PREMIUM

A new honours programme for excellent master students at Maastricht University

Premium is Maastricht University’s honours Master programme that focuses on the development of generic competencies. These competencies are highly valued by the labour market (business sector, civil society organisations, (semi-) public sector) in order to realise social and technological innovations that are needed to play a leading position in the current knowledge economy. Students indicate that they feel the need to further develop individual generic competencies by means of assignments and internships. Premium fulfils this need. 

The programme furthers:

Creative thinking
Students will focus on the development of two competencies. The first centres on creative thinking in order to produce novel and original ideas that are high in quality, appropriate and usable. The second is individually chosen from a wide range of competencies and can include for example leadership, analytical thinking, efficient planning and working in a volatile and complex world.

Interdisciplinary collaboration
Groups of three to seven students from various faculties and / or disciplines will be working together on challenging assignments that need an interdisciplinary approach. Team learning is an important aspect of the programme and will encourage students to reflect on issues such as role identification, power distribution and shared versus unique knowledge.

Application of skills
Besides the development of certain generic competencies the programme allows students to make their mark in the labour market by demonstrating content knowledge and practical skills.

During the programme the students will be supported and coached in several ways:

Master classes
The programme contains several Master classes to enhance student’s understanding and knowledge of a variety of concepts that are related to competency development, such as creative thinking (divergent and critical thinking), team learning, leadership development, etc.

Coaching
During the execution of the assignments coaching on competency development is done by trained coaches from the UM. Task performance is coached by the university as well as by the external partner. Through the use of 360˚ feedback instruments students will also receive feedback on competency development by tutors and colleague students.

Training
Tutors in the programme will receive a coaching training. The participating students will do a competency test and receive workshops on competency profile and development and on teambuilding. They will also have discussions with career advisors, and they receive a working package.

Supporting instruments
The programme is supported by innovative ICT tools. An electronic (group) e-Portfolio will be developed which will enable students to reflect on their teamwork, besides reflection on their individual performance. Smartphone apps will be introduced as a mobile tool for reflection on the job.

The programme will start in February 2012.

For more information:

Martine Prins
Projectmanager Premium
Academic Affairs, Maastricht University
Email: martine.prins@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Tel: 043 388 25 11

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