Universiteit Leiden

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Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory (MSc)

Admission requirements

To be eligible for Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.

Diploma requirements

You are eligible to apply if you have

  • A BSc degree in Mathematics (Wiskunde) from any research university in the Netherlands.
    OR
  • A bachelor’s degree in a Mathematics-related programme from a research university in the Netherlands, under the condition that you have accumulated the mathematical background at least equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the BSc degree in Mathematics.

For more information, please contact the Admission Board.

If you have a degree in Dutch higher vocational education (hbo) in a Mathematics-related field of science, you are eligible to apply under the condition that you have accumulated the mathematical background at least equivalent to a university bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the level and content of the Dutch BSc degree in Mathematics.

For more information, please contact the Admission Board.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or in a Mathematics-related programme from a foreign research university with a level similar to Dutch universities, you are eligible to apply under the condition that you have accumulated the mathematical background at least equivalent to a Dutch bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the level and content of the Dutch BSc degree in Mathematics.

For more information, please contact the Admission Board.

Language requirements

Proof of sufficient proficiency in English, evidenced by appropriate language test:

  • IELTS: minimum 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 for each of the components Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
  • TOEFL: : internet based 90, with a minimum of 20 on each of the components Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), minimum overall score 180, with a minimum component score of 169 

For detailed information about which English qualifications are accepted, as well as the relevant exemption criteria, refer to English language proficiency.

Please note: You do not have to submit proof of proficiency if you have a diploma of secondary or higher education completed in Australia, Canada (with the exception of French-language programmes in Canada), Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States or South Africa;
Or when you hold an International Baccalaureate;
Or for Dutch students, if you have completed VWO level English or an English taught bachelor at a Dutch Research University.

The education component of this master's programme is taught in Dutch. All applicants that have not achieved a Secondary Education qualification in the Netherlands, have to demonstrate their Dutch communication skills. The level of Dutch is assessed through an advanced Dutch language exam. For more information about the exam: Admission Exam TUL Advanced. For the speaking (fluency) part of the exam, at least a 7.5 must be achieved.

Mind: after completion of the Education specialisation you obtain a qualifications to be a teacher in the Netherlands.

Additional information

We expect students to bring a regular laptop running Windows (or running Linux for certain study programmes). MacOS may in most cases also suffice (with Parallels for Windows installed), but not all specialized applications may be supported, and less support may be available. 
•    Windows 11 compatible – 64-bits (or Linux for some study programmes) 
•    Processor/CPU – modern, medium range 
•    Memory/RAM – 8 GB, if possible 16 GB 
•    Storage – 512 GB, if possible 1 TB 

>> Go to the next step: Check the application deadlines