Social Sciences Major

Psychology is the study of the human mind and human behavior, but it can also include all of human activity. It includes questions such as: How and why do we filter incoming information to understand the world around us? How do our identities, personalities, and abilities emerge across our lifespan? What role do societal norms play in the increasing prevalence of depression and anxiety?

Studying this field, you will explore how psychology describes, explains, and predicts the complexities of human thought and action, equipping you with insights to navigate and influence the world around you.

Courses in Psychology include, among others, Social and Cultural Psychology, Biopsychology, Cognitive Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Philosophical Foundations of Psychology, Understanding Bias, Decision Making, Personality and Individual Differences, Neurobiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology.

"A broad understanding of psychology benefits greatly from an interdisciplinary approach – which is what we offer at UCG. Psychological phenomena are best understood when we draw from other fields such as linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy and anthropology. It can therefore be a highly interdisciplinary field of study that allows students to explore new disciplinary boundaries and truly tackle the complexity of the human mind and behaviour".

Dr. Naomi de Ruiter - Cluster Coordinator

Opportunities for future studies

Students who focus their studies on Psychology have opportunities to continue to master's programmes in fields like psychology; behavioural and social sciences; behavioural and cognitive neuroscience; computational cognitive science; clinical and psychosocial epidemiology; and philosophy, science, and humanities.

At the University of Groningen, UCG and the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences have created a tailored coursework plan to help our students meet the requirements for the MSc Psychology.

Economics explores how societies navigate the challenge of limited resources, making decisions that shape our world. It’s about understanding the choices we make and how they impact everything from resource distribution to social welfare. Economists are at the heart of tackling some of the biggest issues we face today, from economic crises and inequality to climate change.

By mastering tools like econometrics and cost-benefit analysis, you’ll gain the skills to influence policy and drive solutions for market failures and economic development. Studying economics empowers you to make a real difference in today’s interconnected world.

A thorough understanding of economics benefits greatly from an interdisciplinary approach, which is one of the key strengths at University College Groningen. For instance, psychology provides valuable insights into consumer behavior, helping us understand the cognitive and emotional factors that influence purchasing decisions and market trends. Similarly, sociology can shed light on the role of social norms, networks, and institutions in shaping economic interactions. By embracing an interdisciplinary approach, students are encouraged to explore these interconnected aspects, which not only broadens their academic perspective but also enhances their ability to think critically and creatively about real-world economic challenges.

Courses in Economics involve, but are not limited to, Macro-Economics, Micro-Economics, Public Finance, Political Economy, Empirical Political Economy and Intermediate Macroeconomics.

Opportunities for future studies

Students specialising in Economics have a broad range of options for pursuing a master's degree, inlcuding fields such as economics, financial economics, (international) business, business administration, public policy, or law and economics.

At the University of Groningen, these inlcude the options to pursue a Research Master's in Economics and Business, as well as an MSc in Economic Development and Globalization.

International Business is about the global exchange of goods, services, capital, knowledge, and technology. This field dives into managing businesses that operate across diverse cultural, political, and economic landscapes. As a student, you'll explore key areas like international trade, global supply chain management, and cross-cultural management. You'll learn effective strategies to tackle global challenges and seize opportunities, while also developing the skills to navigate both the technical and ethical aspects of international business.

A solid understanding of business is greatly enriched by an interdisciplinary approach, which is one of the key strenght at University of Groningen. By drawing from diverse discipons, students can gain a more holistic view of business issues. For instance, integrating knowledge from areas like cultural studies and international relations enriches our understanding of international business by considering cultural nuances, geopolitical factors, and cross-border economic relations. Political science is also essential, fo example in assessing the influence of government policies, trade agreements, and regulatory systems on business strategies. This interdisciplinary approach invites you to dive into these interconnected areas, expanding your academic horizons while sharpening your ability to think critically and creatively about real-world business challenges.

Courses in International Business include, among others, International Business, Micro-Economics, Principles of Entrepreneurship, Global Corporate Strategy, International Marketing.

Opportunities for future studies

Students who focus their studies on International Business have opportunities to pursue master's programmes in fields such as (international) business, entrepreneurship, (international) marketing and economics.

