For example, you can choose to study Communication Science, Health Sciences, Psychology or Management, Society & Technology. But one might be weary to take this step. Because what exactly can you expect from studying social sciences at a technical university? And perhaps more importantly, what not? In this article, we list the main misconceptions.
No, you don't have to learn programming
The fear of many students who consciously choose a study in social sciences: STEM-subjects. Okay, there are exceptions, but most students within the social sciences are overjoyed to finally leave maths, physics, chemistry - and other technical subjects - behind. So, you may wonder to what extent you are going to need these subjects as a social science student at a technical university. How tech-savvy do you actually need to be? And do you need to learn programming, for example?
Well, be assured: you are certainly not expected to learn how to program during your studies. At least, if you don't want to! Should you want to take a little detour into the wonderful world of engineering, you can always do so - after all, you are at a technical university. For example, you could choose a course in which you learn the basics of programming to set up a digital, social science experiment. But of course, this is not necessary: a social studies degree is a social studies degree - and that is what you study for. No compulsory technical subjects or assignments, then!
Still, you won't escape one important science subject: statistics. Obtaining a scientific degree at a university involves data collection and analysis, and to be able to carry out independent research, you need these skills. These statistics classes are, therefore, compulsory. For most students, it’s not their favourite subject, but hey - thousands of others have gone before you, so you too will survive this!
No, you are not in a 'social science bubble'
Let's face it: as a social science student at a technical university, you are in the minority. So you must be very close with your fellow students and barely interact with all the engineering students. Right?
Not really! Okay, in general, of course, you will interact most with the students from your own study programme, but that is not because you are in a 'social science bubble'. In fact, you are very much encouraged to collaborate with students from other disciplines! Thanks to the University of Twente's Twente Education Model, you may well find yourself working with a Computer Science, Creative Technology or Industrial Design Engineering student during a project on, say, science communication, digital revenue models or health policy.
So, the idea that you are completely isolated and 'on an island' as a social sciences student at a technical university is thankfully not true. Even though the social and technical fields are seemingly miles apart, nothing could be further from the truth. After all, what is modern society without technology - and what good is technology if there are no social applications?
No, you won't limit yourself at a technical university
You might be afraid that, as soon as you start studying at a technical university, you will in no time turn into the ultimate technology nerd who can't talk about anything else and preaches incessantly about the 'technological fix'. After all, don't you get tunnel vision if you spend so much time with technology? Doesn't your expertise become too specific? You don't want to limit yourself, do you?
Well, fortunately, an interest in technology is not a contagious virus that slowly takes over your life. So it is certainly not the case that at a technical university everything revolves around technology - especially in the social sciences. Rather, you are also critical of technologies and how they affect society. You can also apply this critical thinking and ability to analyse other issues, and you will do so during your studies, just like in any other social sciences study. The difference is in the perspective: at a technical university, you try to include the role of new technology in the larger context and social issues.
But... What is studying social sciences at a technical university like, then?
In short: sometimes a challenge, but also an enrichment of your knowledge and skills! Our modern, digital society is changing rapidly and this has a major impact on social science issues. It makes them complex and difficult to predict, because we don't always know how people react to new technologies - and how they affect our society on an economic, policy and communication level. At a technical university, there is an extra focus on this, which can be challenging.
On the other hand, you also learn a lot from this! Because you are used to thinking about the influence of technological developments, you get a very future-oriented outlook. After all, it is impossible to imagine our daily lives without technology - and this dependency will most likely only get bigger. So, it’s a good preparation for the future, then. And, not unimportantly, it will give you a head start on the future job market!
Are you still a bit hesitant to start a social study programme at a technical university – even after reading this article? Then sign up for an online meet-up with a student and ask all your questions to someone with first-hand experience!
