Interested in learning about human rights? This one-week online introduction course focuses on the major features of international human rights law. It begins by examining the philosophical and political bases of human rights and then explores human rights documents and mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights at the international and regional levels. Particular attention will be paid to issues of equality and discrimination, including on grounds of sex and race. Through lectures, interactive working groups and expert panels, participants will gain an understanding of the various elements - and their interplay - involved in this field.
Online Courses
International Human Rights Law: An Introduction

Financial Law and New Technologies

This course will be offered in an online setting.
New technologies are constantly testing well-established principles of financial law. Investors and other users of financial services can take advantage of new FinTech opportunities to have better services at cheaper costs, but policymakers are struggling to strike a good balance between the need to foster innovation and the necessity to protect weak market participants. How can financial law cope with technological developments on blockchain, new payment services, crypto-assets, crowdfunding, high frequency trading, and robo-advice?
Multidisciplinary Game Research: Between Theory and Practice

This summer course provides a multidisciplinary perspective on games and play in contemporary culture, combining perspectives from various disciplines within the humanities, social sciences and computer sciences. It addresses the challenges but also the transformative potential of both ‘applied’ and entertainment games, and provides participants with a holistic perspective including analysis, design and validation. By combining aspects of theory and practice, the course enables participants to better understand and meaningfully implement the potential of games and play within current socio-cultural contexts.
Migration, Integration and Ethnic Relations

This course will be provided in an online setting. The course will be a mixture of live online teaching and discussion and offline assignments and reading.
During this course, we discuss social scientific theories and empirical research on international migration, the socio-economic and cultural integration of immigrants and their children, and reactions of the host society. Migration has made European countries ethnically and culturally more diverse. While migrants try to find their way in a new and sometimes hostile environment, host populations also have to adapt to migrants and the new religious and cultural diversity they bring with them.
Global Surgery & Obs-Gyn Summer School

The Global Surgery & Obstetrics - Gynaecology summer course provides a unique overview of the topics Global Surgery, Gynaecology and Maternal care, with an emphasis on essential surgical care from a worldwide perspective. In one week time, a great variety of topics will be discussed in interactive lectures, case study discussions and small working group with experts in the field. The collaboration of both speakers and participants from all over the globe, provides the unique opportunity to connect and learn from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Advanced Survey Design

This course in ‘advanced survey design’ takes students beyond the introductory courses and will discuss the state of the art in both the design and the analysis of survey data. We discuss new ways to analyse text data and sensor data generated by modern surveys. Course participants must be proficient working with statistical software (Stata, SPSS or R). Course materials have been developed in R, but most exercises on days 1-3 is in SPSS or STATA.
Advanced Multilevel Analysis

This three day course will teach you advanced topics in multilevel modelling. The three-day course builds upon the contents of the other summer school course “Introduction to multilevel analysis”. It consists of three days with lectures in the morning and computer labs in the afternoon. After taking this course, you should be able to analyse more complex multilevel models and to interpret and report the results.
Applied Multivariate Analysis

The summer school course 'Applied Multivariate Analysis' offers hands-on experience using SPSS for the most frequently encountered multivariate statistical techniques in the social and behavioural sciences. The emphasis is on applying multivariate techniques using the computer programme SPSS, and on how to interpret the SPSS output in substantive terms. During the course, we do not discuss the mathematical details of these techniques.
Introduction to Multilevel Analysis

This course will teach you the theoretical basics of multilevel modelling and some important methodological and statistical issues. You will also learn how to analyse multilevel data sets with the HLM and Mplus programs, to interpret the output and to report the results. The benefits of multilevel analysis are discussed both in theory as with empirical examples. This course restricts to a quantitative (i.e. continuous) outcome variable. Categorical outcomes are part of the course Advanced Multilevel.
Survey Research: Design, Implementation and Data Processing

Changes in technology and society strongly influence modern survey research. This course covers the essentials of modern survey methodology, organised by the Department of Methodology and Statistics in collaboration with Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Central to the course is survey quality and the reduction of Total Survey Error (coverage, sampling, nonresponse, including questionnaire and mode effects), while balancing logistics and survey costs. Best practice guidelines for surveys from design to implementation, analysis and reporting will be discussed.
Survey Research: Statistical Analysis and Estimation

