Course Structure

Linda Leonzini — May, 2023

Enjoying how a course is structured is a big part of your university experience.

Many of you have been asking how Maastricht University structures its courses so here you can find some practical information on how periods are structured!

Although periods tend to work the same all throughout the academic year, courses are organized differently from period to period, as that is up to Course Coordinators (Professors) rather than the University itself.

a. General information: the structure of a period consists of seven weeks of classes followed by a dedicated examination week.

Maastricht University follows a structured approach to its courses, which typically consists of a period of seven weeks dedicated to classes and a subsequent week for examinations in periods 1, 2 and 4. Period 5, on the other hand, is eight weeks of classes followed by a week of exams. Periods 3 and 6 only last two weeks and the examination period varies from course to course, but it usually is included in the two weeks as essays or presentations are common forms of testing.

b. Education: during the seven-week period of classes, students engage in various academic activities.

These may include attending lectures, participating in tutorials, conducting research, working on group projects, and completing assignments.

Lectures serve as the primary mode of delivering course content. Professors impart knowledge and insights on key concepts, theories, and relevant literature. They may also provide real-world examples and engage students through interactive discussions. Additionally, tutorials offer a more intimate setting for students to delve deeper into the course material. These sessions encourage active participation, clarification of doubts, and the application of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. Students should attend tutorials after having read the required literature so they may understand the topics as well as partake in the discussions. Participation is often graded!

This self-directed learning enables them to explore the subject matter in more depth and develop a personal understanding of the topics covered. It also encourages time management and organizational skills, as students need to balance their coursework with other commitments.

c. Exams: once the seven weeks of classes are completed, the university dedicates a week to exams.

Exams may take various forms, such as written tests, essays, presentations, or practical assessments, depending on the nature of the course. These assessments evaluate students’ comprehension, critical analysis, and ability to apply learned concepts.

The week of exams provides students with focused time to prepare and revise their course content.

I hope this clarified your doubts!