The Hague University of Applied Sciences

The Hague University of Applied Sciences

De Haagse Hogeschool
File:The Hague University.png The Hague University of Applied Sciences logo
Motto	Developing Talent, Commitment, Experience
Type	University of Applied Sciences
Established	1987 (1987)
Academic staff	1,947
Students	25,206
Location	The Hague, Zoetermeer, Delft , South Holland , Netherlands
Campus	Multiple campuses
Colours	Olive
Website	www.thehagueuniversity.com

The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Dutch: De Haagse Hogeschool) is a university of applied sciences and community higher professional education institute with its campuses located in and around The Hague in the Randstad metropolitan region in the southern Netherlands. The city is the Dutch seat of government and home to many major international legal, security and peace institutions. Since the university was founded in 1987 it has expanded to four campuses in the near-side cities of The Hague, Delft and Zoetermeer. The main campus in The Hague is located behind The Hague Hollands Spoor railway station by the Laakhaven Canal.

The institution is made up of 14 academies. Bachelor’s degrees are the institution’s core business with 42 full-time undergraduate degrees, 21 part-time (nine taught in English) and 10 dual bachelors courses. The university also offers nine master's degrees (three taught in English) and currently teaches around 23,400 students. Degrees fall into six main fields of interest including technology, innovation and society, public administration, law and security, management and organization, ICT and media, health and sport, economy and finance and welfare and education.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences is known for the international characteristic of its student population with around 146 nationalities represented on campus. It operates partnerships with companies, public bodies and other organisations in the Haaglanden region, as well as international institutions. The university also offers English proficiency training through its English Language Preparatory School, work placements and international exchanges as part of its international remit. Research activity is high with a range of postgraduate and continuing professional education courses.

History

The Hague University of Applied Sciences was formed as the result of a merger of 14 smaller institutions of higher professional education on 1 September 1987. Technische Hogeschool Rijswijk (TH Rijswijk) later merged with the institution in 2003 and was relocated to the Delft campus in 2009. The main campus in The Hague was finished in 1996. The 82,000 square metre site was designed by architects Atelier Pro and took from 1990 to 1996 to complete. The campus is designed with several teaching wings with classrooms and laboratories spanning out from an oval shape atrium.

Campuses

The Hague University of Applied Sciences is divided into four campuses. The main campus is located in The Hague with satellite campuses in Delft, Laan van Poot and Zoetermeer. A new sports orientated campus, Zuiderpark Sports Campus, is scheduled to open in 2016 on the site of ADO Den Haag football stadium in The Hague.

Laakhaven

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Laakhaven, the central campus in The Hague.

The main campus building was completed in 1996 and is located on Johanna Westerdijkplein in The Hague next to Hollands Spoor railway station and the Laakhaven Canal. The design includes the central glass atrium main hall, offices, laboratories and classrooms. The main campus also includes offices central to the university's administration such as the Enrolment Centre which processes applications, registrations and tuition fees, the International Office which takes care of all non-academic student matters relating to English courses, exchanges and internships and the Student Affairs Office which looks after student welfare.

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Stephan Balkenhol’s tree trunk – height: 10.43 m, weight: 2100 kilo.

The Central Library stores magazines, dissertations and electronic data resources and has 400 study areas, many with PCs and Internet connections. Other facilities include a fitness centre and sports hall, a central ICT service desk providing scanning, printing and audio-visual equipment, a health centre, a main restaurant and several departmental cafés serving snacks.

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  The glass ceiling of the atrium hall

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  A boxing tournament in the atrium

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  The auditorium

Delft

The Hague University of Applied Sciences’ building on the Delft University of Technology campus opened in 2009. The Delft campus, venue for the Technology, Innovation and Society Academy, offers seven degrees taught in Dutch including Mathematics and Applications, Electrical Engineering, Project Leader in Engineering (associate degree), Industrial Engineering and Management, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics.

