You are on page 1of 38

Global Conflict in the Modern Era

(MA)
Master

Discover the world at Leiden University

Part of International Relations (MA)

The specialisation Global Conflict in the Modern Era of the master’s in


International Relations at Leiden University engages you with the
scholarly debates about global conflict today and in the recent past.

Apply now

Why study Global Conflict in the Modern Era at Leiden University?

In the Global Conflict in the Modern Era master programme you will explore the patterns of
war and peace in the modern world from a multidisciplinary angle, incorporating history,
political and social science and area expertise. The The master’s degree in International
Relations examines the core concepts and dominant approaches to the study of war, as well

1
as more recent and critical takes on these phenomena. You will also study the theoretical
and empirical explanations for war and peace that have been offered by the academic
scholarship.

Learn more about the study programme

Benefit from unique expertise

Not only will the programme invite you to investigate classical texts and approaches to war
and peace but also, terrorism, insurgency and genocide as prevalent modes of violent
expression will feature in the curriculum. Are these phenomena for example driven by
political considerations, as traditional approaches have suggested or are there other
explanations for the use of violence? You will benefit from the close contacts between the
University and national and international government institutions in The Hague, as well as
the unique wealth of area studies available at Leiden University.

Check the entry requirements

Additional MA in International Affairs

During your studies, you are eligible to apply to the prestigious master’s in International
Affairs at the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University in
Bologna.

Find out more about the career prospects

International Relations Degree

Global Conflict in the Modern Era at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme
of International Relations. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive
a legally accredited master’s degree in International Relations and the title Master of Arts
(MA).

Student for a Day

Join the MA International Relations Student for a Day event on Tuesday 19 February. At
this event you will get the opportunity to join a lecture and meet students who are enrolled
in the programme. You will also be able to ask students and the Coordinator of Studies any
questions you might have.

2
Register now

Why Leiden University


Leiden University offers ambitious students a world-class environment in
which to reach their potential.

A top-ranked university

Leiden University's Humanities department consistently ranks in the top 30 Humanties


departments worldwide in the THE World University Ranking. At Leiden University, the
oldest university in the Netherlands, you can access resources found nowhere else in the
world, such as those of the famous Leiden University Library and its collections of original
manuscripts and periodicals.

An ideal location for the study of international relations

Leiden University offers you one of the best locations from which to explore and study the
world, as well as launch your career. Our location close to The Hague, the legal capital of
the world, brings you within easy reach of some of Europe and the Netherland's most
important political and international organisations.

A centre of scholarly expertise

At Leiden University, we are among the leading centres in Europe for the study of
international relations, with the largest concentration of scholarly expertise anywhere in the
Netherlands. Many of our staff members enrich their research and teaching with additional
insights garnered from their experience working in government, NGOs and other
international organisations.

An individual approach to learning

At Leiden University we have a dedicated team of researchers in the field of International


Relations. All classes are taught by accomplished scholars at Leiden. Small classes ensure
every student has valuable time interacting with lecturers, each of whom is personally
invested in you and developing your potential.

3
About the programme
In the Global Conflict in the Modern Era specialisation of International
Relations you will explore the security measures that have been instituted
locally, regionally and globally in the modern world.

Programme structure

All specialisations (except European Union Studies) follow the same format:

Semester 1 Semester 2
Core course for your specialisation (10 EC) Regionalism in World Politics (5 EC)
Preparatory course for your thesis (5 EC) Elective (10 EC)
Ideas in World Politics (5 EC) Thesis (15 EC)
Elective (10 EC)

Electives/internship
You may choose electives (20 EC total) from a wide range of graduate level courses offered
across the Faculty of Humanities. You will also have the possibility to exchange one
elective for an internship at an organisation / institution in the field of international or
foreign relations, in or outside of the Netherlands.

Please note that you will need to find your own internship, follow an internship procedure
for approval, and that pursuing an internship may have consequences for the date of
graduation.

