Security Studies (BSc)
Compulsory matching
BSc Security Studies is a bachelor’s programme with a compulsory matching module.
As part of the application process you will be invited to participate in a ‘matching activity’. This is to make sure that BSc Security Studies is the right programme for you. Matching is a compulsory part of your admission and application procedure.
Matching is done through an online matching module. In this module, you will familiarise yourself with the teaching style, course materials and the way of thinking that are typical for BSc Security Studies.
- You will be introduced to the field of BSc Security Studies and watch web lectures by our academic staff.
- You will study literature and complete a several tests in order to discover whether Security Studies is the right programme for you.
During the compulsory matching, which takes approximately 2 hours to complete, you will experience what the BSc Security Studies programme can offer you. Does the focus and level of the education fit your interests and capacities? What does the BSc Security Studies programme expect from you?
The advice following your results, is not binding. Therefore, your performance on the assignments does not influence your chances of being admitted to the programme.
The assignments are designed to help you choose the right programme. The online matching module helps you to find out whether studying BSc Security Studies at Leiden University is a good choice for you.
Once you have applied for the BSc Security Studies programme (before 1 May) and your application has been successfully received by Leiden University, you will receive an invitation to participate in the matching module, as well as account information. Then you can start the matching module.
Please note that the matching period starts in February. As of February invitations for the matching module will be sent.
In case you have not received an invitation to the matching module within 10 business days following the submission of your application, please contact the study coordinators via securitystudies.info@fgga.leidenuniv.nl.
The module must be completed as soon as possible and before 1 August (23:59 hrs) the latest. Only when you have completed the matching activity, we can finalize your application for BSc Security Studies.
Academic year '24 - '25:
- Matching period starts in February 2024;
- Module must be complete before 1 August 2024.
Academic year '25 - '26:
- Matching period starts in February 2025;
- Module must be complete before 1 August 2025.
Academic year '26 - '27:
- Matching period starts in February 2026;
- Module must be complete before 1 August 2026.
Provided you meet the standard admission requirements for the programme, once you have completed the matching module within the set period, you will be admitted to the BSc Security Studies programme at Leiden University and you can finalise your enrolment. The results of the study matching activity will not affect your chances of admission.
It can happen that you have completed the matching module and have a good score, but that you do not meet the admission requirements (diploma at pre-university level and sufficient English language score) for this programme. In that case, unfortunately you cannot be admitted to the programme.
We strongly recommend that, in addition to the required participation in the SPOC and completion of the final test, you also follow the MOOC Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World course, as it provides more in-depth information and a better idea of what Security Studies involves.