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  The model of Delft Campus

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  The Delft Campus

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  EPC: 33% of the legal standard

Laan van Poot

The Laan van Poot Campus, home of the Sport Studies Academy, is located in the Vogelwijk district of The Hague known for its access to North Sea beaches and sand dunes. Two bachelor's degrees are taught here including the Physical Education Teacher Training Programme (known as HALO) and Sport Management.

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A new sports and education complex, the Zuiderpark Sports Campus, is scheduled to open in 2016 at Zuiderpark on the site of the old ADO Den Haag football stadium. The complex is a joint venture between The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the municipality of The Hague and Vestia housing association. The Hague University of Applied Sciences' Physical Education Teacher Training (HALO) and Sport Management bachelor's degrees will be taught here as well as the senior secondary vocational level (MBO) Sport and Exercise course offered by the ROC Mondriaan Regional Training Centre. The complex will also include a sports hall, gymnasia, a ballroom and beach volleyball facilities.

Zoetermeer

The Hague University of Applied Sciences established its Faculty of IT & Design in Zoetermeer, a city in the western Netherlands close to The Hague in 2003, tapping into the city’s business community. In 2013 the faculty moved to the Dutch Innovation Factory, which is part of the Dutch Tech Campus. Three bachelor's degrees are taught here in Dutch: Computer Science, Business IT and Management and Information Security Management.

Organisation and Administration

An executive board and a supervisory board govern The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The executive board is supported by service departments and an executive office support. Study programmes are grouped within academies, which are led by directors. The university also runs several research groups.

There are two types of universities in Dutch higher education: traditional research universities and universities of applied sciences. The Hague University of Applied Sciences falls under the latter category. Research universities are mainly responsible for offering research-oriented courses, whereas universities of applied sciences offer courses that focus on the practical application of arts and sciences with a focus on training and career preparation.

As of 31 December 2012, The Hague University of Applied Sciences employed a workforce of over 1,932 people, of which 65 per cent are employed as educators and 35 per cent in supporting services. The number of staff members has increased in proportion to the growing number of students. Since 2011 there has been an increase of 63 staff members.

Of the teaching staff, 73.7 per cent have a master's degree and five per cent have a PhD. In 2009, The Hague University of Applied Sciences introduced a policy whereby lecturers are only granted a permanent contract if they have a master's degree and have acquired extra skills on top of a basic teaching qualification.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences operates an 'internationalisation' policy to ensure that students obtain international competencies during their studies. Courses are structured to ensure that students can spend time abroad for studies, attend internships or summer school and take courses in a culturally diverse classroom taught by international guest lecturers.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences runs student exchange programmes in collaboration with around 300 international partners.

Faculties

The Dutch higher education system allows students to obtain a bachelor's degree on successful completion of an undergraduate phase, and a master's degree after passing the graduate phase. Bachelor's degrees at The Hague University of Applied Sciences take three or four years of full-time study and require 240 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. One ECTS credit represents 28 hours of full-time study and the study/work load for one academic year accounts for 60 credits.

The Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) validates study programmes offered by Dutch universities. All international bachelors and masters programmes offered by The Hague University of Applied Sciences are recognised by NVAO.

EU and non-EU students must pay tuition fees for bachelor's and master's degrees and finance their living arrangements. There are a number of loans, grants and scholarships available, including The Hague University of Applied Sciences' World Citizen Scholarship.

The academic year at The Hague University of Applied Sciences starts in September and ends in mid-July. Each academic year is split into two semesters, which are divided into two half terms of six weeks, with a week’s break in between. There is a six-week summer holiday and two-week Christmas break. Other breaks fall in February/March, May and October.

The university is organised into 7 Faculties:

• Faculty of Business, Finance & Marketing
• Faculty Public Management, Law & Safety
• Faculty of Health, Nutrition & Sport
• Faculty of IT & Design
• Faculty of Management & Organisation
• Faculty of Social Work & Education
• Faculty of Technology, Innovation & Society

Student Body

The Hague University of Applied Sciences saw a substantial increase in student numbers in 2012, with a student body totalling around 23,400. This represents an increase of more than two per cent from 2011, when a total of just over 22,900 students were enrolled. Enrollment in full-time courses grew by five per cent full-time and on dual programmes by six per cent.

