Science for Sustainable Societies (BSc)

Why Leiden University?

Study at a world-class university

Since 1575 we have been providing sound personal education for hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world. We’ll do our utmost to give you the best possible support. And if you can and want to do more, we’ll challenge you every step of the way. For many years, we’ve been among the leaders in Dutch university rankings and we are currently to be found in a variety of top international rankings too, including in the top 20 of most sustainable universities globally.

Independent thinker

We care about our students and will do everything we can to give you the best possible support. As a university, we are committed to freedom: freedom of spirit, thinking and expression, and we will challenge you to become an independent thinker.

Diversity and inclusion

We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected, and empowered to do their best work and participate in discussions. Especially on the topic of sustainability, different voices are needed in finding solutions. Therefore we offer a learning environment that allows for the different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age, or socio-economic background. Leiden University firmly stands for its diversity policy, which aims at creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all our staff and students.

More reasons to choose Leiden University

Our three faculties

Three university faculties are responsible for the bachelor’s programme Science for Sustainable Societies: the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs.

The Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the basic disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes span the entire spectrum of science ranging from Mathematics and Statistical Science, Computer Science and Data Science, Astrophysics, Physics, Chemistry and Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences to Biology and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and their desire to increase basic knowledge of science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Our core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and relevance to society.

At the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, top-level education and research go hand in hand and are intensively linked to society. Our researchers/teachers and our students are inspired by current societal developments, both in the Netherlands and abroad. We believe that the full potential of the social sciences can only be realised by opening up our community and knowledge. We feel part of a bigger picture and challenge ourselves to constantly adapt to changing circumstances. In this way we can increasingly be of direct value to society.

The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs is an internationally acclaimed academic knowledge hub that studies world-wide issues such as climate change, economic crisis, organisation of public administration from the varied perspectives of governance, politics, law, sociology and economics.

6 Reasons why Science for Sustainable Societies in Leiden is a good choice

• You will be taught by leading academics who are involved in innovative sustainability research.
• This BSc programme makes use of the university’s state-of-the-art research and education facilities, such as our laboratories and living labs: outdoor research facilities which we use to study sustainability in real-life.
• You will not only gain in-depth knowledge on sustainability issues, but you will also develop a wide range of academic and practical skills that are an excellent preparation for a master’s programme and for your future professional career.
• In the third year, you will have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester, or to tailor you studies with a minor or electives.
• You will be part of a lively international community of fellow students and teachers.
• You will study in beautiful Leiden with its historic city centre and vibrant student life, close to major urban centres such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.