COURSE CURRICULUM

The one-year master’s program Beyond Borders focuses on the political and cultural evolution of the world from a long-term and broad comparative perspective, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the interconnected and entangled nature of today’s society. Central to this program is the study of how the circulation of people, practices, goods, and ideas has historically shaped both European and global societies. The courses emphasize how processes such as cultural production, rejection, and appropriation influenced development across time and space. By doing so, students are encouraged to critically analyze the long-term entanglements and interconnections that have defined global and European histories. The program also highlights the crossing of different contexts, such as social activism, political institutions, public memory, and cultural exchange, showing how these forces interact and overlap to influence societies in complex ways. This multidisciplinary approach not only equips students with the ability to evaluate historical phenomena but also helps them connect past global dynamics to contemporary challenges.The program structure is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical research skills. In the first semester, students take three core courses: a Literature Seminar (10 EC), a Research Seminar (10 EC), and a Research Workshop (10 EC). These courses introduce students to key historiographical debates, comparative perspectives, and methodological approaches in global and European history while providing hands-on training in research practices. In the second semester, students have the opportunity to choose an optional course (10 EC), allowing them to pursue individual interests and deepen their expertise in specific thematic or regional areas. The program culminates in the Master’s Thesis (20 EC), in which students conduct independent research under academic supervision and contribute original insights into the study of entangled global histories. This structure ensures that graduates leave the program with both a broad theoretical foundation and the skills to conduct advanced historical research.The master’s program in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPS) offers a comprehensive and research-driven curriculum that prepares students for advanced careers in academia, industry, and healthcare. All students begin with the core specialisation Research in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, which is the major focus of the program. In the first year, students engage in a substantial research project within one of the disciplines of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), a centre of excellence in drug design, development of new medicines, optimisation of existing therapies, and personalised medicine. This first-year experience is complemented by the Introduction Course in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, a lecture series in BPS, and the Advanced Academic Skills and Career Orientation course, all of which provide students with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge, methodology, and career preparation.In the second year, students may continue with the default research specialisation or combine their research training with one of four alternative tracks. These include Industrial Pharmacy, which focuses on quality assurance and control in pharmaceutical production; Business Studies, which integrates research with entrepreneurship and business training; Science Communication and Society, which develops expertise in communication, journalism, and public engagement; and Education, which trains students for careers in teaching. The research specialisation itself deepens research engagement with a second project that can be completed at an academic institute or pharmaceutical company, along with a literature study and thesis. Optional courses and traineeships allow for further personalisation of the program.Educational methods within the program are diverse, ranging from lectures and working groups to lab work, colloquia, individual papers, literature studies, and presentations. This blend ensures that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop strong analytical, practical, and communication skills. Overall, the BPS master’s program offers rigorous training at the intersection of science, medicine, and innovation, equipping graduates with the expertise to contribute meaningfully to drug discovery, development, and personalised healthcare in multiple professional contexts.