COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Studies bachelor’s program at Leiden University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to analyse regional developments and global issues from a humanities perspective. In the first year, all students follow core courses in economics, history, culture, sociolinguistics, and politics, creating a shared foundation for advanced study. Academic skills such as critical reading, clear writing, and effective oral presentation are introduced early. In the second semester, students begin to specialise in one of eight world regions, focusing on its history and culture, while also starting language training in the region’s key language.In the second year, students deepen their understanding of their chosen region, studying its political and economic structures and examining cultural interactions in a global context. Language acquisition continues, enhancing reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students also select a research methods course and begin applying these skills in thematic seminars focused on topics such as International Order and Disorder, Systems of Belief and Religion, Social Justice and Human Rights, Environment and Society, or Technology and Society. This combination of regional expertise, methodological training, and thematic exploration ensures students develop both analytical and practical competencies.The third year is designed to prepare students for their future careers. In the first semester, students have 30 credits of elective space, which they can use for an international exchange, an internship, or a minor at Leiden University or partner institutions. The second semester focuses on the Practising International Studies (PRINS) course, in which students work in teams to develop solutions for real-world challenges presented by organisations such as UNESCO, the European Space Agency, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Unilever, or Workplace Pride. The program concludes with a final thesis of approximately 10,000 words, allowing students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice in consultation with a supervisor.By combining regional expertise, language skills, research methods, and practical experience, the program prepares graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy-making, journalism, or further academic study. It equips students with the analytical, intercultural, and problem-solving skills required to understand and address complex global challenges effectively.