Master in Design Workshop Re Design Your Course In One Day

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a research-led university situated in the heart of Amsterdam, founded in 1880 and welcoming more than 31,700 students including a large international cohort. Its long history combines academic tradition with modern interdisciplinary teaching across social sciences, humanities, law, business, and sciences. English-taught bachelor and master programs make it accessible to international applicants seeking a high-quality European education in a dynamic urban setting.

The university emphasizes research excellence and societal impact, with numerous institutes and centers that connect students to real-world challenges. Small-group teaching, problem-based learning options, and close supervision at graduate level support academic growth. International students can take advantage of dedicated services for visa advice, housing support, language courses, and career guidance that ease transition and enhance employability in the Netherlands and beyond.

Student life blends campus facilities with Amsterdam cultural vitality, including museums, startups, and multinational companies that offer internships and networking. Affordable public transport and a bicycle-friendly environment make daily life straightforward while campus clubs and student associations help newcomers build a community. Prospective international students should research program entry requirements early, prepare application documents and funding plans, and reach out to the international office to plan arrival and accommodation.

Accelerate your curriculum development by engaging in a focused, five-hour collaborative design sprint. This workshop provides a dedicated space for lecturers and course coordinators to step away from daily administrative pressures and concentrate exclusively on the architecture of their teaching.

Structured Educational Design

The core of this programme is a rigorous, structured design method that allows teams to map out course goals, learning activities, and assessment strategies in a single day. By working alongside peers, you benefit from diverse perspectives on pedagogy, ensuring that the resulting educational design is both robust and actionable. Participants leave the session with a tangible, finalized design framework that serves as a blueprint for future teaching delivery.

This initiative is part of the VU Centre for Teaching & Learning's professional development portfolio and is specifically tailored for those who hold a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) and seek to refresh their approach to course creation. It is designed to be a high-impact, time-efficient intervention for teams looking to align their educational vision with practical, student-centered outcomes.