11 - Netherlands - Curriculum
Dual learning
Universities and HBO institutions can offer a dual learning variant for full-time courses. Dual courses
combine study and paid work, the aim being to bring education and employment closer in line with
each other and to prepare students more effectively for the world of work. Dual learning can be
compared with the existing practice of incorporating work experience placements in full-time training
courses, but takes this principle one step further. Furthermore, there is greater emphasis on
supervision of the student, by both institution and employer. Part of the course is subject to a "learning
and working" contract between student, institution and employer. The student’s programme is
determined by the student and the employer in consultation with the institution.
Teaching and examination regulations
As far as teaching is concerned, the government lays down the framework within which institutions
must operate; it is the responsibility of the administration of the institution to expand on this framework
in the teaching and examination regulations. These lay down for every course provided at the
institution such matters as the syllabus, the main degree subjects and detailed regulations with regard
to the content and organisation of the various examinations.
Higher professional education
Higher professional education (HBO hoger beroepsonderwijs) provides training for occupations which
require both theoretical knowledge and specific skills. HBO courses are therefore almost always
closely linked to a particular occupation and most courses include a work experience placement.
Some
are dual courses combining study and work.
Shortened courses
Institutions may exempt students with certain qualifications from part of a course. The curriculum is
determined by each institution individually.
Dual learning
Since the 1998/1999 academic year HBO institutions have been able to offer a dual learning variant for
all full-time courses. HBO institutions help to promote lifelong learning by allowing students to alternate
periods of study with paid work and by emphasising the connections between the two in all their
curricula.
Senior lectureships
In 2001 knowledge networks and senior lectureships ("lectoren") were introduced at HBO institutions.
These innovations are intended to bridge the gap between teaching and professional practise, thereby
enhancing the quality of teaching. These networks bring together HBO institutions, companies and
public sector organisations. They are also a source of research topics for the practice-based research
that is carried out in HBO institutions, which in turn, contributes to the development of professional
practice.
The 2004 evaluation showed that senior lectureships have a positive impact on HBO teaching. 270
senior lecturers have now been appointed in numerous fields. Over 4,500 people and nearly 1,900
small and medium-sized enterprises and public sector organisations are involved in the knowledge
networks. There will be another evaluation in 2008. A quality assurance system for senior lecturers and
practice-based research will be introduced in 2009.
University education
Study load
Under the new bachelor-master system, students first follow a three-year bachelor’s programme, then
carry on to do a one-year or two-year master’s programme. A student must obtain 60 credits for each
academic year (1 credit being equal to 28 hours of study). The study load for a bachelor’s programme
is 180 credits, and for a master’s programme usually 60 credits. Some master’s programmes have a
heavier study load:
teacher training (generally 60-120 credits);
medicine (180 credits);
pharmacy (180 credits);
veterinary medicine (180 credits);
philosophy of a particular discipline (120 credits)
some engineering and agricultural sciences courses (leading to the title of "ingenieur")(120
credits);
dentistry (120 credits; from 1 September 2007, 180 credits).
A bachelor’s programme primarily trains students in academic disciplines. They acquire skills and
specialised knowledge, as well as analytical ability. University education does not end with the
completion of the three-year bachelor’s phase, however. Graduates may opt to get a job after obtaining
their bachelor’s degree and then follow a master’s degree course later on, if they wish. Alternatively,
they may proceed directly to a master’s programme. It is only then that they start to specialise. The
master’s degree lays the foundation for an academic career, although many students go straight on to
the labour market after completing their master’s degree.
Dual learning
Dual learning programmes were enshrined in the law in 2001. They were designed in order to bring
university courses closer into line with the labour market, further the exchange of innovative knowledge
and prepare students better for the world of work. For instance, grade one teacher training courses
based at universities are now offered as dual learning programmes. Dual programmes
are expected mainly to provide an alternative for students taking master’s degrees.
Eurydice - the information network on education in Europe
Date: 2009
EN 
CS
DE
ES
FR
HU
IT
PL
PT
РУ
SK
TR
УК
AR
中文
