
BSc Security Studies
The Hague, Netherlands
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
EUR 13,400 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Institutional tuition fee: €9.500,- (academic year 2024-2025)
Introduction
Security challenges, such as terrorism and cybercrime, rank among the most pressing issues of our time. In the English-taught bachelor programme Security Studies you study 21st century security challenges and learn to devise strategic solutions to a complex world.
Why study Security Studies?
Terrorism, cybercrime, natural disasters and other issues affect the security and safety of millions each day. In Security Studies you learn to unravel security challenges by focusing on the political, historical and societal context in which they arise, as well as the effect of governance, institutions, and the media. You gain an academic perspective, and the ability to think critically about complex issues, while taking all relevant factors of specific security challenges into account.
In this bachelor programme you will also study various crises and crisis management. Crises are unforeseen situations which require impactful decisions in times of stress and chaos. How do governments and private actors work together to prevent, response to, and recover from crises such as natural disasters and pandemics? For example, in the course Case study: Fukushima, students will look into the Fukushima nuclear disaster that happened in 2011 in Japan. In the course Vital interests we will further discuss the SARS epidemic.
Why Security Studies at Leiden University?
Studying Security Studies at Leiden University, means:
- Being part of an international community;
- Learning an interdisciplinary approach to security and safety challenges;
- A programme which is research-led and practice-oriented;
- A yhree-step teaching philosophy: Explore, Understand and Do;
- A combination of lectures and skills labs; where academic and professional skills are trained in small groups;
- You will have classes in the centre of The Hague: the international City of Peace, Justice and Security.
Is this the programme for you?
- Do you read the international news with interest, seeking the interaction between global (security) events and their effect upon people, nations and organisations?
- Are you an engaged and curious critical thinker?
- Are you stimulated to find solutions to the crucial security and safety issues that arise every day?
- Do you want to learn from leading academics and security professionals?
Then the bachelor programme Security Studies is for you!
Admissions
Curriculum
Throughout your 3-year Security Studies programme you explore the effects of events (such as war or natural disaster), understand them via relevant academic perspectives, and actively design strategies and solutions to resulting security challenges.
At every stage of the bachelor programme Security Studies, you will learn by ‘exploring, understanding, and doing’ security. This means that, throughout the programme, you will:
- explore by identifying crucial events, stakeholders and the cultural and historical context of real-life safety and security cases
- increase your understanding by identifying relevant theoretical lenses and applying them to these cases
- use your knowledge to assess and design strategies and solutions to security and safety challenges
Educational methods
As a Security Studies student, you can expect a full working week of about 40 hours. You will spend an average of 12 hours in-class and the rest of the time in independent study. You attend lectures focused upon a particular topic; the lectures are complemented by Course labs in which the material is discussed in greater depth and with more student input, for example in solo or group presentations.
Mentor system
At the start of your studies, you will be assigned to a mentor group, with a second-year or third-year Security Studies student as your mentor.
During your first semester your mentor will provide you with practical information, such as how to register for exams. The mentor group will meet on a regular basis during the first semester, to discuss issues such as studying, exams, (digital) systems, the culture and community of the programme, potential choices to be made further in the programme, and student life.
Student support services
Besides the mentor, you will have a tutor during the first year, who will help you and other first-year students taking the first steps in academics, via the so-called Skills Labs. During the Skills Labs, you practice the necessary academic and professional skills in a small group.
You have support beyond your studies too, from the dean of students or student psychologist. And if you experience chronic illness, physical or psychological disabilities or dyslexia you can contact Fenestra Disability Centre for personal advice before or early in your application process.
Binding Study Advice
The Binding Study Advice entails that you need to earn at least 45 out of the 60 study credits at the end of the first year to be able to continue in your second year. If you do not meet this criterion, you will not be able to carry on with your study at Leiden University. In formulating this study advice, any relevant circumstances, such as sickness or other personal factors, will be taken into account.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Is this the programme for you?
- Do you read the international news with interest, seeking the interaction between global (security) events and their effect on people, nations, and organizations?
- Are you an engaged and curious critical thinker?
- Are you stimulated to find solutions to the crucial security and safety issues that arise every day?
- Do you want to learn from leading academics and security professionals?
Then the Bachelor’s in Security Studies is for you!
Program Tuition Fee
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.