NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

The first year (propedeuse) comprises 42 credits and supplies the necessary background in subjects which are relevant to the
major area of concentration. The propedeuse is concluded by an intermediate examination known as the propedeutisch
examen.
In each year that follows there is a growing degree of specialisation, but students are allowed considerable freedom in the
choice of subjects they want to take. Recurrent components of the programmes are research methodology and training, and a
specific number of elective courses outside of but relevant to the major field of concentration. The ratio of required to elective
courses varies according to discipline.
Towards the end of the programme, students are required to write a
thesis (scriptie) of at least 60 pages in length. The main purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct
independent research. The evaluation of the student’s performance is usually expressed in numbers, but there is an alternative
pass/fail (voldoende/
onvoldoende) grading system in use as well (see II.1.2).
Instruction is given in the form of lectures, seminars and practical work. Students must pass a specified number of oral and
written examinations (tentamens) for both the propedeuse and doctoraal. Since the 1960s, the doctoraal examination has
become less and less like an examination and more and more like an evaluation. The doctoraal examination is therefore in a
certain sense a formality, and its main function now is to offer an opportunity for discussion of the scriptie or final project.
As well as the normal doctoraal programmes, universities also offer a number of post-doctoraal programmes.
The open university
The purpose of the open university is to provide higher education to adults, i.e. individuals over 18, who are unable to utilise
traditional programmes and institutions. Students’ reasons for selecting the open university may range from lack of formal
educational qualifications to family and work commitments that preclude full-time study.
The open university offers both university and HBO programmes and has the authority to grant the same degrees. A number
of programmes are available in each of the following broad areas: business and administrative sciences (bedrijfs- en
bestuurswetenschappen), cultural sciences (cultuurwetenschappen), economic sciences (economische wetenschappen), natural
sciences (natuurwetenschappen), legal sciences (rechtswetenschappen), social sciences (sociale wetenschappen), and
technical and engineering sciences (technische wetenschappen).
Courses largely comprise pre-tested written material, and in some cases media material, designed by the open university’s
professional staff. Most courses are intended for home study, but some require attendance.
Each course consists of one or more modules. Each module
represents an average of 100 hours of study and has a value of three credits which are awarded upon completion of the course.
Units of credit are earned by passing supervised examinations, which are conducted only at approved sites. In addition to there
being three standard annual examination dates, examinations for many courses are offered throughout the year by means of a
computerised testing system that generates individual tests for each candidate. Exams of this type are known as sys-tentamens.
Passing the exam in a course is awarded with a certificate (certificaat). Students who have earned two or more certificates
may request a transcript (dossierverklaring) that summarises their progress. Students who have completed all first-year
requirements of a university or HBO programme (14 modules, i.e. 42 credits) may get a certificate known as the
propedeuseverklaring which facilitates transfer to other higher education institutions.