In the first year, you become familiar with the main Political Science concepts and theories. You take introductory courses on national and international politics. You will also be trained in research skills and statistics. Where necessary, you will receive support from student advisors and student mentors.

In the second year, you will expand your basic Political Science expertise with insights from philosophy, psychology and history. The rest of the course package is up to you, depending on your interests. You can choose in-depth courses that together form a focus area, but you can also create your own mix of themes.

In the third year, you further shape your Political Science profile. You will zoom in on a few topics of your choice. You will apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to your own research, under the guidance of a lecturer. In the other half of year three you can take a look outside the programme: you can choose electives, a minor, or study abroad. There is also plenty of room for an internship.

The academic year

2 semesters, 4 blocks

• The academic year runs from September to July and is divided into two semesters.
• Each semester has two blocks, so there are four blocks in total.
• Each block has 8 weeks; 7 weeks of lectures and workgroups (the last week of each block is exam week).
• There are no holidays within a semester.

Breaks

• After the first semester, during the month of January, there is a ‘Winter break’, during which there are no programme activities (with the exception of resits, see below).
• The same goes for the ‘Summer break’, which is after the second semester, from July to September.

Exams

• The last week of each block is exam week.
• For each exam there is one resit scheduled.
• Resits for exams taken in the first semester take place during the January reces;
• Resits of exams taken in the second semester take place in June, at the start of the Summer reces.

Options in year 3

You will receive explanations from a teacher on pre-specified and studied material. Of course, you can then ask the lecturer questions. Politicians, consultants and journalists regularly appear as guest speakers.

In a small group (of up to 25 students), you will discuss and think through the material with your fellow students, under the guidance of a teacher. You will also complete assignments and papers and give presentations.

You work independently or with fellow students on the material and related assignments-in your pace, at one of the many workstations in the faculty, the University Library or at home.

Studying is a full-time job. If you are serious about it, you spend an average of about 40 hours per week preparing for and attending lectures, completing assignments and learning for exams. At least 16 hours in the “work week” are “contact hours,” the remaining time you spend on self-study.

Throughout your studies, your study adviser is your first port of call and can help you with questions about the curriculum, your planning or personal circumstances that are affecting your studies.

As a first-year student, you will probably have to get use tot he rhythm, the rules and the scale of the university. And student life outside the classroom can be a little daunting, too. Your fellow senior students know this all too well; not too long ago, they were in your shoes. This is why we organise the peer mentoring programme.

Working in a small group, facilitated by a senior student, you will acquaint yourself with practical matters and exchange tips and trics. This helps you finding your way on and around campus, to feel more at ease and to get the most out of your studies.

Fenestra: facilities for students with a disability

The Fenestra Disability Centre provides advice on all disability-related issues. As well as assisting students with requests for extra facilities, Fenestra can also offer financial advice and give general information on finding your way both within and outside the university.

Student psychologists

If you are registered as a student of Leiden University, you can use the services of our professional student psychologists.