The Radboud Honours Academy offered students additional opportunities for further development alongside their regular Bachelor’s or Master’s programmes. Through honours programmes, students could delve into societal issues, collaborate with students from other disciplines and discover new perspectives beyond their own field of study. In addition, lecturers were able to develop and test new forms of teaching and assessment in so-called honours labs.
Why this decision?
The reorganisation is a consequence of the decision set out in the Policy Letter 2026 to cease funding the RHA as of 1 January 2027. The University Joint Assembly approved this decision in August 2025. Like many other higher education institutions, the university faces financial challenges due to declining student numbers, government budget cuts, and rising costs. Consequently, choices must be made regarding the allocation of available resources. It has therefore been decided to prioritise the use of scarce resources for educational activities that reach the widest possible group of students within the regular study programmes.
Careful transfer of knowledge and expertise
Although the interdisciplinary honours programmes organised by the RHA are coming to an end, the knowledge and experience built up within the RHA will be retained for the university as much as possible. Four faculties have decided to continue offering their faculty-based honours programmes to their students. The Faculties of Social Sciences, Law, Arts and Sciences will continue their programmes.
Staff at the RHA are transferring their materials, where possible, to both these faculty colleagues and to colleagues within Academic Affairs, e.g. the Radboud Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC). In doing so, successful working methods and expertise in the field of inter- and transdisciplinary education can be used in the future.
Appreciation
The Executive Board expresses its appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the staff of the Radboud Honours Academy and for the contribution they have made to the university’s education over many years.
The RHA has offered many students the opportunity to follow their curiosity, develop their talents, and prepare themselves for complex challenges in society. In doing so, the academy has made a valuable contribution to education and the academic community at Radboud University.