The elective space in B2 and B3 – Faculty of Arts

If you started your Bachelor’s programme in or after 2025, your programme offers a lot of room to decide for yourself how you want to structure part of your programme. This allows you to specialise or broaden your knowledge in line with your choice of a Master’s programme or your career. In total, the full elective space consists of 60 EC, of which 30 EC in the second year (B2) and 30 EC in the third year (B3). In the B2 minor space, you choose two Faculty of Arts minors of 15 EC each; one in semester 1 and another in semester 2. In the B3 free elective space, you have the opportunity to take 30 EC of courses from other programmes.

Overview of the full elective space in the B2 and B3

What does the full elective space look like?

You can see the full elective space in the coloured area in the image on the right. 

 The full elective space consists of: 

  • The minor space in B2
    In this space, you choose 2 Faculty of Arts minors, one in semester 1 and another in semester 2. 
  • The free elective space in B3 
    In this space, you choose 30 EC of courses from other programmes within/outside Radboud University. You can also do an internship, study abroad or an educational minor (only for some programmes).

Exception: German Language and Culture

If you are studying German Language and Culture and started your programme in September 2025, the minor space and free elective space are reversed; you will have the free elective space in B2 and the minor space in B3. This is due to the compulsory stay abroad in B3. The information and guidelines for the minor and free elective space remain the same. Please consult your programme’s study guide from 1 July onwards for a schematic overview of your second and third years of study. 

Choose your own study path

The elective space is an important opportunity to add your own focus to your studies, allowing you to prepare for a particular career or Master’s programme, for example. By making strategic decisions, you can map out specific study paths for yourself, making you eligible for a particular Master’s programme or well-prepared for a job in education or research, for example. 

Do you need help making choices or do you have any other questions about the free elective space? Please contact the student advisor of your programme. 

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