BA/BSc Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global challenges

Global Challenges lie at the centre of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Bachelor programme of Leiden University College (LUC). Our residential college is located in the centre of The Hague, the ‘City of International Peace and Justice’. If you want to participate in a vibrant, stimulating living-learning environment and grasp the opportunities it provides, then LUC is the place for you!

What makes LUC The Hague special?

• Our theme-based curriculum with a focus on four Global Challenges: Peace and Justice, Sustainability, Prosperity and Diversity
• Our top-rated, student-centered, intensive academic programme at our top-rated University College
• Our interactive small-scale classes with our dedicated staff
• Our residential campus where all first and second-year students live together, creating a vibrant living-learning community
• Our location in the centre of The Hague, with its many ministries, international organisations and NGOs offering opportunities for internships and career development

Is this the programme for you?

• Do you want to learn how to think critically about complex societal issues?
• Do you want to connect global challenges with local realities?
• Do you have broad interests and an international orientation?
• Are you talented and like to work hard?
• Do you want to live on campus with fellow students in The Hague?
• Are you looking for an English-language programme?
• Do you want to ‘Build Knowledge for a Better World’?

What is Liberal Arts and Sciences?

The Liberal Arts and Sciences approach to education is an opportunity for you to develop a wide range of academic and social skills, laying the foundations for you to make your next moves after graduation with confidence.

Liberal Arts and Sciences or 'LAS' involves an educational programme that is both multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary in orientation. You learn to think along with and move between disciplines, enabling you to develop critical skills and enhance your academic horizons. The Global Challenges covered in the 1st Year – Sustainability, Diversity, Peace and Justice, and Prosperity – provide the foundation for choosing one of six Majors to follow in the 2nd and 3rd Years, providing the analytical tools to get a grip on the fast-paced demands of 21st century life.

Our additional focus on Global Citizenship links the global challenges with local realities, grounding you with an ethical outlook, an understanding and appreciation of your place in the world, and what you can contribute to it.

Alongside the educational programme, you are encouraged to engage in extra-curricular activities as a fundamental part of their LUC Liberal Arts and Sciences experience. The merging of our academic and residential communities within our own building is an essential part of this. The wide range of student-run clubs provide a host of openings for pursuing hobbies with friends, engaging in volunteer work around the city, or running the student bar. Student input in the College itself is also valued, with opportunities for representing the student body on boards and committees.

Academically, we enable you to respond critically and creatively to the flows of a rapidly changing world, drawing on a set of diverse and dynamic perspectives. Socially, we provide you with an intense and rewarding intercultural experience that facilitates your journey to become global citizens. LAS is thus an all-encompassing educational philosophy that empowers our graduates to pursue their chosen careers with self-confidence and success.

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.