About us

Never stop learning as a professional

As a leading, broad-based research university, we are deeply embedded in society, in part through our professional education. With this, we connect the latest scientific insights with everyday practice. Together with our participants, we create depth, innovation, and impact in society.

Who it’s for

We develop our courses for both working professionals and job seekers. Do you have questions about your field, societal transitions, or your own personal development? Then you can turn to us. Among our participants are policymakers, teachers, healthcare professionals, designers, lawyers, managers, and many others. Most of our offerings are aimed at professionals with a higher professional education (HBO) level or above, but this is not always required. In addition to courses, we also offer scientifically grounded, practical in-company trainings. These are tailored and aligned with organizational goals, providing multiple ways for professionals to deepen and broaden their expertise.

Professionals are key in addressing current challenges

As a professional, you are always seeking new perspectives and up-to-date knowledge—especially now, as society rapidly changes due to challenges in climate, digitalization, health, geopolitics, and education. Professionals play a key role in these developments.

Our mission is to provide professionals with knowledge and tools that can be applied directly in their daily practice. Through our courses, you continue to broaden your perspective, expand your knowledge, and increase your impact.

Scientific insights and practical knowledge

Our professional education is always an exchange: we share our scientific knowledge with participants and, through that interaction, gain relevant questions and insights.

The insights professionals bring enrich our research and teaching. As a result, all our professional offerings are closely aligned with the realities of the workplace.

“What I learned during the course was a change in thinking that I now actively integrate into my work and future projects.”

Marnix Renkema, senior lecturer in trade & commerce, Landstede Group, on the course Design Thinking: Understanding and Applying

Our approach

Our approach to professional education is:

  • Scientific and practice-oriented: all our professional education is based on our expertise and current research findings, while also drawing on the practical knowledge of participants. This combination generates new, immediately applicable insights for both parties.

  • Didactically tailored for professionals: our teaching methods are specifically designed for professionals. We use flexible learning formats, a modular structure, hybrid teaching, and evidence-based pedagogy to maximize learning outcomes.

  • Curious about how professionals learn: did you know we are the only Dutch university actively conducting scientific research on professional learning processes? This research forms the foundation for our didactic choices.

  • Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary: our programmes combine knowledge from multiple disciplines, providing broad perspectives on complex societal issues.

  • Open enrolment and tailored (in-company) programmes: about half of our offerings are open for individual enrolment, while the other half consists of tailored programmes developed in close collaboration with organizations.

  • Connected to regional and national partners: we collaborate closely with institutions such as Hogeschool Utrecht, ROC Midden Nederland, and within the EWUU alliance with UMC Utrecht, TU Eindhoven, and Wageningen University & Research. Together, we develop education that contributes to transitions in health, sustainability, and digitalization.

Our vision

“Through our professional education, we aim to advance the scientific knowledge at Utrecht University. To do this, we need to make this knowledge available in ways other than traditional publications. We achieve this through our courses and in-company trainings. The interaction with professionals provides our lecturers with input for their research and initial teaching. It’s a two-way exchange. Moreover, our professional education gives participants the opportunity to study at an academic level, whether they have been working for a long time, are just starting, or are seeking employment. Our programmes provide inspiration, knowledge, tools, and a network to tackle new challenges.”

Wieger Bakker, Dean LifeLong Learning, Utrecht University

Strong in the public and creative sectors

Through our professional education, we have a strong presence in sectors such as education, healthcare, culture, public administration, and business. Sectors facing major societal challenges. In all these sectors, we combine academic depth with societal relevance.

Format and flexibility

We understand that professionals are busy. That’s why we offer our professional education in various formats, from short courses to multi-day programmes, often modular. Through in-person sessions, usually in Utrecht, you can participate in non-degree programmes or accredited (MA) courses. Sessions are preferably scheduled at a fixed time each week or month. Where possible, parts of a course are offered online, allowing you to combine work and learning without compromise.

  • Education

    Good education goes beyond simply transferring knowledge and skills. It takes into account qualification, socialization, and personal development. Read our insights on this topic here.

  • Data & AI

    Data and AI challenge society to drive innovation while being applied fairly, safely, and responsibly. Discover our insights, labs, publications, and tools on data and AI here.

  • Sustainabillity

    With insights from our research on governance, modeling, and sustainable transitions, you can broaden your perspective on climate adaptation, the circular economy, sustainable energy, and much more.