BA International Studies

Globalisation is shaping the world in which we live. In the BA International Studies, you have the opportunity to study one of eight world regions within the context of global interactions. At the same time, you will learn a key language of your chosen region and acquire skills that will prove to be highly valuable for your future career.

Become an expert on the world region of your choice

The International Studies programme will provide you with the tools to explore and analyse the forces of globalisation and their impact around the world. In doing so, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of one of eight world regions and learn one of the key languages. Our multifaceted approach will allow you to interpret and analyse the world from a humanities perspective. In order to be able to do this, you will explore the historical and cultural background of the region of your choice, as well as its political and economic developments.

What will you learn

International Studies is a multidisciplinary study programme, which means that you will use different disciplinary perspectives to analyse the world. These disciplinary perspectives of International Studies are culture & language, history, politics and economics and they are crucial for a well-rounded understanding of globalisation. You will be taught by lecturers with backgrounds in those disciplines, which will allow you to acquire a broad foundation in the field of International Studies. At the same time, you will gain in-depth knowledge about the regional specialisation of your choice, while also learning to speak, read and write one of this region’s major languages. This will give you a unique perspective on global and regional developments. Moreover, you will develop academic and practical skills that will support you in your further career path.

Eight world regions

In your first year you can tailor the International Studies programme according to your interests, by choosing one of eight world regions as a specialisation, while also learning one of that region’s major languages:

• Africa : Arabic, Berber, French, Portuguese, Swahili
• East Asia : Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese
• Europe : Dutch, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish
• Latin America : Portuguese, Spanish
• Middle East : Arabic, Modern Hebrew, Persian, Turkish*
• North America : French, Spanish
• Russia and Eurasia : Russian
• South Asia and Southeast Asia : Hindi, Indonesian

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.