History

The history of the development of Maastricht University has been a major factor in the distinctive profile that has emerged during the course of the years.

Interest
The shortage of training opportunities for prospective doctors in the Netherlands in the second half of the 1960s prompted the need for an eighth medical faculty. Maastricht was one of several cities to express a firm interest in housing the faculty as part of a future university. At the time, the South-Limburg region was in need of economic restructuring due to the closure of the mines, a fact that served to increase Maastricht’s chances in the race for this new faculty.

Extra value
It was clear that the Dutch academic world expected more from a new university than merely a number of extra university places. Those initiating the Maastricht bid opted for a brand new system of education: PBL (Problem-Based Learning). Moreover, medical research would not only be of a clinical nature, but would make a huge contribution to the accrual of knowledge for general practice and other primary medical care functions.

Unofficial start
But things very nearly went wrong. The shortage of medical students had been resolved by the early 1970s, and in 1974 a decision was made to launch programmes in medicine in Maastricht before official approval had been granted. The legal basis followed in late 1975, and Maastricht University (then known as the State University of Limburg) officially opened its doors on 9 January 1976.

Fast growth
UM grew at a rate of knots. Initially thanks to political support, and later as a result of the conscious decision to deviate from the university growth model then prevalent in the Netherlands. Maastricht University decided to shift its focus from the Netherlands and to concentrate more on European-based programmes (such as International Business Studies, European Law School, European Studies and European Public Health), and programmes as yet unheard of in the Netherlands (for example, Knowledge Engineering and Arts & Social Sciences). Thanks to developments like this, UM can now justifiably claim to be a medium-sized university according to European standards.

Future
Whereas until quite recently quality and growth were inextricably bound up with each other for UM, during the next few years quality and internationalisation are the aspects that are expected to feature more strongly. Education and research will concentrate on three main angles of approach: Life Sciences, Innovation and Governance. Students and staff will study these socially relevant topics in an international context, with an emphasis on the European perspective. Unique programmes of education, within the context of a finely tuned PBL model, and well-considered, streamlined research lines will secure UM a place in the European top for the coming years come. Both international and (Eu)regional collaboration with other organisations and institutions will also play an important role.

Facts and Figures

More about Facts, Figures, Mission and Rankings can be found here...

Maastricht University Guetshouse:

http://www.unimaas.nl/guesthouseum/