Connect four: bachelor mathematics labelled excellent for the fourth time
For the fourth time in a row, the Dutch University Selection Guide labelled the Leiden bachelor’s programme Mathematics as ‘Excellent’. Director of education Floske Spieksma: ‘Together we make this programme a success. It is good to see that our efforts are rewarded again.’
Good appreciation
Leiden scored 76 out of 100 points and is therefore the only Dutch mathematics bachelor labelled as 'Top Programme'. Both experts and students praise the programme on various points. The Leiden students are enthusiastic about the level of the material, the stimulating education and the expertise of the teachers. But also the testing methods, practical orientation, facilities and the feasibility of the programme are assessed better than average. The students only assess the acquisition of scientific training as below average, but in this respect, almost all mathematics programmes still have to make improvements.
Joint efforts
Director of education Floske Spieksma thinks it is fantastic that the programme has been awarded the quality mark for the fourth year in a row. ‘We are constantly striving to maintain the level of our education and to keep the programme viable, despite the increasing number of students. It is good to see that these efforts are being rewarded.’
According to Spieksma, the success of the programme can mainly be explained by the dedicated student advisors, a lot of room for choice in the programme and the relationship between teachers and students. ‘Working based on trust is important for both teachers and students. Together they make the course to the success it is. Because of the close contact between the two parties, bottlenecks quickly emerge and we can look for the best solution in consultation.’ The Dutch language also contributes to the success, according to Spieksma. ‘We find it more effective to teach the subtleties of mathematical formalisms in the mother tongue, especially for first- and second-year students.’
The University Selection Guide 2020 (Keuzegids Universiteiten 2020) compares the bachelor's programmes of all universities in the Netherlands. When assessing the programmes, the makers of the guide base themselves on the opinions of students from the National Student Survey and on those of specialists from the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation.