Science for Sustainable Societies (BSc)

Programme structure

Educational methods

As a Science for Sustainable Societies student, you can expect a full working week of about 40 hours. You will spend an average of 20 hours in-class. The rest of the time your will independently study (by doing homework, preparing for classes and exams) and work on group projects with fellow students. Our classes are a mixture of lectures, working groups, practicals and excursions. This means we expect you to actively participate within most of your classes, for example by participating in discussions, or by joining a field excursion.

Mentor system

To make sure you feel at home at Leiden University and our programme, you will be assigned to a mentor group at the start of your studies. A second-year or third-year student will act as your mentor. During the first semester, your mentor will provide you with practical information, such as how to use Brightspace, register for courses and how to best prepare for classes and exams.

Study advisors

You will also be pro-actively supported by a team of study advisors. You will already meet one of them during a one-on-one meeting before the start of the programme. In addition, the study advisors will monitor your study progress a couple of times per year and if necessary, invite you for a meeting to discuss your progress. You can also always contact the study advisors if you have questions about the study programme, if there are personal circumstances that influence your studies and/or if you are studying with a disability.

Binding Study Advice

The Binding Study Advice entails that you need to earn at least 45 out of the 60 study credits at the end of the first year to be able to continue in your second year. If you do not meet this criterion, you will not be able to carry on with your study at Leiden University. In formulating this study advice, any relevant circumstances, such as sickness or other personal factors, will be taken into account.