Erasmus University College

B.Sc. Social and Behavioural Sciences (Liberal Arts and Sciences)

Erasmus University College is ideal for students who:
• Enjoy a small, close-knit community
• Have multiple interests or would like to combine disciplines
• Appreciate international settings
• Are motivated and independent learners
• Seek a challenging academic environment

Courses Included

• Personality Psychology
• International Organizations and the EU as an International Actor
• Understanding Politics
• Gender Studies
• International Economics
• Organisational Behaviour

Social & Behavioural Sciences Majors

Sociology

The major of Sociology prepares students to be future analysts of contemporary societies. Sociology helps you to both understand and change the world you live in. The study of sociology links together the social, economic, political, cultural and ecological aspects of a changing global society. Processes such as urbanisation, globalisation, individualisation, the increasing salience of new media, and modernisation in general have had profound impacts on both people and places. Classical sociological themes such as social inequality, social cohesion and identity are introduced with a diverse range of concrete issues, and their main themes are reviewed and assessed with empirical research. Graduates with a major in sociology are capable of applying their knowledge to relate everyday situations – in organisations, families, or society in general – to broader social structures and developments, thereby contributing invaluable insights into the workings of society.

Mandatory courses at 200 level (25 EC):

• Highlights of Sociology
• Urban Sociology
• Qualitative Research through Interviewing
• Intermediate Statistics I
• Gender Studies

Mandatory courses at 300 level (10 EC)

• Individualisation & Globalisation
• A Global View on Migration

Additionally, choose 25 EC in courses of which at least 10 EC at 300 level:

• Politics of Public Policy (200 level)
• Understanding Politics (200 level)
• International Organisations & EU as International Actor (200 level)
• Critical Theory (HUM) (200 level)
• Late Modernity (200 level)
• Feminist Philosophy (HUM) (300 level)
• Philosophy of Media: Beyond the Image (HUM) (300 level)
• Post-Colonial Theory (300 level)
• Middle East Politics (300 level)
• Governing Healthy Cities (300 level)
• EUR minor approved by the Head of the Social & Behavioural Sciences Department (15 EC)
• Off-campus/exchange courses approved by the Head of the Social & Behavioural Sciences Department and the Examination Board (200 / 300 level)

The major Sociology needs to be concluded with a Capstone of 15 EC.

Psychology

The major Psychology introduces students to the fascinating world of human behaviour: why do we behave as we do? In this major, you will learn how to use scientific findings and psychological methods to understand and analyse human behaviour, cognitions and emotions, and how to apply these findings and methods to help people improve their behaviour, cognitions, and emotions. This scientific knowledge can be applied but is not limited to, the fields of work, sport, law and physical or mental health. The major Psychology offers courses in basic or fundamental psychology (e.g., cognitive and personality psychology) and applied psychology (e.g. clinical, developmental and health psychology). In addition, a major in Psychology provides students with the basic interpersonal skills and tools to assess clients’ behaviour and needs. It furthermore develops students’ statistical knowledge to be able to conduct research in psychology and related fields, and it helps students to develop their scientific writing skills.

Students who major in this programme can follow a master's programme in the various fields of psychology and pedagogy or in health sciences.

Mandatory courses at 200 level (35 EC)

• Personality Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Qualitative Research through Interviewing
• Intermediate Statistics I
• Intermediate Statistics II
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Mandatory courses at 300 level (15 EC)

• Clinical Communication Skills
• Psychodiagnostics: Psychological Testing & Assessment
• Health Psychology

Additionally, choose 10 EC of which at least 5 EC at 300 level from:

• Behavioural Economics (200 level)
• Leadership Studies** (200 level)
• Organisational Behaviour (ECB)** (200 level)
• Legal Psychology (300 level)
• Governing Healthy Cities (300 level)
• Cognitive Neuroscience (LSC)* (300 level)
• Genes, Brain & Society (LSC)* (300 levels)
• HR Management (300 level)
• EUR minor approved by the Head of the Social & Behavioural Sciences Department
• Off-campus/exchange courses approved by the Head of the Social & Behavioural Sciences Department and the Examination Board (200 / 300 level)

* If you wish to follow the master's programme Clinical Psychology or Brain & Cognition at the EUR, the courses Cognitive Neuroscience (LSC305) and Genes, Brain & Society (LSC309) are recommended.