Preparatory course and MA thesis


The preparatory course introduces you to core conceptual, methodological and theoretical
issues you meet when you initiate, research, and write your MA thesis. In addition, a series
of seminars will enable you to discuss specific issues related to International Relations.
Your thesis is supposed to be based on original research that speaks to the core themes of
the MA International Relations.

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials

4
Self-study
Internship (optional)

Thesis
Exams
Peer feedback and assessment
Essays, reports and final thesis
Oral presentations

The acquisition of advanced academic skills in the interpretation of texts and the analysis of
complex conceptual problems, as well as the ability to independently conduct high-quality
scientific research are key goals of the programme.

A second MA at Bologna: International Affairs

Due to a special agreement between the two universities, it is possible to earn a second
master’s degree in International Affairs at the Johns Hopkins Bologna Center. Your Leiden
MA degree in International Relations gives you access to the second year of the research-
oriented Master of Arts in International Affairs, provided by Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe.
Candidates admitted to the Bologna programme would be given a full year’s credit towards
this two-year MA. Courses at SAIS Bologna emphasize economics, political science, history
and foreign language proficiency, providing a cross-disciplinary approach.

Detailed programme

For a detailed programme, please check the e-Prospectus. Please note that this guide applies
to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly
differ.

Eugenio Cusumano
Researcher and University Lecturer

"Security, threat, terrorism, and war are essentially contested


concepts that need to be studied from different theoretical
perspectives and disciplinary angles in order to be fully
understood. By combining political science, history, and area
studies, the programme in Global Conflict in the Modern Era at

5
Leiden University offers unique insights into the study of today’s security
crises and humanitarian emergencies."

Challenging state-centric understandings


"As a multidisciplinary programme, the Master's in International Relations
offers an ideal environment to study phenomena that challenge traditional,
state-centric understandings of international relations such as the increasing
role of non-state actors in international security."

Debating controversial questions


"By joining the programme students will have the opportunity to engage in
debates on controversial questions such as the balance between security and
individual rights including privacy and freedom of movement, the
appropriateness of humanitarian intervention, the extent to which migration
should be considered a security issue, and the role of commercial actors in
the conduct of military operations."

Mark Rutgers
Dean

“Many of our master’s students discover the quality of our


programmes only after they join us. In the Netherlands, self-
promotion is not a big part of our culture, yet Leiden University’s
Humanities Faculty ranks alongside the most prestigious
universities in the world, and is the established leader in
continental Europe. What can our students expect from this programme? An
education on par with the world’s best, with teaching by top researchers.”

Alumni: close-knit global community


“Your graduation from a master’s programme marks a new chapter in your
relationship with Leiden University. Our alumni community is highly active in
terms of network-building and development. They are valued by the
university, and we support them with personal and professional development
and free use of our facilities such as the Leiden University Library. This close-
knit global community offers life-long support for all our former students in
terms of reaching goals, maintaining friendships and expanding networks.”

Research: encouraging you to think beyond your own discipline

6
“Some of the most high-profile humanities research produced today is
conducted at Leiden University’s Humanities Faculty. These faculty members
are among a handful worldwide who can lay claim to such a depth and
breadth of academic expertise. One example is our centre of excellence on
Native American cultures, languages and history – a research group that is
one of the best in the world. At Leiden, we can offer students expertise in
most niche areas of interest. Our faculty members often work together across
disciplines, and encourage students to think beyond the limits of their own
discipline, which is where the future of innovative research lies.”

Careers: opportunities to develop your talent


“Decisions made during your studies have a big impact on your future. We
offer you many opportunities to develop your talents both within and outside of
the classroom, including internships, study trips abroad, student committees,
and minors. These opportunities help define your objectives for after your
studies, and equip you with additional skills and experience.”

Extra-curricular
Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our
extracurricular activities.

Community building

Throughout the year activities, such as seminar series and excursions, are organised by the
programme and the study association to encourage community building.

International Relations Seminar Series


Eight times a year the programme offers general MA International Relations seminars in
which for example politicians, professionals from NGO’s or officials from other national
level or international organisations will share their experiences and discuss aspects of
current affairs.

