At Leiden University College (LUC), engagement with society is a core part of our research and teaching.

LUC brings Leiden University's Engagement with society ambition to life through various initiatives, including research partnerships, teaching, internships, student volunteering, and social activism. Each of the college's six interdisciplinary majors offers distinct approaches that shape its societal engagement efforts.

These approaches range from gathering evidence on environmental changes to critically analysing the history of public spaces and art. More broadly, they connect global and local perspectives, providing insights into the unequal power dynamics that influence global health, development, international justice, and world politics.

We encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to become socially responsible, active citizens. LUC’s educational approach connects students with the City of The Hague, where they live and work, using local experiences as a lens to explore Global Challenges.

Global Citizenship programme

LUC offers a unique Global Citizenship programme with courses open to students from all majors. These semester-long courses blend theory and practice, incorporating diverse pedagogies such as service-learning, field schools, curating exhibitions, place-based education, serious gaming, stakeholder analysis, public space analysis, design thinking, digital storytelling, and participatory action research.

These courses work closely with societal stakeholders both in The Hague and beyond. LUC partners with a variety of local and international NGOs, civil servants, research institutions, and governments.

Volunteering

In addition to their studies, many LUC students volunteer through their own networks in The Hague. LUC committees such as ActAware, the sustainability committee, Amnesty International Student Group, Analog, Diversity LGBTQ+, Fiber Craft, and LUC Volunteer engage in various forms of social activism, collaborating with local organisations across the city.

Contact

Interested in learning more about how Leiden University College engages with society in collaboration with local and international partners? Please don't hesitate to contact us!