In 2012 nearly half of the students were enrolled in economic courses and just over a quarter were enrolled in technology programmes. The Hague University of Applied Sciences' education and healthcare domains attracted eight and six per cent respectively. Approximately 13 per cent of students were enrolled in behaviour and society themed courses. International and European Law was the most highly subscribed course in 2012, with around 1,600 students, followed by European Studies, with almost 1,300 students. Around 13 per cent of students followed an English-taught programme in 2012.

Bachelors Degrees

As of 2012, The Hague University of Applied Sciences offered 42 full-time bachelor's degree programmes in the fields of economics, healthcare, behaviour and society, information technology, education and technology.

The university also offers nine international bachelor's degrees taught in English: Industrial Design Engineering, Process and Food Technology, International and European Law, Safety and Security Management Studies, European Studies, International Communication Management, International Public Management, International Business and Management studies and International Financial Management and Control. Three are available as three year, fast-track curriculum and the other seven are four year courses.

Students require the equivalent of a Dutch system HAVO or VWO diploma to apply for a bachelors, the equivalent of a US high school diploma. The International or French Baccalaureate, German Abitur and UK A-levels are acceptable qualifications for three-year programmes. Other diplomas may also be accepted and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates who do not have a relevant international qualification can qualify for four years bachelors programmes by taking the 21+ Admission Test. To be eligible students must be at least 21 years old on 30 September 2013, be a citizen of Switzerland or a European Union or European Economic Area country and have a valid entry visa and residence permit.

Masters Degrees

The Hague University of Applied Sciences offers several masters degrees and professional courses.

Since 2004, the university has offered masters courses run by the Academy for Masters and Professional Courses (MPC) to ensure higher professional education for career development. In 2012, the academy offered seven master's degrees, of which two were organised in collaboration with the Open University.

MPC currently runs three international masters programmes taught in English: Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Masters in International Communication Management (MICM) and Master of Financial Management and Control (Formerly Master Accounting and Control). These programmes enrol students from the Netherlands and abroad.

In addition MPC offered 27 professional courses in 2012. This included courses varying from four days to a year.

The entry requirements for masters vary according to the course. Applicants must be aged 22 or older. The Masters in Accounting and Control (MAAC) requires a minimum of two years relevant work experience and a business-related degree from a recognised university. Masters in Business Administration (MBA) applicants need a minimum of two year’s relevant work experience, or a business degree or certificate from a recognized university or academic institution. Masters in International Communication Management (MICM) entrants must have a recognised bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years’ work experience in communications.

International Exchanges

The Hague University of Applied Sciences welcomes around 400 exchange students from 40 nationalities on international exchanges yearly. Exchanges with universities in EU member states fall under the Erasmus programme.

English Academic Preparation Course

The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THU) offers six-month or one year English Academic Preparation courses (Prep School) to improve English skills and prepare students for life in the Netherlands. This concludes with an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam to access further courses.

Research

The Hague University of Applied Sciences carries out practice-based research via research group leaders and their kenniskringen, or knowledge networks. Research projects, often multidisciplinary, are determined by relevant issues from professional practice. The institution uses the new knowledge and insights generated by this research to update its teaching.

As of 1 January 2012, The Hague University of Applied Sciences had a total of 21 research groups, six of which are classed as 'special' research groups, established in collaboration with external partners. The research groups were grouped into six categories in 2012: global citizenship, public administration and urban environments; economics, leadership and entrepreneurship; quality of life; from education institution to knowledge institution; the new world and (physical) technology.