European Union Seminar Series


The EU seminar series is jointly organised by the master's programme in International
Relations and the Institute for History and the Europa Institute at the Leiden Law School. It

7
is primarily aimed at the students who take our MA in European Union Studies. Throughout
four sessions per semester, the students have the opportunity to engage with non-academic
experts in their field of interest.

CHIRRS seminars and events


The Leiden University History and International Relations departments have set up the
Contemporary History and International Relations Research Seminar (CHIRRS). This
seminar series offers regular Research Seminars, a Current Events in Perspective series and
workshops related to contemporary history and international relations.

Leiden Leadership Programme

Are you interested in developing your leadership potential? The Leiden Leadership
Programme (LLP) is an Honours Programme specifically developed for ambitious master's
students at Leiden University and the Delft University of Technology who recognise the
importance of leadership abilities. The LLP offers in-depth training sessions, assessments,
seminars, and the creation of a Personal Leadership Roadmap – a five-year plan for reaching
and developing your leadership potential.

Career prospects
Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden
University.

The International Relations programme offers outstanding preparation for students seeking a
profession that requires comprehensive knowledge of world affairs and strong analytical and
critical-thinking skills.

Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include

Policy advisor, at a ministry of foreign affairs


Communications manager and project assistant at an NGO promoting reconciliation
and peace
Consular spokesperson at a ministry of foreign affairs
Consultant at an NGO
Project manager at a company specialising in geo-services, international development
and project management

8
PhD candidate and research assistant
Communications officer at an international student federation
Research analyst at a consultancy firm
Product manager at a multinational company
University relations manager at an education intermediary
Senior immigration expert at a multinational accountancy and consultancy firm

Your qualifications

Your master will qualify you for a wide-range of roles in almost every sector of the
employment market. Many of our graduates work for public services, research institutes,
international organisations, government bodies, NGOs, education, communications, policy
development, political institutes and academia, amongst others.

Kent Moore
Graduated in International Relations

"Being from my own cultural background, from the U.S., I came


to Leiden with a certain view on the world. Through studying
International Relations I acquired much more cultural sensitivity
about certain issues. I learned about the impression the U.S.
leaves on the world, which opened up my world to different
viewpoints.”

Recruiting students for our study abroad programmes


"I currently work at CISabroad, a studying abroad organization that has
affiliations with over 200 U.S. universities. For the most part I recruit students
for our study abroad programmes, but I also arrange the logistics of some of
the student trips abroad."

Inspirational lecturers
" As a lecturer I found Lindsay Black very inspirational. He is a very smart
man and I owe him a drink or two for being so helpful during the process of
writing my thesis."

A Leiden University degree

9
Leiden University master's graduates are sought-after employees at (inter)national
organisations. Our graduates are known for their combination of robust academic training,
in-depth and relevant knowledge, and critical, multidisciplinary approach to problem-
solving.

In which sector do students find jobs?

16.0 % ICT
16.0 % Education
16.0 % Research
11.0 % Consulting
11.0 % Non-profit (e.g. at an idealistic organisation)
11.0 % Government and semi-government organisations
20.0 % Miscellaneous

How successful are they in finding a job?

65.0 % found a job within two months


70.0 % found their first job at academic level

Career preparation
Our goal is to prepare you to make a difference in your future career.

Knowledge and skills

The master’s programme in International Relations at Leiden University aims to equip you
with a range of important skills and knowledge that will help you stand out in any future
career. Your specialised knowledge is complemented by a broad and contextual
understanding as well as critical-thinking skills that can be applied to complex conceptual
problems. In class, we encourage every student to participate in discussions to develop their
ability to clearly and confidently articulate their ideas as well as fine-tune their logic and
reasoning abilities.

