Dutch (teacher training)

The Bachelor's degree in Primary Education at the University of Groningen prepares students for a rewarding career in teaching young children in primary schools. This programme is designed to equip future educators with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to foster a positive learning environment and support the developmental needs of children from diverse backgrounds. Throughout the three-year course, students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical foundations in pedagogy, child development, and educational psychology with practical teaching experiences. The programme emphasizes active learning, critical thinking, and innovative teaching methods to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic challenges of primary education.

Students will study core subjects such as literacy, numeracy, social studies, and science, along with courses on inclusive education and classroom management. The programme encourages reflection on pedagogical practices and promotes a student-centered approach, enabling future teachers to adapt their teaching styles to meet individual learning needs. Practical training is integrated throughout the programme, with teaching internships scheduled during the third year, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real classroom settings under supervision.

The University of Groningen's primary education programme also emphasizes international perspectives on education, encouraging students to consider diverse cultural contexts and inclusive teaching strategies. Modern technology and digital resources are incorporated into the coursework to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement. Graduates of this programme will be eligible to register as primary school teachers in the Netherlands and other countries, depending on accreditation and additional requirements. The programme's goal is to develop competent, compassionate, and innovative educators who can inspire lifelong learning in children and contribute positively to the education sector. With a strong focus on research-informed teaching and community engagement, students are prepared not only to teach but also to be active participants in educational development and policy discussions.

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Teacher Training at the University of Groningen is designed to prepare students for a professional career in education, focusing on the development of essential pedagogical skills, subject knowledge, and educational theory. This comprehensive programme offers a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical insights with practical teaching experiences, enabling students to become confident and competent educators who can inspire and support learners in diverse educational settings.

Throughout the programme, students engage in a wide range of courses covering core topics such as child and adolescent development, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation methods, educational psychology, and classroom management. Special attention is given to understanding the cognitive and social-emotional development of students, which informs effective teaching practices. The curriculum is also enriched with modules on inclusive education and the integration of technology into teaching, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet contemporary educational challenges.

Practical experience forms a cornerstone of the programme. Students participate in supervised teaching placements at partner schools across the region, gaining firsthand classroom experience and developing their instructional skills. These placements are carefully structured to progressively increase in complexity, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations while receiving mentorship from experienced teachers. Reflective practices and peer collaboration are integral parts of these experiences, fostering continuous professional growth.

In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the programme emphasizes the development of communication and interpersonal skills necessary for effective interaction with students, parents, colleagues, and the wider community. Students learn innovative teaching methods, incorporate digital tools and multimedia resources, and explore policies around educational equity and inclusive pedagogy.

The university’s modern facilities and supportive academic community provide an excellent environment for learning. Small class sizes and personalized guidance from faculty members ensure that students receive individual attention and mentorship throughout their studies. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue initial teacher certification and embark on a meaningful career in primary or secondary education, equipped with a solid foundation in both educational theory and practical teaching skills.

Other requirements

1. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) * Bachelordiploma Nederlandse Taal en Cultuur of * afgerond eenjarige pre-master Nederlandse Taal en Cultuur (na een relevante vooropleiding) of * HBO-diploma eerstegraadsbevoegdheid Nederlands

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Funding for the Bachelor's and Master's programmes in teacher training at the University of Groningen is primarily provided through a combination of government grants, student loans, and personal funds. Dutch students and students from the European Union who meet the eligibility criteria can access the Dutch student finance system, which offers loans and grants to support living expenses and tuition fees. For non-EU students, financing options may include private loans, scholarships, and external funding opportunities, although specific support from the university is limited. The government funding system in the Netherlands subsidizes tuition fees for domestic and EU students, substantially reducing the financial burden for these groups. Tuition fees for the teacher training programmes are set annually and are considerably lower for EU students compared to international students from outside the EU. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarships, such as those offered by Utrecht University, the Fulbright Program, or Erasmus+ mobility grants, which can help cover tuition and living costs. The university itself does not typically provide internal scholarships for teacher training programmes but offers various bursaries and financial aid options to students facing exceptional circumstances or demonstrating academic excellence. Students are also advised to explore part-time work opportunities and student job placements facilitated through the university or local communities to supplement their income. Additionally, health insurance and housing costs represent significant financial considerations, and students are advised to budget accordingly. The university's official website provides comprehensive information on current tuition fees, government loan schemes, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for both national and international students seeking financial aid. Planning and early application for financial support are strongly recommended to ensure smooth progression through the programme without financial encumbrance.

The Teacher Training program at the University of Groningen is designed to prepare students for a career in education within the Dutch school system, focusing on fundamental pedagogical skills, subject expertise, and classroom management. This program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of teaching methods, curriculum development, and educational psychology, enabling future teachers to foster an engaging and inclusive learning environment for diverse student populations. Throughout the curriculum, students acquire practical teaching experience through internships and classroom practicums, which are integrated into the program to ensure readiness for real-world educational settings upon graduation. The program also highlights the importance of reflecting on educational practices and continuously improving teaching skills through theoretical coursework and hands-on experience. Moreover, students are encouraged to develop a scholarly approach to education, engaging with current research and educational innovations, thereby promoting evidence-based teaching strategies. The University of Groningen's Teacher Training program typically collaborates with various schools and educational institutions in the Netherlands, offering students opportunities to build professional networks and gain exposure to different teaching contexts. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue licensure as primary or secondary school teachers in the Netherlands, subject to the specific requirements of the Dutch education system. The program's curriculum combines coursework in educational theory, developmental psychology, classroom management, and subject content, tailored to meet the standards set by Dutch educational authorities. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including access to didactic tools and educational technology, to support innovative teaching practices. Overall, the program aims to develop competent, reflective, and dedicated educators capable of inspiring and guiding future generations of students within the Dutch education system.