** If you wish to follow the master programme Positive Organisational Psychology at the EUR, the courses Leadership Studies (ECB206) and Organisational Theory (ECB202) are mandatory.

The major Psychology needs to be concluded with a Capstone of 15 EC.

International Law

Major International Law The International Law Major provides students with tools to understand the workings of the global legal system and its relations with the social and political environment surrounding us. The courses are designed to show the students – within an interdisciplinary environment – that whatever they see around them has a legal aspect. Every political, social, natural or economic process has a legal aspect, which may be driving that process or maybe constrained/motivated by that process.

The aim is to prepare students for masters of International or EU Law (or other masters programmes in which a solid basis of law is required) at top universities in the Netherlands and the world.

Mandatory courses at 200 level (35 EC):

• Introduction to Law
• Public International Law
• European Union Law
• International Human Rights Law
• Qualitative Research through Interviewing
• International Organizations and the EU as an International Actor
• International Dispute Settlement

Mandatory courses at 300 level (10 EC):

• International Criminal Law
• Narratives of Law & Justice

Additionally, choose 15 EC in courses of which at least 10 EC at 300 level:

• International Relations (200 level)
• Understanding Politics (200 level)
• Politics of Public Policy (200 level)
• International Law in Practice: Moot Court (200 level)
• International Environmental & Energy Law (300 level)
• Legal Psychology (300 level)
• Individualisation & Globalisation (300 level)
• Conflict resolution (300 level)
• Global Governance & Diplomacy (300 level)
• A Global view on migration (300 level)
• Global Regimes: Trade, Health & Power (300 level)
• European Integration (300 level)
• EUR Minor / off-campus/exchange courses approved by the Head of the Social & Behavioural Sciences Department and the Examination Board

The Major International Law needs to be concluded with a Capstone of 15 EC.

Political Science & International Relations

The major in Political Science & International Relations (POLIR) introduces you to the dynamic world of politics.

POLIR offers an interdisciplinary perspective on politics and world affairs by focusing on how states, non-state actors, social movements, and international organisations are organised and interact in the 21st century. The major will familiarise you with the main sub-fields within Political Science: Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, and Political Philosophy. Furthermore, POLIR will raise your sensibility to both Western as well as non-Western perspectives, and equip you with essential analytical tools to develop yourself into a critical world citizen and contribute to making social change.

Within the major, you will develop research, writing, and communication skills to analyse political behaviour and processes across national and international arenas. A diverse range of assessment methods will allow you to develop skills in policy analysis, data visualisation, negotiation, and news literacy. A wide range of elective courses allows you to combine critical and empirical approaches in order to tailor your own curriculum. This diversity reflects the various ways one can engage with political issues.

Critical insight into politics and international affairs is a useful asset in a wide range of careers, from government, diplomacy, academia, advocacy, and business to journalism. POLIR is thus a versatile major that helps you prepare for a variety of postgraduate programmes in and outside the Netherlands.

After EUC

1. Postgraduate studies

EUC, being part of Erasmus University, offers the opportunity to easily transition into Master’s programs at Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam School of Management, or Erasmus School of Economics after graduation, based on the courses you choose.

Our graduates have also been accepted into Master programmes at universities such as: Bocconi University, King's College London, London School of Economics, Oxford University, Sciences Po Paris, University of Edinburgh and Utrecht University.

2. Career opportunities

You can also choose a career in the corporate world, public organizations, or even start your own venture. Employers value our graduates for their critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, research skills, and cultural awareness. These are the most common career paths of our alumni:

Top 5 work fields:

• Research
• Tech/IT
• Government
• Education
• Financial services

Top 5 positions:

• Consultant
• Researcher
• Manager
• Marketeer
• Policy advisor