Internships

10
You will have the opportunity to gain experience working an as intern in an organisation in
the Netherlands or abroad. This experience is highly valued within international
organisations, as are strong communication skills. Organisations where students from the
MA International Relations programme may find an internship include:

Security Policy Department (DVB) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs


Dutch Ministry of Defense
NGOs, for example Gender Concerns International or NGO’s focused on
humanitarian aid
Think tanks, such as the Netherlands Institute for International Relations
‘Clingendael’, the International Centre for Counterterrorism and the Hague Centre for
Strategic Studies
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies around the world (Latvia,
Washington, USA, South Africa, etc)
European institutions - examples include Estonian presidency of the European Union,
internships for members of the European Parliament
Media outlets such as Een Vandaag in Hilversum.
Netherlands Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Please note that you will need to find your own internship, follow an internship procedure
for approval, and that pursuing an internship may have consequences for the date of your
graduation.

Humanities Career Service

Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps
to get you there. Our team at Humanities Career Service provide all Leiden University
humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships
and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular
workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV.

Humanities Career Event

Each year, the Faculty of Humanities organises a Humanities Careers Event. This all-day
event is your chance to learn everything you can about how to find the job you want and
successfully attain it. The event includes workshops on a wide range of topics as well as
opportunities to network with alumni and potential employers and attain tips, information
and potential job leads.

11
Check out the video of the Humanities Career Event 2018!

<!--cke_bookmark_8860S--&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;<!--
cke_bookmark_8860E-->

Admission and Application


Do you want to apply for this master’s programme at Leiden University?
Find out how to apply for your programme by following the step-by step
guide in the application and admission section.

This specialisation is part of the MA in International Relations. If you would like to apply to
this programme please first select the research MA International Relations (CROHO code:
60734) in Studielink and then select your specialisation.

The guide will give you the necessary help and guidance in submitting your application.

Step 1: Check the admission requirements


Step 2: Check the application deadlines
Step 3: Collect the required documents
Step 4: Start your application
Step 5: Pay your tuition fees
Step 6: Prepare for your studies at Leiden University

Admission requirements
On this page you will find the admission requirements for this programme.

Limited capacity from September 2018

Please note that these entry requirements have changed. The Master’s programme in
International Relations will operate on limited capacity from September 2018, and will be
selective.

12
This programme has a limited capacity. A maximum of 120 places is available (80 in
September, 40 in February) on this programme; the Admissions Board ranks the requests for
admission on the fulfilment of the requirements below.

Diploma requirements

A bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch


academic bachelor’s degree, in the field of social sciences, humanities, law or
economics.
A good academic record, demonstrated by either an average grade of 7.0 (out of 10),
or the equivalent thereof, for the Bachelor’s thesis, and/or other indicators such as
relevant extracurricular activity or participation in an honours programme,
Applicants should have completed components at the bachelor’s level equivalent to at
least 30 EC in the field of International Relations with comparable content and course
objectives (e.g. Global History (5 EC), Introduction to Area Studies (5 EC), Cultural
Interaction: A Global Perspective, (5 EC), International Economics (5 EC),
International Politics (5 EC), Politics of a specific area (i.e. Africa, East Asia, Europe,
Latin America, Middle East, North America, Russia and Eurasia, South and Southeast
Asia) (5 EC)).

No direct admission, all students need to submit an online application.

Applicants with a degree from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) are not
eligible for admission.

Language requirements

Sufficient command of English (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100 (internet-based) or Cambridge


English: Proficiency (CPE); for the ‘speaking’ and ‘writing’ components a minimum score
of IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL25 is required). For a list of exceptions, see the website on language
requirements.

Exams accepted

IELTS: academic test only


TOEFL

13
Cambridge English Exam

Cambridge English Exam equivalences

Programme requiring IELTS 6.5 = Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English


(CAE), with a minimum grade of C
Programme requiring IELTS 7.0 or higher = Cambridge Proficiency (CPE)

Other exam criteria

Exam results may not be more than two years old.


Institutional exams, such as ITP-TOEFL, cannot be accepted.
Chinese students who need a Nuffic certificate should take either an IELTS or a
TOEFL IBT exam.

Exemptions

You may be considered exempt from submitting one of the above-mentioned English exam
results if:

You have an (English-taught) International Baccalaureate.


You completed your secondary or higher education in the USA, the UK, Ireland, New
Zealand, Australia or Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada).
At the discretion of the Board of Admissions, you are a Dutch student with pre-
university education (VWO) level English.

