make it an attractive destination for students and scholars from around the world.

History

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back nearly four centuries. The story begins in 1632 when two renowned scholars, Gerardus Vossius and Caspar Barlaeus, opened the Athenaeum Illustre, which would later become the UvA.

The Athenaeum Illustre was located in the former chapel of the convent of St. Agnes, which had been acquired by the city government in 1578. Vossius and Barlaeus quickly attracted students and visitors from far and wide with their public lectures. The Athenaeum grew steadily over the years, and in 1815, it was officially recognized as an institution of higher education.

In 1877, the municipality of Amsterdam was allowed to promote the Athenaeum Illustre to the status of a university, and it became the University of Amsterdam. This change in status allowed the university to appoint its own professors and confer doctorates, attracting many renowned scientists to Amsterdam, including future Nobel laureates Jacobus van ’t Hoff, Hugo de Vries, and Johannes van der Waals.

The UvA continued to grow and expand over the years, with new faculties, subjects, and specialisms added. The post-World War II period saw a significant increase in student numbers, and by the 1970s, the UvA had become the largest university in the Netherlands.

Today, the UvA is an internationally renowned institution of higher education, with over 34,000 students, 3,000 PhD researchers, 6,000 staff, and more than 100 different nationalities represented. The university continues to play a leading role in the international world of science and education, building on the legacy of its distinguished past.

Courses

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers a wide range of course programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in various fields of study.

At the undergraduate level, UvA offers Bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as Economics and Business, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Law, Medicine, Science, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Students can choose from a range of full-time and part-time programs, and may also have the opportunity to complete their studies with an international experience by participating in an exchange program.

At the graduate level, UvA offers Master’s degree programs in fields such as Arts and Culture, Business, Child Development and Education, Communication and Media, Economics, Health, Informatics, Interdisciplinary Studies, Language, Literature, and Area Studies, Law, Life and Earth Sciences, Psychology, Science, and Social Sciences. UvA also offers Advanced Master’s and Research Master’s programs for those seeking further education in their field of study.

Many of these graduate programs are taught in English, attracting students from around the world. In addition, UvA offers joint and dual degree programs with other universities, providing students with the opportunity to earn degrees from multiple institutions. Here are some examples of programs offered by the University of Amsterdam:

Bachelor's program in Business Administration: This program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in business and management, including courses in accounting, marketing, organizational behaviour, finance, and operations management.
Master's program in Artificial Intelligence: This program focuses on the development of intelligent systems and covers topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.
Bachelor's program in Psychology: This program provides students with an understanding of human behaviour and mental processes, with courses covering topics such as social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Master's program in International Development Studies: This program explores issues related to economic development, social justice, and global inequality, with courses covering topics such as poverty and inequality, environmental sustainability, and gender and development.
Bachelor's program in Communication Science: This program focuses on the study of communication and media, with courses covering topics such as mass communication, media effects, communication technologies, and journalism.

Global MBA rankings

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers a full-time MBA program that is ranked among the top MBA programs in the world. The UvA MBA program is accredited by AACSB and AMBA, two of the most prestigious accreditation bodies for business schools.

According to the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2022, the UvA MBA program is ranked 71st in the world. This ranking takes into account a variety of factors, including the career progress of graduates, the diversity of the student body and faculty, and the research output of the business school.

The UvA MBA program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in the global business environment. It focuses on developing analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as effective communication and leadership abilities. The program is taught in English and is open to students from all over the world.

The UvA MBA program has a duration of 12 months, and it is divided into three trimesters. The first trimester focuses on developing core business skills, such as accounting, finance, and marketing. The second trimester allows students to specialize in one of four tracks: Entrepreneurship, Digital Business, Strategy and Organization, or Sustainable Business. The third trimester is dedicated to the MBA thesis project, where students work on a real-world business challenge in partnership with a company.

The UvA MBA program is a challenging and rigorous program that prepares students for successful careers in the global business world. It's high ranking in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings is a testament to its quality and reputation.

Job integration rate

The University of Amsterdam has a high job integration rate for its graduates. According to the latest data available from the university, over 80% of its graduates find a job within six months of completing their degree.

The university has a dedicated Career Centre that provides various services to students, such as career guidance, workshops, networking events, and job fairs. The centre also maintains a job portal where students can find internships and job opportunities.

Moreover, the university has partnerships with various companies and organizations, which provide students with opportunities for internships and work experience. These partnerships also help to ensure that the university's degree programs are relevant and up-to-date with industry demands.

The University of Amsterdam also has an alumni network that provides graduates with access to job opportunities, networking events, and mentorship programs. The network has over 300,000 members worldwide, and it is a valuable resource for graduates looking to advance their careers.