Master Honours Classes & Challenges

About us

The Master Honours Classes & Challenges are part of Leiden’s honours education for master’s students. While the Honours Academy is responsible for the practical organisation, the education is coordinated by teachers of all faculties.

Master honours education at Leiden University

Master Honours education challenges motivated master's students to go the extra mile and develop themselves further, both in and outside of academia. Instead of a short-term Class or Challenge (5 or 10 EC), students can also participate in the Leiden Leadership Programme (15 EC). This is a full one-year honours programme in which students further develop their leadership skills, delve into a socially relevant topic and gain experience with working in an organisation.

Testing ground

Honours education functions as a testing ground: teachers have the independence to experiment with innovative teaching methods. They can apply their lessons learned to their regular education. 

Master Honours Classes & Challenges are also a testing ground for students, who are given the opportunity to gain practical experience in collaboration with partner organisations outside of academia.

Theory & practice

In de Master Honours Classes & Challenges krijgen studenten meer inzicht in de theorie en werken ze tegelijkertijd met concrete casestudies. Zo hebben studenten van het vak 'Social Innovation in Action' de armoedeproblematiek in Leiden onderzocht en heeft het vak 'Circular Economy' gekeken naar hoe bedrijven hun productontwikkelingsprocessen duurzamer kunnen maken. Deze aanpak geeft studenten de vaardigheden die ze nodig hebben om academische theorie toe te passen op praktijksituaties.