In exceptional cases, students who otherwise qualify for an exemption but whose
application documents cast doubt on their English proficiency may be asked to sit an
English exam.

Submitting your exam results

All English exam results must be uploaded to the online application system.

14
Your English exam results must be checked for authenticity by the Admissions Office
before the deadline for applying for a visa/residence permit (if applicable), or before the
start date of your programme. To make this possible, please do the following:

TOEFL exam: tell ETS to send your original results report to Leiden University
Admissions Office – institution code 0504.
Cambridge certificate: send your ID number and your “secret number” (check the
Candidate Results Online service) to the Leiden University Admissions Office.
IELTS: a scanned exam result is sufficient - no further steps will be required.

Application deadlines
Starting in September

For all students the deadline is 1 April 2019.

Starting in February

For all students the deadline is 15 October 2019.

Apply early!

If you need to apply for admission make sure you initiate your application in
Studielink a week before the application deadline. After this first step you will be sent
log-in details for our online application portal (uSis) where you can apply for
admission. This can take a couple of days. So please take this into consideration when
planning your application and don’t wait till the last minute.
Make sure that you submit your complete application before the deadline. If your
application is not complete before the deadline, it will not be processed.
On top of that, you may have to take an additional entrance exam or submit additional
documentation. If you apply at the last minute, you risk missing deadlines, such as
those for housing or visa applications.
Late applications will only be considered in exceptional cases, and at the discretion of
the faculty Board of Admissions.
Please read the explanation of the application procedure carefully.

15
Scholarships, grants and loans

Do you want to apply for a scholarship, grant or loan? Please note, these have different
application deadline.
Read more

Housing deadline

If you want to be sure of getting a room, you are advised to submit your housing application
and fee well in advance of the deadline. You do not need to wait until you have been
admitted to start your housing application! The housing application deadlines are:

1 June - fall semester


15 November - spring semester

Read more about when to arrange housing.

Required documents
Along with your application, you will need to submit the documents below.

Required application documents

Please upload a copy of the passport page(s) with your personal details and photograph. If
you come from the EU/EER, you may also send a copy of your identity card.

If you are already staying in the Netherlands with a Dutch residence permit for study or for
another purpose, please upload a copy of both sides of your Dutch residence permit.

Your CV must be written in English. Other than this, no standardised format or template is
required. Your CV should clearly outline your educational and professional history up until
the present date, as well as basic personal facts. Please provide the average mark (Grade
Point Average) in your bachelor, calculated until March 15, 2018 (for start in September) or
September 15, 2018 (for start in February 2019).

16
A personal statement must be submitted explaining why you want to follow the programme,
why you have chosen to do so at Leiden University, and what makes you think you are a
good candidate. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.

Digital copies are required initially. Once you have been admitted, we will tell you
how to submit certified copies to the Admissions Office.
Documents must be in the original language and accompanied by official translations
if they are not in English or Dutch. If you have not yet completed your study
programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts
obtained to date.
If you are applying for an LLM Advanced Studies programme: all documents must be
available in English (or translated into English).

You can apply to a programme before you obtain the results of your language exam (if you
already have your results you can upload them directly in our online portal). If you are
admitted, it will be on the condition that these results will meet the required levels specified.

Always check first if your programme requires you to send in letters of recommendation. If
you need to submit more than one letter, at least one letter must be from an academic staff
member.

The letter must be printed on letterhead paper, signed and bearing the full contact
details of the referee (for verification purposes).
Your referee should describe your skills, qualities and competencies.

Recommendation letters - submission information


Letters of recommendation can be scanned and uploaded as part of your online application.
Alternatively, your referee can send them directly to us, making sure your name and student
number are clearly indicated.

By post:
Leiden University Admissions Office
“Gravensteen” Pieterskerkhof 6

17
2311 SR Leiden
The Netherlands

Digitally via our contact form

Additionally please complete the attached format and upload this in your application.