At the University of Groningen, these opportunites include access to the MSc in International Business Management, the MSc in Business Administration, the MSc in Marketing - Marketing Management, the MSc in Finance, the MSc in International Financial Management, the Research Master's in Economics and Business, and the MSc in Small Business and Entrepreneuship.

Politics is all about power, governance, and decision-making. As a politics student, you’ll dive into how public decisions are made, how conflicts are managed, and how justice, rights, and democracy shape societies. You’ll tackle big questions about resource distribution, global governance, and the ethical responsibilities of nations. Focussing on politics at UCG offers you a unique blend of theory and practical application. For instance, students explore European policy while developing skills in drafting fact sheets, manuals, and policies, some of which are shared with real policymakers.

"Politics is ideal for students passionate about understanding and influencing the mechanisms of power, governance, and justice, who are eager to grasp the complexities of the modern world, and aspire to make meaningful contributions to society – whether through public service, legal practice, or advocacy." – Dr. Ritumbra Manuvie, Cluster Coordinator

Politics does not exist in isolation but is deeply interconnected with other disciplines such as economics, history, sociology, AI and ethics. This interdisciplinary approach allows our students to explore how political systems operate within broader social, economic, technological and cultural contexts. Core questions inlcude: What are the ethical responsibilities of nations in global governance, and how do these responsibilities influence international relations and policies? How do different models of democracy compare in terms of their effectiveness and ethical foundations? And in what ways do political philosophies influence public policies and the interpretation of freedom and responsibility within societies?

Courses in Politics inlcude, but are not limited to, Political Philosophy, Freedom and Responsibility, International Relations Theories (and Practice), and Models of Democracy, International Politics and Global Justice.

Opportunities for future studies

Students who focus their studies on Politics have opportunities to pursue master's programmes in fields such as philosophy, politics and economics, politics / political science, international relations, international politics, oolitical philosophy / political theory, security studies, public policy, journalism and area studies.

At the University of Groningen, our students focussing on politics can access master's programmes in both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Philosophy. To thelp them meet the entry requirements, we have designed a specific set of courses that can make them eligible for the Research Master's International Relations, the MSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and the MA in International Humanitarian Action.

Law is a dynamic field that delves into societal, political, and philosophical issues, offering students unique insights into the systems and relationships that shape our world.

At UCG, studying law provides a deep understanding of how legal principles intersect with global and societal issues. You'll learn about the rule of law as a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring laws are applied equally and fairly, safeguarding human rights and liberties. Our programme emphasizes not only the functioning of legal rules but also the ethical imperatives essential for justice and equality in modern societies. You will deal with questions like 'How do legal systems ensure justice?' 'How do international legal frameworks influence national laws and policies?' and 'How does the study of Criminal Law contribute to our understanding of justice, rehabilitation, and punishment in society?'

One of the hallmarks of this field of study is its strong interdisciplinary character. Law isn’t just about rules—it’s connected to everything from economics and history to AI and ethics. At UCG, you’ll dive into how legal systems work within broader social, economic, and technological contexts, giving you a well-rounded perspective on law’s real-world impact.

What sets studying law at UCG apart is the balance of theory and hands-on experience. You’ll explore European law while building practical skills like drafting fact sheets, manuals, and policies—some of which you’ll share with real policymakers, giving you a taste of how law influences the world around you. Emphasizing critical thinking and multidisciplinary analysis, this field provides foundational knowledge, independent research opportunities, and practical skills in legal reasoning, preparing students for a range of professional fields.

Courses in Law include, but are not limited to, Fundamentals of Law, Policy and Principles of Private Law, International Law, European Law, The Age of Human Rights, and Criminal Law.

Opportunities for future studies

Students who focus their studies on Law have a broad range op opportunities to pursue master's programmes in fields such as (international law), international relations, politics / political science, or security studies.

At the University of Groningen, students can continue to master's programmes both at the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Law. To help them meet the entry requirements, we have established specific course pathways that can make them eligble for LLM programmes, and the MA in International Relations.