All online courses organised through the Summer Programmes Office at the Graduate School of Social Sciences (including this course) are designed so that you can focus on participating in the course and immersing yourself in your new digital environment. We make that possible by including the following in the tuition fee:

1.  All course readings and materials
2. Access to the digital library at the UvA
3. Pre-recorded lectures
4. Live online seminars
5. Access to the digital learning environment
6. Individual feedback from our instructors on all course assignments
7. An official certificate of participation

Digital certificate of participation: Participants can receive a digital participation certificate from the University of Amsterdam if they complete all assignments and all programme elements. 

While we do not require an official certificate as proof of your English language skills, we strongly encourage honesty in self-assessing your language abilities to help ensure a comfortable and productive learning environment for all students. By submitting your application (and later on confirming your participation in the programme), you are stating that your English proficiency is sufficient to fully engage with the course content and actively participate in all activities. To meet these demands, your English level should be C1 or higher on the CEFR scale.

To ensure a meaningful and collaborative online learning experience, the use of transcription or translation software during live sessions is strictly prohibited. Such tools can disrupt communication and reduce the quality of engagement for you, your peers, and the programme coordinator. 

Please note that if, after the programme begins, it becomes clear that your English level is insufficient for full participation, we reserve the right to withdraw you from the course.

All of our programmes make use of Canvas, the UvA's digital learning environment.  Roughly one month before the start of your programme, you will receive an invitation by email to access Canvas. We recommend you do so as soon as possible. Once we invite you to Canvas, programme specific communication will appear there. Canvas is where announcements, schedules, and readings will be posted, both in advance of the course, and throughout its duration. Canvas is also the place to meet and interact with your fellow classmates.

If the Summer Programmes Office is notified via email at least 30 days before the start of the programme (orientation/opening date), students may cancel their participation for a refund of tuition fees, minus the €250 administration costs. No refunds will be given after this date.

In the event that a programme must be cancelled by the Summer Programmes Office, students who have paid tuition  fees will be reimbursed in full minus €50 to cover banking costs. If possible, students will be offered a spot in another programme, if a similar programme is available.