Security Studies (BSc)

Madelief Alserda

Third year student

"Security Studies combines critical and interdisciplinary learning to examine issues of safety and security, such as the Fukushima nuclear disaster all the way to the war in Syria. The plethora of safety and security issues touched upon in the programme develops an understanding in critical fields like law, political science, conflict management, and many more to create students capable of tackling the threats of the future. The diversity of courses makes choosing a favourite challenging, nevertheless, Cyber Threats was a personal favourite. This course was taught by an excellent team of professors, tutors, and guest lecturers that make your learning truly well-rounded and give an insight to the true complexities of contemporary security issues, like cyber-attacks."

Nina Bruin

Third year student

"In my opinion, the Bachelor Security Studies is vital in our current-day society. Topics range from terrorism to climate change, from organisational crime to war and peacebuilding, from cybersecurity to nuclear safety. The range of subjects is complemented by the fact that this programme takes an interdisciplinary approach. You study the topics from various perspectives; political science, law, economics, and so on. If these topics and disciplines spark your interest, then the Bachelor Security Studies may be a good fit for you."

Martijn Bergmann

Alumnus

"Contemporary safety and security issues are all around us, though not always apparent. The bachelor programme Security Studies gives you the tools to analyze various safety and security issues ranging from forms of terrorism and cyber security to how a global crisis affects the safety and security of a society. Not only do you get the tools to study and analyze these issues, but you will also get to apply them during interactive workgroups. This ensures that you will be a well-rounded safety and security expert by the end of the programme."

Why study Security Studies?

Terrorism, cybercrime, natural disasters and other issues affect the security and safety of millions each day. In Security Studies you learn to unravel security challenges by focusing on the political, historical and societal context in which they arise, as well as the effect of governance, institutions, and the media. You gain an academic perspective, and the ability to think critically about complex issues, while taking all relevant factors of specific security challenges into account.

In this bachelor programme you will also study various crises and crisis management. Crises are unforeseen situations which require impactful decisions in times of stress and chaos. How do governments and private actors work together to prevent, response to, and recover from crises such as natural disasters and pandemics? For example, in the course Case study: Fukushima, students will look into the Fukushima nuclear disaster that happened in 2011 in Japan. In the course Vital interests we will further discuss the SARS epidemic. 

Why Security Studies at Leiden University?

Studying Security Studies at Leiden University, means:

• Being part of an international community;
• Learning an interdisciplinary approach to security and safety challenges;
• A programme which is research-led and practice-oriented;
• A three-step teaching philosophy: Explore, Understand and Do;
• A combination of lectures and skills labs; where academic and professional skills are trained in small groups;
• You will have classes in the centre of The Hague: the international City of Peace, Justice and Security.

Is this the programme for you?

• Do you read the international news with interest, seeking the interaction between global (security) events and their effect upon people, nations and organisations?
• Are you an engaged and curious critical thinker?
• Are you stimulated to find solutions to the crucial security and safety issues that arise every day?
• Do you want to learn from leading academics and security professionals?

Then the bachelor programme Security Studies is for you!

Chat with a student

Do you have a question about studying at Leiden University or student life in Leiden or in The Hague? Do you want more information about the Security Studies? Chat with a current student for answers to your questions.