Additional required documents

A clear indication in your motivation letter of the focus area(s) of the programme that
you wish to study (700-1500 words);
Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic staff member).
In the motivation letter, the student should list the courses in International Studies
they have taken, including the course objectives and key readings
Applicants who have not completed components worth at least 30 EC in the field of
International Studies as noted above are required to submit a 1,250 word essay as part
of the admission process. Please see the instructions on how to write the essay.
In the essay, make use of the following literature:
J. Baylis, S. Smith, P. Owens (eds.), The Globalization of World Politics. An
Introduction to International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014
(6th edition).
A. Hurrel, On Global Order. Power, Values, and the Constitution of
International Society. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.
M. Nayak and E. Selbin, Decentering International Relations. London: Zed
Books, 2010.
J. Ravenhill, Global Political Economy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014
(4th edition).

Application procedure
The application procedure consists of three steps.

Part 1. Apply for a programme in Studielink

All students applying for a programme at Leiden University will need to start in Studielink.
Apply in Studielink for the master’s programme of your choice. Studielink will be open for

18
applications from 10 October.

For all students with a application deadline of 15 October: due to the problems with
Studielink the deadline has been postponed to 1 November. But we strongly
recommend you to complete your application as early as possible.

Please follow the instructions given in Studielink. After taking the first step, you will
receive an email with the following information (but bear in mind that it can take a few
days):

confirmation that you have started the application process in Studielink


login details for Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)

In the online application portal, Leiden University will let you know whether you qualify for
automatic admission and will guide you through all necessary steps to complete your
registration, as well as informing you about what you have to do after applying.

Part 2. Online application at Leiden University

In our online application portal you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary
documents and answering a few questions. The portal provides an overview of what you
need to do to complete your application at Leiden University. Please follow the instructions
carefully.

All students with an international degree have to pay a non-refundable €100 application
fee. This fee cannot be refunded and entitles you to apply for up to three programmes
/specialisations within the same academic year. After we have received your application fee,
we will start processing your application. Please do not delay paying the fee as this will
delay the application process. The online application system describes how you can pay the
fee.

Can I be exempted from paying the application fee?


You do not have to pay the application fee if:

19
You submit a copy of a bachelor’s degree or current bachelor’s transcript from a
Dutch institute of higher education (hbo or wo).
You were previously registered as a foreign exchange, bachelor’s, master’s or pre-
master’s student at Leiden University.
You have refugee status in the Netherlands (residence permit for asylum).
You are an Indonesian student applying for an MSc programme and have been issued
with a 'review letter' by the Leiden Science Indonesia Office.
You have applied for a CEU Praesidium Libertatis scholarship (this only applies to
students who have been nominated by the Central European University).
You have previously been admitted to a degree programme at Leiden University,
but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you wish to apply for
a different study programme or specialisation.

Exemptions cannot be granted on any other grounds.

After submitting your application, the online portal will, if applicable, ask you if you want
to apply for student housing, a visa or a scholarship. Make a careful note of the deadlines for
applying for a scholarship, student visa/residence permit and student accommodation.

Upon receipt of your application fee (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check
whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and will inform you by
email whether your application is complete or if there are any omissions.
Your application will then be forwarded to the Board of Admissions at the faculty and
they will decide whether you meet the entry requirements of the degree programme of
your choice.
The Board of Admissions will make a decision within four to six weeks after the
University has received your application.

The Board of Admissions will send you its decision by email within four to six weeks after
Leiden University has received your application.

There are two possible options:

1. You are conditionally admitted; in other words you will be admitted, provided
you meet certain conditions.

20
1.

The condition(s) will be given in the decision letter. Important: the decision letter will
always contain the condition, that, in case that more than 100 candidates are admitted,
a qualitative selection procedure will decide on your placement in the master.
2. You are not admitted, because you do not meet the programme’s entry
requirements.
The reasons will be clearly stated in the decision letter.

