A large part of the Keuzegids score is based on the findings of the Nationale Studenten Enquête (NSE), an annual survey that asks students to evaluate their degree programme. According to the guide, the Law programme’s main problems lie with its facilities, examination procedures and students’ academic development. Three Law students share their views on the disappointing evaluation.
Wessel van de Sande (20), second-year student
How do you like the programme so far?
“Up till now, I’ve found it enjoyable and interesting. The first year was quite stressful – particularly because I didn’t start too well. My results during the first few months wouldn’t have earned me a pass score. Once I had made up for them, I felt a lot less stress and the workload became manageable.”
Why do you think the programme scored as poorly as it did?
“Of course, I think one of the reasons is that EUR is pretty strict when it comes to its 60-credit norm, on top of which they really throw you in at the deep end. There is very little ‘face time’ and you’re expected to do a lot on your own. Some students take a bit longer getting used to this than others, and it can cause some issues. On top of which you only have one examination per subject, so each time round it’s basically win or lose.”
What’s your view on the problems highlighted by the Keuzegids?
“In my opinion, the examination process isn’t that big of an issue. You know what you’re expected to deliver and you simply have to adapt your planning to this. One thing that does occur occasionally is that an examination is a lot harder than they led you to believe. A lecturer may say a practice exam is representative of what you can expect during the actual examination, and then it turns out to be a lot more complicated. That was the case with the Introduction to Criminal Law, for instance. In terms of facilities, our faculty is fine enough. The only thing is: a lot of students from other faculties grab a seat in the Law study areas, and as a result, our study landscape is often crowded. Maybe the university should introduce some kind of scanning system that authorises students to access their own faculty landscapes – with the University Library remaining open to the entire student body.
Do you agree with the low score?
“I don’t think it’s justified. When you enrol in a programme at EUR, you know what to expect. This is also clearly communicated during open days and in the university brochures. You need to put in a lot more work than you did in secondary school, and some people adjust easier to this than others. It’s true that facilities are regularly crowded, but you can also deal with that problem by starting earlier, for example, or finding an alternative. Apart from that, I’m generally satisfied with the academic level of the lectures, as well as the assignments we’re expected to work on during seminars.”
Daniël Veltkamp (19), first-year student
How do you like the programme so far?
“I’m very satisfied. I chose this programme because I really wanted to study Law, so I knew what I was getting into. Like any programme, you may have more affinity with one subject than the next. But you’ll just have to grin and bear it.”
Why do you think the programme scored as poorly as it did?
“I believe the organisation occasionally leaves something to be desired. You’re really left to your own devices. Particularly in the first week of exams, this can be quite daunting. You basically have no idea what to expect in your first year, and this could definitely be improved.”
What’s your view on the problems highlighted in the Keuzegids?
“They haven’t bothered me that much personally. The Law landscape is often very busy of course, because other students are also allowed to use our facilities. There’s room for improvement there. As far as examinations are concerned, I think that’s something you have to get used to as a student.”
Do you agree with the low score?
“I don’t. You have points for improvement in any degree programme, but this score makes it look like a very poor programme. So far, I haven’t seen this at all. Sure, we could definitely do with a few more study areas, that’s a fact. And I think the lectures could be aligned more effectively with what’s dealt with in the seminars. But no university is perfect.”
Anissa Tahtah (20), first-year student
How do you like the programme so far?
“No complaints so far. I was looking forward to reading Law, and so far the programme has met my expectations.”
Why do you think the programme scored as poorly as it did?
“I don’t understand why the programme achieved such low marks. My personal impression is that everything here runs pretty smoothly. There aren’t that many things I could think of that are really as horrible as the score seems to suggest.”
What’s your view on the problems highlighted in the Keuzegids?
I’m not exactly sure what they mean by academic development, but in my opinion, the programme doesn’t lack academic substance. And as far as examinations are concerned, I think it’s different each time round. You’ll do better on some exams than others – this depends on the lecturer, the questions and lots of other factors besides the degree programme in general. And personally I’ve never been bothered by a lack of facilities.”
Do you agree with the low score?
“Absolutely not. It’s a fine programme – although of course, there’s always room for improvement. Personally I’m not too thrilled about the internationalisation, which stands to reason since it’s a Dutch-language programme. And I think it’s a shame we don’t have a compulsory internship. It would be nice if the programme could help you get a foot in the door – to gain some practical experience. Apart from that, it’s very simple to me: if you choose this study, you know what to expect.”
