Back in 2021, Zuyd and UM signed a cooperation agreement to improve progression between the two programmes in order to keep well-trained legal professionals in the region. Many higher vocational graduates apply to UM to pursue a university law degree, which is required to become a lawyer, public prosecutor or judge. To enrol in a master’s programme, they must first complete a pre-master’s programme worth 60 ECTS credits, which must be completed successfully within one year and is a national requirement. The programme is designed to address any gaps in students’ academic or legal knowledge.
But the pre-master’s programme is far from easy. “It’s a big step from higher vocational education to university”, says Savrij Droste, “partly because of the more academic and theory-heavy approach.” He points to an earlier article in Observant, in which pre-master’s students complained about having to “perform in a knockout competition” and struggling to find their feet. They also said they felt like “second-class students”, partly because they do not have a tailored curriculum; instead, pre-master’s students take existing courses alongside later-year undergraduate students.
Puzzle
That is about to change. From 1 May, Zuyd law students will be able to take elective modules within their own undergraduate programme that count towards the pre-master’s programme at UM. Fifteen Zuyd students will lead the way with a minor in Criminal Law. Setting it up proved quite a puzzle: “Criminal law did not feature prominently in Zuyd’s curriculum. We had to develop the module and are still refining it together with the university. What exactly is the basic knowledge students need to have?”
Teaching will be done by Zuyd staff, who will also create the exam. But UM’s Board of Examiners will oversee assessment “to ensure quality”, explains Savrij Droste, and so the credits will be recognised by the university. Ultimately, the aim is to incorporate the entire pre-master’s programme within Zuyd’s undergraduate law programme. Modules in legal theory and civil law are up next.
Students will be able to choose how they complete the pre-master’s programme. They can complete all modules at Zuyd, but the option of taking them at UM will remain available. They are also free to combine both options.
No distinction
And the institutions have even bigger plans: they envisage a joint first year with no distinction between higher vocational and university students. “At the end of the year, students will know where their interests lie, what they are capable of, and whether they are drawn more to the practical side or an academic path. We would then be able to offer them that choice.”
The coming period will be one of trial and error. “We’ll have to wait and see if and how this all works out”, says Savrij Droste. He is mindful of cultural differences between university students and higher vocational students. The latter sometimes feel – wrongly – like the underdog. “Things will certainly change for them, if only because they will suddenly be studying at the university level. On the other hand, higher vocational students are much more practically oriented. Time will tell.”
As for what UM stands to gain, Savrij Droste believes the answer is straightforward: “The university will no longer be saddled with a programme that feels tacked on. We can strengthen each other instead of competing for the same talent.”