The Admissions Office will ask you to inform them whether you will accept the offer of
conditional admission. Please go to the online application portal (uSis) to accept the offer.
You have the following choices:

1. Accept
2. Accept, but start later
3. Decline

Part 3. Student registration

You’ve been admitted? Congratulations! Follow the steps below to register as a student of
Leiden University:

Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any
documents to meet your conditions of admission, if applicable. Instructions on how to
do so will be provided in uSis.
Arrange tuition fee payment before the official start date of your study programme.
You will receive instructions and information on payment methods by email.
International students should also go to our prepare your stay pages to find out about
all the practical matter you should take care of before and upon arrival. For example
arranging housing, applying for a visa/residence permit and taking out insurances.

Please note: due to a new application system you may receive the decision from the Board
of Admissions later than stated in the Application procedure below. For questions about
admissibility you can always contact our Admissions Office.

Tuition fees

21
The tuition fee for a programme depends on a number of factors. Your
nationality, study programme and previous Dutch higher education
qualifications determine the tuition fees you are required to pay.

The tuition fees for the academic year 2018-2019 are:

Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: €2,060 per year


Non-EU/EEA students €16,800 per year
Second Dutch master’s programme: €15,100 per year

More information about tuition fees

The tuition fee for this programme is €2,060 for the academic year 2018-
2019 (statutory fee).

The tuition fee for this programme is €2,083 for the academic year 2019-2020 (statutory
fee).

This tuition fee applies if this is not your second master’s programme and you are a national
of the Netherlands, or one of the following countries:

Austria Latvia

Belgium Liechtenstein

Bulgaria Lithuania

Croatia Luxembourg

Cyprus Malta

Czech Republic Norway

Denmark Poland

22
Estonia Portugal

Finland Romania

France Slovakia

Germany Slovenia

Greece Spain

Hungary Suriname

Iceland Sweden

Ireland Switzerland

Italy United Kingdom

The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.

The tuition fee for this programme is €16,800 for the academic year 2018-
2019 (institutional tuition fee).

If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland you must generally
pay an institutional tuition fee. However if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you
are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO), you are entitled to
pay a statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found in the
DUO nationality chart.

This fee applies for both full and part-time study.

23
Please note: If you study at Leiden University via a cooperation agreement the fees stated in
the agreement apply.

The tuition fee for this programme is €15,100 for the academic year 2018-
2019 (institutional tuition fee).

If you would like to enroll in a second Dutch master’s programme, you will generally have
to pay an institutional tuition fee.

This tuition fee also applies if you obtained a Dutch Bachelor’s, doctoraal, ingenieurs or
HBO (Bachelor’s in professional education) diploma after 1991, and you are a national of
the Netherlands or another EEA country:

Austria Latvia

Belgium Liechtenstein

Bulgaria Lithuania

Croatia Luxembourg

Cyprus Malta

Czech Republic Norway

Denmark Poland

Estonia Portugal

Finland Romania

24
France Slovakia

Germany Slovenia

Greece Spain

Hungary Suriname

Iceland Sweden

Ireland Switzerland

Italy United Kingdom

Exceptions

Did you commence a bachelor’s programme at Leiden University before 2010, and will you
continue directly onto a second master’s programme in the year you complete your bachelor’
s programme, or during the following year? If so, you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition
fee in accordance with a transitional ruling (also see ‘Exceptions’).

Please note! Other fees apply for students who are not nationals of an EEA country,
Suriname or Switzerland. Please refer to the information in the section ‘Non-EU/EEA
nationals’.

Are you unsure whether you have to pay a statutory tuition fee or an institutional fee?
Consult our tuition fee flowchart for second master’s programmes.

EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland

25
In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to
pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree
programme.

If your second degree programme is in the field of healthcare or teacher training you
are entitled to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee.
If you begin your second bachelor’s or master’s programme whilst you are still
studying your first bachelor's or master’s programme you may pay tuition fees set at
the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for your second degree programme – on
condition that you remain continuously registered as a student.
If you start a second bachelor’s or master's programme at Leiden University in the
academic year directly following the year in which you obtained your first bachelor’s
or master's degree at Leiden University you may pay institutional tuition fees set at
the same amount as the statutory tuition fee.

Less than 45 EC

If you plan to study a pre-master or conversion programme after completing a bachelor’s


programme, you must pay €34,- per study credit (EC) if the programme is less than 45 ECs.

