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Dual Degree Program

Double Degree UCM

The dual degree program (former double degree program) between the University Colleges Freiburg and Maastricht highlights our close partnership and the commonalities between our LAS programs. Students who participate in the program spend the third year of their UCF LAS degree in Maastricht. At the end of their four-year program, they earn a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from UCM in addition to the Bachelor's degree from UCF.

The program is open to a maximum of five students per academic year on each side. UCF students, for whom fees are waived at UCM, can choose courses from the UCM Course Catalog during their year in Maastricht; prerequisites may apply. For Freiburg students, the exchange year follows the UCM calendar. Have a look at this UCM video with UCF student Mathias.
 

UCM…

  • is an honors liberal arts college at Maastricht University and offers a wide range of English-taught courses,
  • is an international college where more than 40 different nationalities are represented,
  • focuses on Problem-Based Learning, an innovative teaching method where students learn in small classes in a dynamic learning environment,
  • has friendly staff and students who will ensure you have a great academic and social experience on your exchange.
     

Study program

The prerequisites and specifications for Freiburg students enrolled in the dual degree program are defined in the UCF LAS Rules and Regulations ("Studien- und Prüfungsordnung"). In order to qualify for the dual degree, Freiburg students must take at least the following courses and credits in the context of the exchange:

  • 8 regular UCM courses, 5 ECTS credits each (= 40 ECTS credits)
  • 2 UCM projects, 5 ECTS credits each (= 10 ECTS credits); alternatively, one project can be substituted by two UCM skills courses (2.5 ECTS credits each).
  • dual degree final project, 10 ECTS credits (= 10 ECTS credits); the final project does not have to be completed by the end of the exchange year, but before graduation.

The study program at UCM should include academic work and/or reflection on the LAS approach as practiced by the two institutions; the exact form of this will be arranged individually following the student's interests.

Sabina's Story

Leaving is never easy but it’s worth it.

Maastricht Impressions

I chose to go to University College Maastricht in the academic year 2021/2022, as it offers, together with UCF, a Double Degree program. I went to UCM right after the COVID-19 restrictions were removed, and my time there felt incredibly familiar, as I could identify the same wonderful atmosphere that I knew from my first (and only in-presence) semester at UCF. The process of moving to another country was almost effortless, as generations of UCF students have been passing their room in Belgium (right over the border) from one to the other for a long time now. It’s easy, practical, and tradition by now… which was well worth it when it comes to keeping fit (there’s a lot of cycling involved)!

The courses you can take at UCM are very diverse and offered me a great deal of learning opportunities. I was able to discuss my choices with my supervisor as well as with the student support. I loved allowing myself to try out something new, like courses about transitional justice, or ethnography. I also enjoyed many of the free-time activities offered, from debating to feminist movie nights. Aside from that, sightseeing through Maastricht or, generally, the Netherlands or even Belgium was lots of fun.

I would generally recommend UCM to anyone who’s interested in a wider range of courses and is looking forward to conducting their own piece of research before the final thesis, as it provides wonderful training. Keep calm and enjoy the experience!

Matthias' Story

Maastricht

I spent the academic year 2016/2017 at University College Maastricht (UCM) doing the Double Degree Program. My decision to study at UCM was motivated by two main (academic) reasons. First, to obtain an additional independent degree from a renowned university. Second, to take advantage of UCM's broad range of high quality courses. After getting accepted into the program, I was guided through all further steps of registration. Signing up for courses was easy and convenient. While it is important to remember UCM's graduation requirements, there is still a great degree of freedom concerning which courses you can take. Overall, UCM's administrative body is very fast and reliable and I never encountered any bureaucratic issues.

The greatest benefit of studying at UCM is arguably the tremendous learning experience that one can get. Given that I do not have another experience of studying abroad that I could use for comparison, I still believe that the quality of learning and teaching at UCM is exceptional for several reasons. First, the amount and variety of courses offered is huge. This allowed me to both gain a deeper understanding of international relations and to broaden my intellectual horizon by taking courses in other disciplines such as sociology. Second, the quality of courses is really high. Except for one outlier, I genuinely enjoyed all classes at UCM and was furthermore able to acquire valuable academic skills. Third, both students and teachers actively contribute to a good learning outcome. UCM employs Problem-Based Learning through-out all courses, which enables independent learning and facilitates insightful discussions. Additionally, classes are small in size and the willingness amongst peers to prepare and participate is high. Finally, just to state the obvious: You receive an additional independent degree, which might be helpful for master's programmes, internships, or job applications – especially abroad.

Thus, the Double Degree Program means having a particularly intense year of academic work. After all, you are basically doing an entire degree in a year, meaning that every course and every grade has special significance. Although I was aware of this before-hand, and do not regret my decision at all, the ability to follow interests, thoughts, and goals outside of university is something that I did miss. One of the things that I have learned to strongly appreciate about LAS in Freiburg is the fact that we have four years in which we can learn about both academia and ourselves.

Doing the Double Degree provides you with arguably the greatest educational opportunity for your stay abroad. I have genuinely enjoyed most of my time in Maastricht and learned incredibly much. UCM, its staff, and its students have had a great influence on my development. When considering this program, just be sure that you are aware of the intense workload and willing to sacrifice some other activities.

Contact

Anne Klemperer, International Coordinator: