Global Management of Social Issues BSc
Global Management of Social Issues integrates knowledge from three academic fields in the social sciences: Human Resource Studies, Organization Studies and Sociology, from a cross-cultural and international comparative perspective. You will approach complex societal challenges in an international context from an organizational and managerial perspective. You will learn how to run projects and compose teams that work on complex social issues called 'wicked problems'.
Education and COVID-19
All education takes place on campus again, now that the coronavirus measures have been scaled back. Of course, we will always maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. Therefore, a few basic measures still apply. For the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation, see our FAQs for prospective students.
internship, study abroad, minor
in your classroom
Short overview of Global Management of Social Issues
Program and courses
Program content
- During the first year, you will take courses from three disciplines within the social sciences: human resource studies, organization studies, and sociology. Through these courses, you will develop an initial understanding of the backgrounds, nature and causes of wicked problems, such as poverty, migration, climate change, and humanitarian interventions after a natural disaster.
- From the second year on, you will increase your knowledge of and insights in theories dealing with complex societal and organizational problems in general and wicked problems in particular.
- During the third year, you will integrate the theoretical knowledge and insights from the first and second years in a practical way. You can do an internship at an organization in an international context abroad or in the Netherlands, a project that deals with wicked problems, take additional minor courses, or do your minor abroad. You will finish your program with a Bachelor’s thesis.
Read more about this study program
What are 'wicked problems'? (video - 2:44 min)
Typical courses are:
- Wicked problems 101, 201, 202, 301, 302, 303
Many of the current, most pressing societal challenges involve dealing with complex social, policy and organizational problems, so-called ‘wicked’ problems. - International Organizations
This course has two parts. In the first part, the course an introduction is to international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The second part focuses on how international organizations attempt to cope and tackle global complex policy issues.The course encompasses a field trip to international organizations in The Hague. - Financial and Project Management
The aim of this course is to increase the basic knowledge and understanding of financial and project management.
Why this Bachelor's program in Tilburg?
Approach complex societal issues with academics and students from all over the world
- Approach current complex societal issues (wicked problems) from a multidisciplinary perspective and develop analytical thinking skills.
- Work with academics and students from all over the world in a small-scale and interactive learning environment.
- Take part in simulation exercises (as a part of a humanitarian emergency response team) or participate in the Model United Nations (MUN) to train your leadership, team working and project management skills.
- Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)
Personal guidance and coaching from an academic mentor throughout the entire program (years 1, 2 and 3) to help you achieve your full potential.
Watch a short video about our Program for Academic Study Success (2:21 min).
What to expect when coming to Tilburg
Beyond your Bachelor's: Extracurricular Activities
Beyond your Bachelor's: Extracurricular Activities
- Join our Study Association Polis. They organize multiple formal and informal activities for their members.
- Join the faculty association IDEA.
- Challenge yourself by participating in one of the programs of excellence, such as an honors program.
- Do an internship, study abroad or do minor courses during the mobility window.
After your Bachelor's
Careers and subsequent Master’s programs
After obtaining your Bachelor's degree in Global Management of Social Issues, you can choose to do a Master's program. After you have completed a Master's program, you will have favorable career prospects as a Consultant, HR-manager or Social Entrepreneur.
Graduates found work at Doctors Without Borders, Greenpeace, the Red Cross, Philips, KLM, Rabobank, Ahold, PwC, and Unicef.
Application and admission
Please follow the national application and admission procedure (in Dutch) if you are applying based on a Dutch vwo or hbo-p diploma, regardless of your nationality. A general description of the national application procedure is also available in English.
Admission requirements
- To be eligible for admission to a research university such as Tilburg University, you must have a high school diploma equal to the highest level of secondary education in the Netherlands (the Dutch vwo diploma).
- As this Bachelor’s program is taught entirely in English, you must prove your English language proficiency.
- A good knowledge of mathematics is important for being successful in this Bachelor’s program. In order to be admitted, you must therefore prove that you have sufficient knowledge of mathematics.
You can find more detailed information about the admission requirements on this program's 'Application and admission' page.
Tuition fees and monthly cost of living
Tuition fees
When you wish to study at Tilburg University, you must pay a tuition fee.
- Tuition fees cover the cost of lectures and facilities provided by the university, such as the extensive university library, Wi-Fi on campus, and symposia and other meetings.
- Tuition fees at Tilburg University are always for one full academic year.
More information on the tuition fees and rates
Estimated monthly costs of living
Besides the tuition fees, you will have living costs and other expenses. You will find life in Tilburg relatively inexpensive compared to life in other Dutch university cities, such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. The approximate cost of living is between € 925 and € 1.125 per month.
| (Furnished) accommodation | Starting from € 550 per month |
|---|---|
| Foods & Drinks | € 200 per month |
| Books & Readers | € 65 per month |
| Insurance | € 100 per month |
| Sport membership | + € 139.95 per year |
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Do you want more information on this Bachelor's program?
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Julia
Bachelor's student"What I like most about GMSI is that the program is very versatile and that you look at the different subjects with an international mindset."
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Eline
Bachelor's student"The GMSI program offers me multiple perspectives on contemporary social issues and enhances my critical thinking of the functioning of organizations. The classes are vibrant with engaged international students."
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Zahra Sultany
Alumna"During my internship at Care Nederland I did research on social media use for women's rights in Afghanistan. My research gave me even more insight into the challenges that women in Afghanistan have to face every day."
Study choice activities
Throughout the year you have the opportunity to meet us and learn more about Tilburg University and the programs that we offer. You can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.
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09:15 - 17:00
Bachelor's Open day
Do you want to know which Bachelor's program suits you best? Sign up for the Bachelor’s Open day on Saturday, October 28. Get to know more about our international Bachelor's programs and ask our students, teachers and study advisors all your questions. You can join our Open day on campus or online!
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To be announced
Student for a day Bachelor's programs
Do you have a specific study program in mind or are you still considering various options? Join one or more of our Student for a day event(s) this fall, 2023. Together with our students you can attend a variety of mini-lectures and discover whether the study program suits you.
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Are you and Global Management of Social Issues a match? If you...
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are interested in Global Issues and want to have an impact on society
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want to pursue an international career
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are looking for a challenge, and have an analytical and critical attitude
Then this is the program for you!