You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.

• Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
• The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
• If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.

This programme requires two samples of academic writing (such as chapters, essays, theses) in English. 

A thesis proposal (ca. 1500 words): the proposal needs to introduce a topic and state a research question, contain a reflection on the existing literature on the topic (and what the proposal aims to add), and finally provide a preliminary discussion of the sources and methods that the applicants wishes to use. NB: the proposal has to be submitted via 'optional' in registration system Usis

This programme requires two letters of recommendation. Both letters must be from academic members of staff who are acquainted with the academic work of the applicant. The letters of recommendation must be in English. 

A well-argued and structured motivation letter in which the applicant indicates why he/she wants to follow the specialisation and convincingly discusses what makes the applicant a good candidate for the specialisation. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.

• Letters of recommendation must be written on letterhead paper, signed and (for verification purposes) they must bear the full contact details of the applicable referee.
• Your referee should describe your skills, qualities and competencies.

Option 1. Uploading the letter yourself
You can upload the letter(s) of recommendation in the online application portal (uSis).

Option 2. Sent by your referee
Your referee can send the letter directly to the university, as follows:

1. Your referee must clearly state your name and student number in the letter.
2. He or she should send the letter to us, either: 

• digitally, by uploading the letter in our contact form
• by posting it to:

Leiden University
Admissions Office
Rapenburg 70
2311 EZ Leiden
The Netherlands

3. Complete this form and upload it in the online application system (uSis), instead of your letter of recommendation.