Deep-down Physics with the flavour of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Imagine studying at University College Utrecht and at the Department of Physics of Utrecht University at the same time. Yes, it is possible. The Double Degree in Physics and Liberal Arts & Sciences provides students with solid knowledge of Physics, while also offering them broad interdisciplinary skills in a true Liberal Arts & Sciences tradition.
The Double Degree program is born out of need in today’s society for academics who have the capacity to combine the skills within a discipline with a broader approach that helps them to apply their knowledge wider than in traditional science. Double Degree in Physics and Liberal Arts & Sciences is University College Utrecht’s second double degree programme after Law.
Paul Moses, a fifth semester Double Degree student from South Africa, reflects on his choice for the programme: “I chose University College Utrecht for its interdisciplinary liberal arts programme. I had an interest in physics and chemistry and I did not want to have to choose one over the other. The programme allows me to study a broad variety of subjects, such as Chemistry, Philosophy, or sustainability, through the University College liberal arts programme while also allowing me to complete a bachelor in Physics at Utrecht University.”
More solid academic foundation
As the Double Degree programme is more extended than a regular University College study or a Bachelor study at the university, students have an extra fourth year to complete all required courses plus the graduation thesis.
Paul Moses: “The programme has been a good experience. I have enjoyed studying a variety of subjects at University College. The physics courses offered at the Physics Department of Utrecht University have also given me access to a broader range of physics topics that are not offered at University College. This way, I hope to obtain sufficient skills to pursue a physics Master's programme. At the same time, I hope to learn about concepts and ideas from other disciplines that I can integrate into my studies, to give me a broader and a more solid academic foundation.”
Double degree, double skills
Also the programme coordinator Dr Filipe Freire sees the evident benefits: “Physics embraces every aspect of our lives, and has been an agent of international cooperation, integration and development. The introduction of this Double Degree programme is very timely given the complexity of societal and environmental challenges we face today.”
With still 1.5 years to go, Paul Moses envisages his future options as a true Liberal Arts & Sciences student; that is: with an open mind and embracing the full scope of possibilities. “After graduating I hope to pursue a Master's degree in the Netherlands,” he says. “I am still undecided whether I want to do a Master's in a specialised field of physics or a broader Master's in energy and sustainability; at least I know that with the skills obtained through the Double Degree programme, I am able to apply for either.”