Programme
When deciding what to study you undoubtedly read a lot of information about your study programme. Leiden University employs various systems to provide information about programmes and courses and to facilitate communication between lecturers and students.
The Prospectus contains information about all the courses within your study programme. Here you can find all you need to know about your programme. Via the online learning environment Brightspace you can communicate with your lecturers and submit assignments.
Programme structure
The Security Studies programme consists of mandatory core courses (150 EC) and an elective space (30 EC). You can use the elective space to do a minor, an exchange or an internship. Completion of the degree in 3 years assumes that a student completes 60 EC per year. We recommend a study pace of 15 EC per block.
| Block 1 | Block 2 | Block 3 | Block 4 | |
| Year 1 |
Introduction to security & safety Skills lab 1 |
Case study: Syria Skills lab 2 |
Case study: Fukushima Skills lab 3 |
Integrated project 1 Introduction to Research methods |
| Year 2 |
Vital interests Quantitative Research Methods |
Terrorism & Counterterrorism Law & Security |
Cyber threats Quantitative Research Methods |
War & Peace Building Economics of Safety and Security |
| Year 3 | Elective space (internship, electives, minor, study abroad) | Elective space (internship, electives, minor, study abroad) |
Thesis Integrated project 2 Governance of Security |
Thesis |
First year
In the first year of the programme you will receive a thorough introduction to the broad field of Safety and Security Studies with 8 mandatory core courses. For all first year courses, see the e-Prospectus.
Second year
During the second year you will learn about the strategies necessary to protect society’s vital interests and ensure stability, welfare and prosperity. You will also explore the underlying themes of Law & Security and Economics of Safety and Security.
Third year
In your third year, you will personalise your degree by choosing your own specialization in the first semester. You can specialise by following a minor, study abroad or doing an internship. You will complete your degree with an integrated research project, Governance of Security and your bachelor’s thesis on a related topic.
Contact
Your study advisor or coordinator is an expert on all aspects of your study programme, for example exam regulations, planning, academic issues, study delay etc.