Bachelor's programmes

Leiden University offers more than eighty bachelor's programmes. More about: awarded degree, language of instruction, programme duration and Electives & Minors.

Programmes and admission requirements

Leiden University currently offers more than eighty bachelor's programmes.

Degree awarded

Upon successful completion of a bachelor’s degree programme at Leiden University you will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Official language of instruction

The majority of bachelor’s degree programmes at Leiden University are taught (predominantly) in Dutch, but certain language and culture studies are taught in the language specific to that study programme.

Dutch
For the majority of bachelor’s programmes a good command of Dutch is essential. Dutch is the language of instruction in many lectures, laboratory sessions, tests and examinations. Dutch text books are generally used, accompanied by materials in English and other programme-specific languages. 

 
Bachelor’s programmes not requiring Dutch proficiency 
BA in Dutch Studies
Knowledge of the Dutch Language is not required to commence this bachelor’s programme. Students learn Dutch during their studies.
 
BA International Studies(starting in September 2012)
The International Studies degree offers a unique combination of comparative area studies, placed in an international setting and provides the opportunity to learn a foreign language. In this three year English taught study programme students learn to analyse their world region of choice from cultural, economic, historical and political angles and compare them within an international perspective. This programme is conducted in The Hague.

Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts & Sciences
This is an English taught bachelor’s (honours) degree programme conducted in the international environment of Leiden University College (LUC) in The Hague. LUC distinguishes itself from other programmes and colleges by focusing specifically on complex global issues: climate change, depletion of natural resources, poverty, social injustice, and international crime and terrorism, to name but a few. The two broad domains of Peace & Justice and Sustainability have been taken as unique, profiling elements in the curriculum. Interdisciplinarity is central to all learning at LUC The Hague. 

 
English
For admission onto all bachelor’s programmes a good command of English is essential. English study materials are frequently used, even during programmes which are primarily taught in Dutch or other languages. From the second year of study onwards many bachelor’s courses are also conducted in English.

Programme duration

A bachelor's programme has a statutory duration of three years.

Electives and Minors

Since September 2009, Leiden bachelor’s students can complete the electives for their particular programme, which may vary from 30 to 15 study points depending on the department, with:  

  • one minor
  • electives (local, national, international)
  • an internship in the Netherlands or abroad 
     
A minor is a cohesive package of subjects worth 30 study points. Leiden offers 49 different minors. Most of these are accessible to all students; a few minors at the Science Faculty have admission criteria. In terms of level, minor education is primarily suitable for third-year bachelor’s students. Students who choose to do so, can always complete their electives with a minor subject; permission of the Board of Examiners is generally not required. Students can read in the Course and Examination Regulation about what is and what is not allowed and in what permission from the Board of Examiners is required. 
 
More information on electives and minors:

Web Editor
Last Modified: 11-10-2011