Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Education and research are equivalent activities at Fontys. For example, they are closely linked within each study programme. Even stronger: education and research regularly flow seamlessly into one another, for example in our authentic and hybrid learning and research environments, on our campuses or close to (or even at) the future workplace. Here, students, teachers, researchers and professionals literally come together to learn and do research. Principles of education Fontys has more than one hundred different study programmes: from dance to accountancy, and from architecture to physiotherapy. Each study programme has its own unique professional context, its own curriculum, and its own way of providing education. We believe that this diversity is a major strength. No one knows better how a profession should be taught than the professionals who work with us. At the same time, frameworks are needed within which programmes can make their own choices. We have laid down these frameworks in five 'principles of learning'. We challenge students to discover and optimally develop their talents. Learning takes place as much as possible in an authentic learning environment (i.e. a situation that 'resembles' the student’s future work environment). Learning means acquiring knowledge and skills as well as exploring and experiencing together. We take 'together' literally: we work together with fellow students, teachers, researchers, and professionals working in the field. The student takes ownership of their learning process. In other words: as a student, we give you as much control as possible over what, how and when you learn. This not only means that our students are given a great deal of autonomy and freedom; we also expect them to show a strong sense of responsibility.