ORGANIZATION
Throughout the past 135 years, the university has continued to expand. It now comprises ten faculties and hosts over 13,000 Bachelor’s and 9,500 Master’s students. Our teaching and research programmes cover a broad spectrum of disciplines, from the Humanities to the Sciences, from Medicine to Theology. With more than 50 Bachelor’s programmes and 160 Master’s programmes, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a wide choice of study options. The university campus is situated in the south-western part of Amsterdam, in one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands. The proximity to International Airport Schiphol and train connections into Europe, makes Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam easily accessible to the world.
Responsible; Working in the service of mankind and society. COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS
An academic mindset and practice are at the core of our education. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a community of learners where students and faculty jointly participate in the process of knowledge development. During their studies students learn about the main topics of research and debates in their field. They learn how to use scientific research to address social issues, to take a stand in social debates and controversial problems. Students are expected to portray an inquisitive and self-conscious attitude. To become acquainted with the professional environment, students can work on practical assignments, participate in ongoing research projects or do an internship.
VU SCIENTIST PIEK VOSSEN PROFESSOR IN COMPUTATIONAL LEXICOLOGY
‘My computer understands me.’ SUPERCOMPUTER
Piek Vossen is a linguist and a computer programmer, a disciplined researcher and an efficient project manager. He works hard and successfully on computers that have a thorough understanding of language. In June 2013 he was awarded the Spinoza Prize of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The Spinoza Prize, worth € 2.5 million, is awarded to researchers who rank among the absolute top of science.