For best experience please turn on javascript and use a modern browser!
You are using a browser that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade your browser. The site may not present itself correctly if you continue browsing.
Exchange Programme
Science

Courses

On this page:

Courses for exchange students

At the Faculty of Science students learn first-hand about the most recent research developments and experience the expertise, enthusiasm and passion with which lecturers practise their discipline. The Faculty's vision on teaching and learning strongly focuses on training students to use modern equipment and complex data analysis and to familiarise them with working in interdisciplinary teams. Our campus at Science Park is fully equipped for these purposes, featuring labs for practical training in a variety of disciplines. 

Below you can find more information on the course options for exchange students. 

  • Bachelor's (undergraduate) courses

    Bachelor's level courses are taught in Dutch and English. Exchange students need to be fluent in the language they wish to take the courses in. 

    To avoid timetable conflicts, the faculty recommends students take most of their courses from one study programme.

    Below you will find the standard entry requirements for each field of study. Please note that individual courses have additional entry requirements, which are listed in the course catalogue.

    NOTE for sem.2: There are fewer English taught courses offered in semester 2. If there is not a full semester load of courses offered in your study field, you can choose additional Interdisciplinary courses or courses in Scientific Programming, both at bachelor level (see below).

    • Artificial Intelligence – application possible for 3rd year students of AI (and related sciences), English taught courses in semester 1 only
    • Biology – application possible for 3rd year students of Biology, English taught courses in semester 1 only
    • Biomedical Sciences – application possible for 3rd year students of Biomedical Sciences (and related sciences), English taught courses in semester 1 only
    • Chemistry – application possible for 3rd year students of Chemistry
    • Computer/Information Sciences – application possible for 3rd year students of Computer/Information Science (and related sciences) 
    • Future Planet Studies – application possible for 2nd and 3rd year students of Environmental Studies (and related sciences)
    • Mathematics – application possible for 3rd year students of Mathematics
    • Physics and Astronomy – application possible for 3rd year students of Physics and Astronomy, most English taught courses are offered in semester 1
    • Psychobiology – application possible for 3rd year students with a Biology or Psychology background, English taught courses in semester 1 only
    • Science, Technology & Innovation – application possible for 3rd year students of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Computer/Information Sciences, Biology or Biomedical Sciences, course offered in semester 1 only

    The following fields are open to students from all study areas:

    • Interdisciplinary courses – application possible for students of all study areas
    • Courses in Scientific Programming – application possible for students with a Science background
  • Master's (graduate) courses

    All Faculty of Science Master's programmes are taught in English. Master's level courses are only open to students who will have obtained a bachelor degree or equivalent in the required field of study, before their exchange period. 

    Please note that some master programmes are (partially) restricted or not open for exchange students. More information on restrictions can be found below.

    To avoid timetable conflicts, the faculty recommends students take most of their courses from one study programme.

  • Dutch culture and language courses

    The University of Amsterdam offers various courses on the Dutch society, culture and/or language, for example the minor programme The Netherlands in Global Context, open to exchange students of all faculties. Faculty of Science exchange students can take one or two courses from this minor. For more information and courses go to the UvA Course Catalogue and search for the Minor: The Netherlands in Global Context.

    The Institute for Dutch Language Education (INTT) of the UvA offers extensive Dutch language courses (non-credit bearing) for international students at all levels: (absolute) beginners, intermediate and advanced.
    For more information on courses and fees please visit the website of INTT. Keep in mind that a  fee is required for  INTT courses, though exchange students pay a reduced fee. 

    NOTE: Please note that Dutch language courses offered in the Course catalogue are not open to Science exchange students. For language courses we refer you to INTT.

  • Restrictions


    General restrictions

    • Master’s courses are not open to bachelor/undergraduate exchange students.
    • It is not possible for students to hand in their final BSc-/MSc-/PhD-thesis at the host institution. Final theses need to be graded and supervised by the home institution.
    • Exchange students are expected to stay and study for the complete duration of the semester, minimum of 2 periods and 18 EC. It is not possible to arrive later than the start date of the semester.
    • It is not possible to attend courses as an auditor. Students must attend all sessions and participate actively in class discussions and presentations and are also required to take the exam(s).


    Programme specific restrictions

    Partially restricted:

    • Master programme Forensic Science 
    • Master programme Earth Sciences - it may therefore not be possible to obtain 30 EC of Earth Sciences courses in one semester
    • Master programme Artificial Intelligence - elective courses are open to exchange students, while mandatory courses are not (see Course Catalogue for details).

    Fully restricted:

    • Master programme Biomedical Sciences
    • Master programme Security and Network Engineering 
    • Courses offered by the Vrije Universiteit (VU), including courses taught at VU or where VU is listed as lecturer/coordinator
    • Courses taught at Amsterdam University College (AUC) 
    • Academic skills courses (e.g. Academic English, Teaching Skills, Professional Skills, etc.) 

Course catalogue

To view the courses, you have to search the UvA Course Catalogue > Programme: 'Exchange Programme Faculty of Science'. When applying for semester 1 next year, you can select the current academic year as the course catalogue for the next academic year is not yet available (is available in June). 

We cannot guarantee that all the courses in the current course catalogue will be taught in the next academic year, however most courses will be. You can enter the courses you want to enroll for in the application form. Make sure to check the Restrictions above before you select your courses. 

Academic calendar

The semester is divided into three blocks (periods): 8 weeks, 8 weeks, and 4 weeks. Courses can start at each of these blocks and will run for one or two blocks. Exams are at the end of each block or at the end of the semester. When selecting courses please note that you should divide your study load equally. For example, if you are selecting a standard study load of 30 EC per semester, you should select 12 EC in block 1, 12 EC in block 2 and 6 EC in block 3, as block 3 is the shortest period. 

As an exchange student, you are required to take between 24-30 EC per semester. We recommend taking no more than two courses per block. If you take courses only in blocks 1 and 2, you will typically complete 24 EC total. Taking more than two courses per block results in a heavier workload, so please plan accordingly.

Please note that you are required to be in Amsterdam when courses start. On the UvA academic calendar page you can verify the exact start date of your exchange semester. 

1st semester: September - January  block  duration ECs per semester
 September- October  1  8 weeks 12
 November - December  2  8 weeks 12
 January  3  4 weeks 6
 2nd semester: February - June      
 February - March  4  8 weeks 12
 April - May  5    8 weeks 12
 June  6  4 weeks  6

Teaching and assessment

The UvA places a strong emphasis on independent and critical thinking. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning, which means that a significant amount of self-study is required. Although students often find the academic environment challenging, they also find it rewarding.

The university applies a variety of teaching methods. Lectures are commonly used, as well as seminars where active participation and discussion are encouraged. Students are assessed in different ways, including written exams, essays, classroom presentations, group work and assignments.