The Graduate School of Governance and Global Affairs offers PhD programmes that address the pressing societal challenges of our time.

Our research and education span diverse fields such as public administration, (cyber)security, global governance, democracy, polarisation, and inequality.

In tackling complex issues like climate change, terrorism, and financial crises, it has become evident that scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. These global challenges are deeply intertwined with political and administrative dimensions.

That is why we place a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. This quality is at the heart of our academic mission and drives both our teaching and research.

The Graduate School

The Graduate School facilitates and records the admission of PhD candidates to the PhD programme, records progress (training and supervision plan, annual interviews), supports PhD defence formalities, offers an educational programme for PhD candidates, and organises seminars and lectures.

Dean and the Graduate School Board

The Dean of the Faculty Board, who holds responsibility for research policy within the faculty board, is concurrently the Dean of the Graduate School. In this capacity, the Dean is advised by the PhD Deans and consults with the Academic Directors on matters concerning the Graduate School. Together, they form the Graduate School Board.

Prof.dr. Koen Caminada is the dean of the graduate school. 

Institutes

The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs has three institutes, each with its own Academic Director. These institutes are the Institute of Public Administration, the Institute of Security and Global Affairs and Leiden University College. Senior and junior members of the academic staff have their appointment with one of these. The institutes are directly responsibile for the research projects carried out by members of their staff.

The institutes make sure that their staff members are available for the teaching of courses in the various bachelor and master programmes of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs - making the important link between research and education.