International Studies (BA)

Why Leiden University

What makes International Studies at Leiden University unique

• It offers you the opportunity to study in The Hague, the centre of international politics and policy-making in the Netherlands.
• Be taught by staff from our high-ranking Humanities department and by renowned guest lecturers.
• Analyse the world from various perspectives, focusing on culture, history, economics and politics.
• Choose to specialise in one of eight world regions.
• Learn a language from your chosen region.
• Take the opportunity to study at a university in your region of choice. 
• Benefit from the practical career skills that you will acquire by participating in the third-year PRINS consultancy course.
• Learn about other cultures and develop an intercultural outlook while studying with fellow students from the Netherlands and about 50 other countries.

Study at a world-class university

Leiden University is a world-class university that is one of the oldest in Europe. Founded in 1575, we have consistently been building a solid position of scholarly authority that is recognised in the academic and professional worlds. Leiden, and particularly its Faculty of Humanities, is rated consistently high in all the major Dutch and international rankings, with the Faculty of Humanities as one of its top-tier departments.

Our academic staff includes many scholars with an excellent international reputation. Their research contributes to the debates that our societies engage in every day. As a student, you will be able to participate in that research, as our staff integrate their latest insights into their lectures.

Independent thinker

We care about our students and will do everything we can to give you the best possible support. As a university, we are committed to freedom: freedom of spirit, thinking and expression, and we will challenge you to become an independent thinker.

Diversity and inclusion

We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. We find it important to offer a learning environment that allows for the different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age or socio-economic background. LU firmly stands for its diversity policy, which aims at creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all our staff and students. 

More reasons to choose Leiden University.

The Hague: the perfect location for International Studies

The International Studies programme is taught in The Hague. The city, which is only a short train ride away from Leiden, has around 550,000 inhabitants, representing a large number of nationalities from a wide variety of backgrounds. It is the seat of Dutch government and is home to many embassies and over 200 international organisations. 

As for living in The Hague: you will certainly enjoy the many opportunities to spend leisure time, ranging from theatres, cinema’s and museums to terraces, pubs and restaurants. It is also a relaxed city with many parks and beaches at bicycle distance. 

Discover the world at the Faculty of Humanities

Our time is dynamic and complex, with many challenges for which we need to find a solution. These solutions can be found by people with the knowledge that comes from a relevant, high quality education. The Faculty of Humanities offers that kind of education. The wide range of subjects studied at our faculty includes many languages, cultures, art en societies from across the world, from prehistoric times until today. Our education and research are inspired by ambition and passion and by commitment to our students. This has led to consistently high national and international rankings. 

In this era of globalisation, the humanities are more important than ever. Climate change, security, migration, integration, trade, and technology are blurring the borders between countries and cultures. In order to be able to cooperate and live together, it is crucial that we understand each other. Humanities offer the insights we need for that. By choosing for a programme at the Leiden Faculty of Humanities, you become part of an international academic community which helps you to develop a critical mind and supports you to be your best.