Please note: This page is aimed at prospective students. Are you already a student at Radboud University? You can find your current study programme in the Course catalogue.

Curriculum of Science in Society

During your first year, you focus on either Biology, Computing Science, Mathematics, Medical Biology, Molecular Sciences or Physics and Astronomy, depending on the Master's programme that you follow. The specific content of Science in Society starts in the second year of your Master’s programme, which consists of compulsory courses, electives and a research project.

About this study curriculum

This course overview lists the courses of the SiS-specific part of your Master’s, i.e. the second year of the Master’s. The first year curriculum depends on which Master's you choose. You can find the first-year course overview for each Master's at the bottom of this page.

The structure of your SiS year is as follows:

  • Compulsory courses (27 EC)
  • Elective (3 EC)
  • SiS Research Project (30 EC)

Provisional overview for prospective students

This overview provides an indication of the study programme of the academic year 2026-2027 and is aimed at prospective students. It is subject to change and no rights may be derived from it. Already a student at Radboud University? View your current study programme in the Course catalogue

Total EC
60 EC
Compulsory courses
P1
P2
P3
P4
3 EC
3 EC
6 EC
6 EC
3 EC
SiS Elective course (see list below)
3 EC
Choose between:
3 EC
3 EC
Elective courses
P1
P2
P3
P4
3 EC
3 EC
3 EC
3 EC
3 EC
3 EC
3 EC

Free elective (3 EC)
You can add 3 EC of electives as any course taught at Radboud University, another Dutch university or abroad. 

Choose the elective course that best matches your interest. If you need help deciding on your elective or have any questions, feel free to reach out to the SiS coordinator for guidance and support.

Thesis & research
P1
P2
P3
P4
Science in Society Research Project
30 EC

Your Master's thesis consists of an individual research project. In the research project, you’ll perform an empirical or philosophical research project on a chosen issue at the interface of science and society. Preferably, the topic of your project will also be related to your main Master’s programme (Biology, Molecular Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, etc.). A research project includes:

  1. A project proposal
  2. Empirical or philosophical research with a theoretical framework
  3. A scientific thesis as end product

Extras

In addition to the courses and projects described above, the Science in Society specialisation offers three other types of meetings you are welcome to attend:

  • During the ISIS colloquia, ISIS members present their own research or external experts are invited from various disciplines and backgrounds (science, social science, science studies and philosophy), to discuss issues at the interface of science, technology, and society. These colloquia are usually organised once a month on a Tuesday and held during the lunch break.
  • A series of meetings organised for all Science in Society students and teachers in which students develop their ideas for graduation topics. This includes a final presentation day.
  • During an annual excursion, we visit (several) sites that potentially offer places for Science in Society students to start their career. These can include non-academic research institutes, advisory bodies, museums, governmental institutes, and NGOs.  We explore and discuss practical aspects of science in relation to societal issues at the visited site with the practitioners working there, and you will be able to explore your further career paths. Every year, students choose a new location.

Specialisations