In 2011 research groups at the institution organised more than three hundred lectures, seminars and conferences for both internal and external participants.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences uses a quality assurance system to assess its research. An independent, external committee assesses the research group categories once every four to six years. The quality assurance system is validated every six years by a national validation committee for research quality assurance (VKO). The quality assurance system at The Hague University of Applied Sciences received a positive validation in 2010.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences and its research group leaders also provide research methodology courses though the Academy for Masters and Professional Courses.

Student Life

The Hague University of Applied Sciences is located in The Hague, which offers cultural attractions for students such as the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, Mauritshuis gallery and the Peace Palace, as well as many music venues and theatres. The city is close to Scheveningen’s beaches, boasts green spaces like Haagse Bos and Scheveningse Bosjes and hosts the Parkpop music festival every year in June.

The city is home to many important international organisations and global companies. The Hague is known as the International City of Peace, Justice and Security and is home to around 131 international institutes and 80 justice organisations. International institutions include the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, Europol and the International Criminal Court. Multinational companies and organisations, including Shell, Siemens and T-Mobile are also located in The Hague.

Residential Life

The Hague University of Applied Sciences does not have student accommodation on campus. The university works with the student letting agency, DUWO, to supply rooms and apartments to students. DUWO supplies around 400 rooms and apartments to international students in The Hague. The rent for DUWO accommodation (known as Short Stay Housing) includes utility costs, Internet access and local taxes. All rooms are completely furnished with a bed, bed linen, a cupboard, a desk, a chair and kitchen utensils. All DUWO rooms are located in The Hague, around five to 20 minutes from the university campus. Many rooms are single rooms with shared facilities. The buildings have mixed occupancy, so men and women live together, unless specified otherwise. Shared rooms are always shared with a student of the same gender.

Groups and Activities

There are a number of student organisations run by The Hague University of Applied Sciences and concentrated in The Hague.

The Hague Student Union supports students in The Hague in areas such as housing, education and international issues. They run several debates a year.

The Foreign Student Service (FSS) is a national organisation for foreign students in the Netherlands or those planning to study there. It provides services such as study and residence information, publications including a monthly newsletter, help finding accommodation and social activities.

Organisations improving contact between international students include Interaccess and Erasmus Student Network (ESN). Interaccess organises speakers, presentations, festivals and debates and weekend social activities. ESN is one of the biggest student bodies in Europe with 12,000 members in 36 countries.

There are several student social groups in The Hague including the Haagsche Studenten Vereeniging (HSV), which runs the social club, Sociëteit Megara. HSV is a social group for students from The Hague, Delft, Leiden and Rotterdam organising social activities, sports, meals, society evenings, galas and parties. ACKU offers courses and theatre tickets and organises pub-crawls, concerts, exhibitions and films events.

The Hague Model United Nations Society is a student organisation, which simulates United Nations debates. Students discuss important and current issues in the international arena.

There are several student bodies covering areas of specific cultural and religious interest. HSFN is an organisation for Hindu students and students interested in Hinduism. Students interested in Indian and Pakistani culture and the Islamic religion can join Mashriq SV. EurasiaSV organises activities and events for students who come from Turkey or are interested in countries, culture and people. Christians and non-Christians can join Navigators Studentenvereniging Den Haag (NSDH) which runs parties, social events and weekly bible studies.

Musical societies include the Haags Studenten Symfonie Orkest. Rehearsals take place at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and students from any institution can join.

Sports

The Hague University of Applied Sciences Sports Office organises a range of sporting activities. Students can purchase a sports and fitness card to use the sporting facilities and join classes. Sports and classes are available for members including aerobics, capoeira, golf, lacrosse, rowing, swimming, tennis, Yoga and Zumba.

The university runs a number of internal leagues in its sports hall in disciplines such as badminton, basketball, table tennis, volleyball and indoor soccer.

The Hague offers some sports orientated clubs and organisations for students, like INTAC, which organises hockey, sailing trips and skiing and the rowing club Pelargos. The Hague University of Applied Sciences has its own sailing club, Team Haagse Hogeschool, which races to the UK every year against other university teams in the Netherlands.

External links

• (English) Official website
• (Dutch) Official website