45 EC or more

For programmes of more than 45 ECs you must pay the statutory tuition fee. If the pre-
master or conversion programme is more than 60 ECs – and therefore longer than one year –
or if you will study courses that are not part of your conversion programme, you must pay
the institutional tuition fee for the programme in question (see ‘Second Dutch master’s
programme’). These fees apply to students of all nationalities.

Student life
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best
experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student
community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.

26
Life in Leiden

Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The
Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops
and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces,
but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for
adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train
ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.

Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study
events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre,
which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.

Welcome and orientation programme

In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language
Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students.
The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.

Study associations

Leiden University’s Faculty of Humanities has a number of study associations run by


students and related to a particular department or programme. Study associations organise
social activities such as informal gatherings, sports events, and parties, as well as study-
related activities such as excursions and study trips.

The study association related to International Relations is Leiden ISSA.

International Student Associations

Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students.
These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong
sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two
organisations are:

International Student Network (ISN)


ISN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and
programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the
right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.

27
AEGEE Leiden
AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40
countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool
nights to boat trips and guest lectures.

For an overview of all of our student associations, please visit our Student assocations page.

Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme

The Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities
to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into
university life. Through the programme you will learn everything you need to know about
the university, the student community, and the practical side of life in Leiden.

Information activities
Come and meet us at the Leiden University Master’s Open Day!

<!--cke_bookmark_162S--><!--cke_bookmark_162E-->

About our Master’s Open Day

Are you thinking about joining a master’s programme at Leiden University? Come and visit
our Master’s Open Day! This event is your opportunity to learn everything you need to
know about our master’s programmes and how they can help you reach your goals. Attend
presentations, meet our lecturers, learn about the careers of our alumni and hear first-hand
the experiences of students and graduates on life at Leiden University.

Student for a Day

Join the MA International Relations Student for a Day event on Tuesday 18 September. At
this event you will get the opportunity to join a lecture and meet students who are enrolled
in the programme. You will also be able to ask students and the Coordinator of Studies any
questions you might have.

Register now

28
Jelle and Rick: “The main reasons we’re visiting the Master’s Open Day is to talk to
students and recent alumni. The website gives you a lot of information, but talking to
students gives us a much better idea of what it’s really like to study this degree.”

29
30
Sophie: “I came to the Master’s Day because I have some questions that I couldn’t
find answers to via the site. In my bachelor’s I am already specialising in North
America, so this master’s is a good match. And next year, in the first semester, I’ll be
going to Boston!”

31
32
Luuk: “Today I want to find out what it’s like to be doing a master’s, and what the
real focus of the programme is. I’ve just been looking at International Relations,
because I really like the dynamics of the programme. It focuses on current events, and
I’m particularly impressed with the international aspects of the master’s, which I feel
give it more weight.”

33
34
Nino and Elias: Nino: “I’m now doing a bachelor’s in Assyriology, and I may want to
do a master’s in it too. We’ve heard that studying here is real fun. We’re from Italy
but we love Holland and the Dutch.”

35
36
Dennis: Studying: pre-master’s in Dutch Literature (Vrije Universiteit), master’s in
Philosophy (University of Amsterdam) Interested in: Literary Studies, Dutch Studies,
Comparative Literature and Literary Theory

Contact
If you have a question, there are various ways to get in touch with us.

The website and our Frequently Asked Questions are the quickest ways to find an answer to
your questions.

Questions about the Programme

Coordinator of studies
Ms. Janneke Walstra
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 42 02
Email: e.j.walstra@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Please note: The coordinator of studies cannot give any information about students’
chances of being admitted to the programme. The Board of Admissions will base their
decision on your application as a whole.

Questions about the application procedure

Student Affairs Front Office


Phone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11
Email: Contact form
Or visit their website

Visiting address
Leiden: Plexus Student Centre
Kaiserstraat 25, ground floor
2311 GN Leiden
Monday till Friday between 11.00 and 16.00, Tuesday 11.00 to 21.00.

37
38

You might also like