Societal and business challenges are of all times. However, due to the rapid rise of digital technology, our society has become more and more complex. This means that there’s a huge demand for young, social professionals who understand today’s world and people, and who can find creative, sustainable solutions – whether it’s in politics, business, (mental) health care or the creative sector.
At the University of Twente, you can choose between multiple bachelor’s programmes in social science. So, despite being known as a technical university, you can study behaviour- and managerial degrees as well! But what are the differences between these bachelor’s programmes? And which one is perfect for you? We’ll explain it to you!
- Communication Science
- Management, Society & Technology
- International Business Administration
- Psychology
Communication Science
Communication is key – whether it’s about changing human behaviour, creating a brand, or combating fake news. As a student of the Bachelor’s in Communication Science, you will discover the importance of communication in daily life, society, businesses, brands, and technology. You’ll learn why and how technology (like social media and chatbots) alters human interactions, and how important good communication is to encourage people to use or purchase a certain technology, product or brand.
Our digital world is ever-changing, and so are our forms of communication. Therefore, we need social professionals who understand the complex relations between people, media, businesses and brands, and who can develop creative and unique communication strategies to strengthen them. As a graduate of Communication Science at the University of Twente, you’ll be that person. With your knowledge about marketing, behaviour, user experience, organisations and the newest technologies that form our interactions, you’ll have a future-proof basis to start working on the complex communication challenges of tomorrow.
Management, Society & Technology
Climate change, housing shortage, cybercrime, and migration flows – policymakers and politicians are facing complex societal challenges these days. In the Bachelor’s in Management, Society & Technology (Public Administration), you’ll learn to understand the challenges of our modern society and develop sustainable policies for a better world. You’ll research how upcoming technologies – like artificial intelligence – change our society and to what extent current legislation is inadequate: you will be at the forefront of new policies for challenges that did not exist years ago.
During this study, you’ll not only become an expert in public administration, but you’ll also become familiar with the newest technologies and their effects on society. A future-proof combination, because we’re in the midst of a digital revolution with unprecedented effects – just like what was the case during the Second Industrial Revolution more than 100 years ago. Does this sound interesting? And do you see yourself working on these complex challenges? Then Management, Society & Technology is the right choice for you!
International Business Administration
Do you have an eye for business? And are you interested in the ins and outs of running a company in our digital world? Then the Bachelor’s in International Business Administration is perfect for you! In this Bachelor’s, you learn how to make companies more successful, sustainable and efficient in a way that is responsible, with an eye for people and the planet. You will become an expert in business strategies, marketing, finances, and management, and gain international experience – because modern companies do not adhere to national borders!
After following this Bachelor’s, you will be familiar with the financial, legal, administrative and managerial aspects of business management, making you fully equipped to run a successful business or start one yourself! Wherever in the world you want to work, as a graduate business expert you’ll have plenty of opportunities.
Psychology
Human behaviour is complex. How does someone develop depression or an anxiety disorder, for example? Why is one person more susceptible to addiction than another? And how do you change behaviour? In the Bachelor’s in Psychology, you dive into all these questions – and more! Within psychology, modern technology brings about both challenges and solutions. For example, on the one hand, social media can harm one’s self-esteem, but on the other hand, an e-health app may help someone quit smoking. That’s why in this Bachelor’s, you’ll learn how to use psychological knowledge to help people live happier, more resilient lives in a digital world.
This means that you will not only become an expert in classic psychology, but you’ll also understand exactly how the challenges of today’s world can mentally impact people. So, whether you want to personally help people as a licensed psychologist or want to develop (technical) interventions to change behaviour; you’ll have plenty of possibilities! If you’re interested in human behaviour and mental health, this Bachelor’s is the right choice for you.
The next step: are you admissible?
After exploring your options, you are ready to make your study choice. Therefore, it's important to know the admission criteria for the studies of your interest, which you can find on their website. Keep in mind that the Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Twente has a numerus fixus, meaning that there are limited spots available and there’s a specific selection procedure. Do you want to participate in the selection process? Then sign up before 15 January.
Still unsure about what study programme suits you best? Visit the University of Twente! Attend an Open Day or plan an online meet-up with a student to experience a study firsthand. Read the information online, explore different study programmes and make your choice based on these experiences. Whatever you decide to study in the end, with proper preparation, you’ll most certainly make the right choice!
