Leiden University College celebrates 15 years of ‘global challenges, local impact’
This year, Leiden University College (LUC) celebrates its 15th anniversary with the theme ‘Global challenges, local impact’. This theme highlights how LUC tackles global issues through education and research while making tangible contributions to Dutch society
Since its founding in 2010, LUC has established itself as a unique institution within Leiden University, located in The Hague—the international city of peace, justice, and security. Through its English-taught Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges bachelor’s programme, LUC prepares students to address worldwide challenges with innovative, interdisciplinary solutions.
Over the past 15 years, LUC has grown into a hub for collaboration, learning, and research, attracting talent from the Netherlands and around the world. Students, staff, and alumni develop solutions that bridge global and local perspectives, strengthening the Netherlands as a knowledge-driven society.
Giles Scott-Smith, dean of LUC: 'LUC was founded to provide a space for excellence in education, using the international classroom and interdisciplinarity as our core approach. With the changes in the world over the past 15 years, our Global Challenges approach is more relevant now than it was in 2010. Our alumni confirm this time and again.'
A track record of excellence
LUC is a pioneer in interdisciplinary education, inspired by the American university college model. Students from across the world, including the Netherlands, live and study together in a close-knit academic community. With nearly 400 on-site student residences in the heart of The Hague, LUC serves as a model for sustainability and inclusivity.
For over a decade, LUC has been recognised as a Top Programme in the Keuzegids Universiteiten, underscoring its high-quality education and student satisfaction. LUC alumni have made an impact in fields such as international relations, public administration, healthcare, and technological innovation.
Hanne Cuyckens, director of education at LUC: 'We are extremely proud of the broad recognition our programme has received. Our passionate lecturers and dedicated support staff ensure that year after year, we provide a high-quality, challenging, and inspiring programme. LUC is truly a vibrant place for educational innovation, where global challenges, global citizenship, and social engagement take centre stage. And, of course, our students are an integral part of this success.'
Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
As part of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), LUC shares its commitment to good governance and addressing societal issues both in the Netherlands and beyond.
Koen Caminada, dean of FGGA: 'As dean of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, I am immensely proud that Leiden University College is part of our academic community. LUC embodies the best of interdisciplinary education, bringing together students from all corners of the world to tackle complex global challenges. This unique learning environment, in the heart of The Hague, aligns perfectly with our mission to contribute to the social sciences. Together, we are preparing students for an impactful future.'
Looking ahead
As LUC celebrates its 15th anniversary, the focus remains on the future. With an internationally oriented curriculum and a strong emphasis on social engagement, LUC continues to prepare the next generation of leaders to work towards a better, more sustainable world.
Stay tuned for updates and inspiring stories as LUC marks its anniversary year. In the coming weeks, LUC will kick off its celebrations with 15 examples of global challenges and local impact, shared on LinkedIn and Instagram.
For more information on 15 years of LUC, visit universiteitleiden.nl/luc15.