The course is based on a total survey error perspective and discusses the major sources of survey error. Participants will be presented with tools for detection and adjustment of such errors. Analysis methods are introduced using both SPSS and R. Topics include complex sampling, nonresponse adjustment, measurement error, analysis of incomplete data and advanced use of administrative data. Special attention will be given to the analysis of complex surveys that include weighting, stratification and design effects.
Advanced Course on using Mplus

This is a five-day course on structural equation modeling (SEM) using Mplus. If you already know how to analyse your data in Mplus but want to learn more about what you are actually doing, and especially if you want to know more about advanced longitudinal analyses, this course is for you. The course consists of in-depth lectures on the fundamentals of Mplus and advanced longitudinal models.
Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling using Mplus

We offer a 5-day course on how to perform basic SEM analyses using Mplus. The main objective of this course is to learn how to analyse several models with Mplus (e.g. path models, multiple group models, mediation and moderation, confirmatory factor analysis, and longitudinal models). No previous knowledge of Mplus is assumed, but prior knowledge of SEM, although not mandatory, will make this course more useful.
A Gentle Introduction to Bayesian Statistics

This course describes the stages involved in Bayesian analysis: specifying the prior and data models, deriving inference, model checking and refinement. We discuss prior and posterior predictive checking, and selecting a technique for sampling from a probability distribution. Other topics discussed are: approximate measurement invariance (a Bayesian method to assess comparability of data), evaluating hypotheses via the Bayes Factor and information criteria, and combining evidence from multiple studies addressing the same research question. Finally, we propose strategies for reproducibility and reporting standards, outlining the WAMBS-checklist (when to Worry and how to Avoid the Misuse of Bayesian Statistics).
Psychodiagnostics: Theory and Skills Training

This summer, Utrecht University offers you a 'bridging' course in psychodiagnostics, in order to overcome deficiencies in psychodiagnostics and assessment for entering the master course Clinical Psychology. This summer course focusses on familiarizing oneself with theoretical backgrounds of psychodiagnostics, practicing skills necessary to master all stages of the diagnostic process (intake, formulating a diagnostic question, formulating hypotheses, selecting, scoring and interpreting methods and tools and finally reporting conclusions and recommendation).
Data Science: Applied Text Mining

This course introduces the basic and advanced concepts and ideas in text mining and natural language processing. In this course, students will learn how to apply text mining methods on text data and analyse them in a pipeline with machine learning and deep learning algorithms. The course has a strongly practical hands-on focus, and students will gain experience in using text mining on real data from social sciences, humanities, and healthcare and interpreting the results.
Data Science: Introduction to Text Mining with R

Applications of text mining are everywhere: social media, web search, advertising, emails, customer service, healthcare, marketing, etc. In this course, students will learn how to apply text mining methods on text data and analyse them in a pipeline with statistical learning algorithms. The course has a strongly practical hands-on focus, and students will gain experience in using and interpreting text mining on data examples from humanities, social sciences, and healthcare.
Modeling the Dynamics of Intensive Longitudinal Data

This is a four-day course on how to study dynamics in intensive longitudinal data, such as ambulatory assessments (AA), experience sampling method (ESM) data, ecological momentary assessments (EMA), real time data capture, observational data or electronic daily diaries. We provide a tour of diverse modeling approaches for such data and the philosophies behind them, as well as practical experience with these modeling techniques using different software packages (including R and Mplus).
Mplus: How to get started? (April)

If you expect to work with the software Mplus, this course can help you to get started! This course is a compact 1-day workshop on using Mplus to get you started. We will focus on how to get the syntax running; how to avoid common mistakes; how to interpret the output and how to deal with error messages. In the exercises you will run multiple regression and factor analysis models, which are the basis of many structural equation models in Mplus.
Data Science: Multiple Imputation in Practice

This 4-day course teaches you the basics in solving your own missing data problems appropriately. Participants will learn how to form imputation models, how to combine data sets, how to model non-response, how to use diagnostics to inspect the imputed values, how to obtain valid inference on incomplete data and how to avoid many of the pitfalls associated with real-life missing data problems.
Data Science: Statistical Programming with R

