A LITTLE Leigh teenager is encouraging sixth form leavers to go Dutch when choosing their prospective universities.

After achieving three A*-grade A-levels, Sam Bruce decided to opt for Maastricht University’s three-year liberal arts degree covering the natural and social sciences plus humanities.

The 19-year-old is among a group of British students returning to the north west to visit schools and colleges to share their experiences.

“I was looking for a broad degree programme with uncompromising academic quality,” said Sam.

“In the UK there tends to be a focus on a single area. Here at Maastricht I am able to study subjects that support each other, political theory, economics, international relations, philosophy and sociology.

“I’m also able to study areas of mathematics that are vitally important for other subjects.

“A nice added bonus was finding out that studying here opens up exciting opportunities for employment on the international labour markets.”

Maastricht students will be visiting schools and colleges to tell pupils about their experiences at one of Europe’s top universities where fees are £1,500 a year and courses are taught in English.

They will be inviting would-be students and their parents to see for themselves what Maastricht University has to offer by attending a special Bachelors open day there on March 15.

Maastricht University is ranked higher than many leading UK universities and currently boasts 300 British undergraduates.

One of the big attractions of Maastricht is the opportunity to develop valued skills and experiences.

Internships and high quality work experience are an integral part of many courses, and a high proportion of UK Maastricht graduates embark on exciting careers with leading companies.

Travelling to Maastricht from Manchester by air and train takes little over four hours.

Open day visitors will be able to find out more about courses, tuition fees and student grants, accommodation, and facilities, and explore the attractive cobbled streets of the city.

More details about the Maastricht University Bachelors open day, including travel and hotel information, can be found at bit.ly/1bRs0cU.

Students who are planning to enter university in 2015 can also attend Maastricht’s open day on November 8.