Mission of the GSLS

The GSLS attracts highly qualified students (the right student for the right programme) from around the world.

• An evidence based and inclusive recruitment and selection process.

• An effective, transparent and uniform recruitment and admission procedure.

• Quality over quantity.

The GSLS has developed a high quality and future proof portfolio of Master’s programmes.

• A master curriculum with a clear Utrecht profile (strong connection to research, interdisciplinary character, flexibility, small-scale education).

• Master’s programmes matching scientific and societal needs (also including profiles and 1 year academic masters).

• Cooperation with selected external partners on blended learning and research projects (LERU and CHARM-EU partners, WUR/TUE alliance and Life sciences companies).

The GSLS offers training on research related skills according to the latest trends.

• Courses offering insights and skills in interdisciplinarity, scientific integrity, entrepeneurship and societal challenges.

The GSLS cultivates the talent and competences of students in line with the learning outcomes of the School and degrees.

• A Life Sciences Academy for generic skills; introduction week, career workshops and LS seminars.

• Online/blended courses to enhance personal competences.

• Varied and sufficient options for honours education.

The GSLS has increased the knowledge and awareness of the added value of diversity perspectives in education and science.

• Trainings for students and staff on inclusive education.

The GSLS has re-enforced guidance by a dedicated student support team.

• System for monitoring wellbeing of master students as a team effort.

• Tailor made trainings for students and staff on student wellbeing.

GSLS teachers and supervisors offer an excellent and safe learning environment for all students.

• Examiners holding at least a minimum teaching qualification (BKO).

• Trained staff on teaching and supervising in a diverse student population (USO project).

• An open feedback and assessment culture (sharing evaluation results, mutual feedback, transparent rubrics).

The GSLS provides clear regulations on responsibilities for teachers and supervisors of research projects and internships.

• Teachers and supervisors that are familiar with and comply to regulations and procedures of GSLS.

• An effective feedback and appreciation system for teaching and supervision tasks in yearly assessment interviews with faculty management.

The GSLS cultivates an educational environment of continuous innovation and education related research.

• Validated innovative teaching and learning approaches and learning spaces that match the needs of teachers and students of the future.

• Expansion of workshops and courses for teachers/supervisors (with partners such as O&T).

A research-based education environment.

• An structured doctoral training & education programme that flexibly meets the demands of the individual PhD candidate based upon the GSLS competence model.

• T-shaped doctoral education.

• Solid integration between research and education

The GSLS cultivates the talent and competences of PhD candidates in line with the UU doctoral regulations and GSLS PhD guidelines.

• A diverse and accessible portfolio of courses offered by the GSLS.

• A (self) assessment tool for PhD candidates to identify their (own) training & education needs.

• Visibility and appreciation of the training & educational record of the doctoral candidate during the process as well as in the product of the doctoral education.

• Definition of different career paths in the PhD Track.

• A programme for career orientation (career services).

• Regular assessment of PhD wellbeing and psychological support.

• Development of BKO track for PhD candidates

A safe and stimulating atmosphere, characterised by a coaching supervision style, accessibility, and mutual feedback.

• Clear responsibilities of the members of the supervisory team, the PhD candidate, the school, the research group and the institution.

• A programme for supervisors to further develop supervisory skills.

• A programme for PhD candidates to improve their interpersonal skills.

Clear assessment criteria for the PhD Track.

• Clear specification of the criteria for the doctoral thesis within the context of the UU regulations.

• Clear criteria for the process towards the doctoral thesis that enable timely completion of the doctoral thesis.

• Clear criteria for scientific and personal development of the PhD candidate.