R is rapidly becoming the standard platform for data analysis. This course offers an elaborate introduction into statistical programming in R. Students learn to operate R, form pipelines for data analysis, make high quality graphics, fit, assess and interpret a variety of statistical models and do advanced statistical programming. The statistical theory in this course covers t-testing, regression models for linear, dichotomous, ordinal and multivariate data, statistical inference, statistical learning, bootstrapping and Monte Carlo simulation techniques.
Data Science: Data Analysis

The course Data science: Data Analysis offers a range of techniques and algorithms from statistics, machine learning and data mining to make predictions about future events and to uncover hidden structures in data. The course has a strong practical focus; participants actively learn how to apply these techniques to real data and how to interpret their results. The course covers both classical and modern topics in data analysis.
Creative Fiction and Non-Fiction: Utrecht Writing Workshop (B2+)

Writing creatively, in any genre, is the ultimate way to explore the possibilities for expression and innovation in language. In this course (with instruction in Dutch or English) you will focus on structure, style, and genre to improve your writing skills, and write critical exegeses of your work to situate it within longstanding traditions and current trends in literature.
Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy and Allied Health Care in the Netherlands: An Introduction in Pain Management, Mental Health and Hand Rehabilitation

This online introduction course is intended for students and recent graduates in physiotherapy and related fields interested in pain management, mental health and rehabilitation of hand injuries. The participant will be introduced to state-of-the-art knowledge and clinical reasoning skills. Lectures and seminars on these specialised fields alternate and we will use various interactive methods to encourage clinical reasoning.
For students interested in studying abroad this course provides an excellent preview of what we offer at the Institute of Human Movement Studies (UASU). It is a great opportunity to meet and cooperate with students in a professional and international context.
Battlefields Uncovered: Introduction to Archaeological and Historical Investigations of Conflict

What do battlefields have to tell us about the past and about ourselves? Battlefields Uncovered studies some of the most dramatic turning points in World History through the lens of Military History and Archaeology. See how groundbreaking archaeological techniques can shine a light through the fog of war. Discover the complex issues to be considered when preserving and presenting places of past armed conflict. Consider what stories should be told? And by whom? Discuss different perspectives on these questions with a diverse group of people including world-leading archaeologists and historians, museum experts and military veterans.
Battlefields Uncovered 2: Developing and Demonstrating Understanding of Places of Past Conflict

If you have previously followed Battlefields Uncovered: Introduction to Archaeological and Historical Investigations of Conflict, you can develop and demonstrate your learning in this course. In this course, you can either join a heritage organisation near you to gain more practical skills or understanding around the excavation, preservation or presentation of battlefields or complete a guided research paper on a related topic.
Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context

This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. In 2021, the course will be offered online for the first time.
The Early Church as Ideal: Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics

This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this weeklong, intensive course. In 2021, this course will be offered online for the first time.
The Posthuman & New Materialism

The course will continue the tradition of neo-materialist, critical feminist posthuman theory that Braidotti is known for. It focusses on the intersections and divergences between two movements of thought that are close, but distinct. The course offers an overview of this scholarship across a trans-disciplinary range of fields that includes philosophy, literature, law, media, pedagogy and the arts. Mindful of the patterns of exclusion of the sexualised, racialised and naturalised “others” that were not recognised as belonging to humanity, special attention is devoted to perspectives emerging from Black and indigenous epistemologies and to the efforts to think beyond anthropocentrism.
Introduction to Intercultural Communication

This course will be offered in an online setting. This course provides an introduction on foundational theories in the field of intercultural communication. These theories will be linked to different contexts, ranging from education and business, to migration and media. Drawing from different exercises and assignments throughout the course, we will conclude by focusing on enhancing your own intercultural awareness and applying the theories to personal experiences while attending to linguistic and cultural diversity.
Research Methods in Intercultural Communication

This course will be offered in an online setting. In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of conducting research in the field of Intercultural Communication. Common pitfalls of intercultural and multilingual research and possible practical solutions will also be considered. This course combines theory and relevant considerations about research methods with a more practical approach in which different methods of data collection and analysis will be explored and compared.
Depression Management and Suicide Prevention

Our aim is to provide you with the latest evidence, knowledge and skills in the area of depression management and suicide prevention. Both are highly prevalent worldwide but they can be prevented and treated with a multidisciplinary approach. In this summer school course we will address the holistic and evidence based modalities to prevent adverse incidents, foster harm reduction and increase the quality of life of patients and family having problems with mood disorders and/or self-destructive behaviour.