Online Experience Day | UCM
Welcome to the first stage of the University College Maastricht (UCM) Online Experience Day!
During this preparation stage, you will watch fun and educational videos about UCM and our teaching method Problem-Based Learning (PBL). You will also do some readings and watch a lecture to prepare yourself for the PBL tutorial that will take place during the Online Experience Day.
This “homework” is assigned to ensure that you already know all the basics about UCM. When the Online Experience Day comes around you can focus on asking current UCM students and staff members any in-depth questions that you might have and fully enjoy the experience.
This website will help you to prepare yourself for the Online Experience Day step by step. It will take about 2 hours of your time.
Part 1: Preparation <a id="preparation" name="preparation"></a>
Get to know University College Maastricht
We have selected several videos that will help you get to know UCM. Watch them to learn more about the Liberal Arts & Sciences programme, the structure of a UCM curriculum, student life at UCM, and how to apply for this bachelor’s programme.
Welcome
In this video, Wolfgang Giernalczyk, our Director of Education introduces you to University College Maastricht and its educational philosophy.
Curriculum and semester structure
How is an academic year structured at UCM, how is a semester set up, and how can you build your ideal tailor-made curriculum?
Student life
All this academic stuff is interesting, but you would probably like to know what else is there to do in Maastricht. In this video, Jonas, 3rd year UCM student, tells you all about his student life in Maastricht.
Life after UCM
Wondering what you can do after you graduate with a diploma in Liberal Arts & Sciences? In this video, Wolfgang tells you all about your prospects as a UCM graduate.
Applying to UCM
You watched all the videos and cannot wait to apply to UCM? In this last step of this video journey, we tell you about the application process.
Find out more about PBL
OK, now that we covered the basics about UCM, you can dive into Problem-Based Learning (PBL), the teaching method at Maastricht University and UCM. This video will introduce you to PBL. During the Online Experience Day, you will get to try it out yourself during a live session, so pay attention!
Introduction to Problem-Based Learning
In this video, Wolfgang introduces you to the Problem-Based Learning teaching method.
Optional video
Our students on Problem-Based Learning
Curious about how Maastricht University students experience PBL? Watch this video to find out.
Read the case study
Now that you know a little bit more about UCM and PBL, you can prepare for the PBL tutorial you will participate in during the Online Experience Day. The topic you will be discussing is Universal Basic Income.
To find out what it is, first read this case study (pdf) that will introduce you to the topic, then watch the video.
Why we should give everyone a basic income
Rutger Bregman
To learn more in-depth about the topic of universal basic income, watch this TED talk video.
That’s it for now!
You are prepared for the UCM Online Experience Day. If you would like to be reminded about the set-up of the Online Experience Day, read below.
Part 2: Experience Day <a id="experienceday" name="experienceday"></a>
The PBL session
You will have the opportunity to participate in a PBL tutorial where you will engage in a discussion with fellow prospective students, led by a current UCM student and a tutor. The PBL session will be split into three parts: pre-discussion, self-study, and post-discussion.
- During the pre-discussion, you will get to know your group via Zoom and, guided by the tutors, you will discuss the topic of today’s PBL session
- During the self-study, you will do some reading – you tutor will provide you with all the necessary information
- Finally, you will join your group once more for the post-discussion in which you share what you have learned during the self-study
Some tips for the Zoom meeting
Part 3: Reflect on the day <a id="reflect" name="reflect"></a>
Questions & Answers session
At the end of the Online Experience Day, you will get to know current UCM students and ask them everything you would like to know about studying at UCM and living in Maastricht.