| Impact Internationalisation in Balance Act on international Bachelor in Psychology |
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Dear student,
Today, a press release was issued by the Universities of the Netherlands announcing that the international Bachelor in Psychology will, in due course, be phased out at the four universities located in the Randstad region (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Leiden University).
This measure is a direct consequence of the national Internationalisation in Balance Act (Wet Internationalisering in Balans – WIB). Like the other universities involved, the Executive Board of Leiden University feels compelled to take this step in light of national agreements. The decision was made by the Executive Board in consultation with the other Boards of the Universities of the Netherlands. The Faculty Board and the Executive Board of the Institute of Psychology were explicitly not involved in, nor responsible for, the decision to phase out the English-taught specialisation. Needless to say, this announcement comes as a blow to the Board, staff and students of the Institute of Psychology, as well as to the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.
Importance Social Sciences and Psychology
At the same time, the Executive Board of the university wishes to stress that this decision in no way diminishes the value the university places on the Social Sciences in general and on Psychology in particular. Especially in the current times, when social challenges are becoming increasingly complex and urgent, the role of social sciences is indispensable, and the Institute of Psychology is of immense value. The institute and the programme have an excellent (inter)national reputation and attract talented students from both the Netherlands and abroad.
No immediate consequences
We would like to emphasise that there will be no immediate changes to the International Bachelor in Psychology as it is currently offered. This specialisation will continue to exist in the coming years. Once no new students are admitted, the programme will be gradually phased out. Our guiding principle is that every student, even those who are still studying at that time, should be able to complete his or her programme fully and without undue stress with us.
Structuring the transition
In the coming period, we will work closely with all those involved – including student representatives – to determine how to best organise this transition. We will do so with careful attention to quality, individual study paths, and the preservation of a safe and resilient academic environment.
Questions or concerns
If you have any questions or concerns, please know that you are always welcome to contact our study advisers. They are there to support you.
As soon as there is more clarity on how the process will continue, we will of course inform you. For now, we mainly want to convey that we are committed to shaping this process with care and in close consultation with you, keeping your best interests at heart.
With kind regards,
on behalf of the Executive Board of the Institute of Psychology,
Hanneke Hulst, Scientific Director
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