Frequently Asked Questions
This page collects the most common questions about studying at CMD Leeuwarden — from the structure of the four-year programme to where to find help when things get tough. The official student manual and other key documents are linked from the relevant questions below. If you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch with your mentor or the Student Counselling Office.
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I want to study abroad, how does that work?
Great question...
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Which studios and minors can I choose from?
Studios go deeper into a specialism; minors are broader and emphasise cross-disciplinary skills (innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership). Try to combine deepening and broadening across your main phase.
All studios are listed here:
https://www.notion.so/cmd-studios/CMD-Studios-home-19169776d7e48066bc90e2e71bf34eff
You can also do an external minor inside or outside NHL Stenden — that needs prior approval from the examination board: examencommissieCT@nhlstenden.nl. External minors cannot be used to obtain compulsory competencies, and no N1 or N3 EC can be earned via an external minor.
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When do I go on internship and what are the requirements?
Every student does an internship in the third year, ideally in the second semester and ideally abroad. To start, you need:
- A passed propaedeutic year
- At least 45 EC at level N2
- Successfully completed two or three minors in the main phase
You arrange the internship yourself and have it approved by the internship office: stageCMDWLD@nhlstenden.com. Besides your company supervisor you'll be assigned a CMDWLD internship tutor (who is also your mentor during the internship).
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What does graduation look like, and how do I graduate cum laude?
You can start graduation when you've completed 150 EC in the main phase, including all mandatory N2 and N3 EC. You formulate your own graduation assignment, choose one from the graduation vacancies, or graduate at a company of your choice — individually, in pairs or in groups. Each graduate is assigned to a peer-review group with a supervisor (first examiner) plus a second examiner who approves the plan. The graduation period is 5 months, with a maximum 3-month extension.
To graduate cum laude you need 21 EC at level N3 (the 6 required + 15 additional), include the intent in your graduation plan, pass the graduation assessment with a high score, and get nominated by your graduating teachers. The Graduation Committee verifies the nomination against published criteria.
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Where can I find help if I'm struggling — academically, financially, or personally?
A few specific people and offices to know:
- Mara van Rooij — your CMDWLD study advisor, also coordinator of the mentoring programme. Talk to her if you want to switch course, start your own project, or stop studying.
- Hedwich Boersma — the Student Counsellor. For studying with a disability, study skills, financial advice, study delay or quitting. Walk-in hours via the Student Counselling Office.
- Peter de Jong — NHL Stenden's confidential advisor, for undesirable behaviour or trust-related concerns.
- Ronald Reinders — contact at CMDWLD for studying with a disability.
- Profiling Fund (FOS) & Emergency Fund — financial support for study delay due to circumstances, or acute financial need. Apply via the student counsellor within one year of the event.
Committees
Students and teachers shape the programme through a number of committees. Want to join? Talk to your mentor or community owner.
Examination Board
No members added yet.
Internship Committee
No members added yet.
Important links
Systems and places you'll need throughout your studies.
FFWD
app.ffwd.schoolFeedForward — your feedback platform. Capture feedback from teachers, peers and clients on your work, and use it to grow as a designer throughout your study.
OpenYOS
yos.nhlstenden.comYour study progress dashboard. Track your EC totals per competency, see where you stand against the year norm, and check what you still need to graduate.
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