In the Bachelor's in Security Studies you study 21st century security challenges and learn to devise strategic solutions for a complex world.

International terrorism, cybercrime, natural disasters and other issues affect the security and safety of millions each day. In Security Studies you learn to unravel security challenges by focusing on the political, historical and societal context in which they arise, as well as the effect of governance, institutions, and the media. You gain an academic perspective, and the ability to think critically about complex issues while taking all relevant factors of specific security challenges into account.

You study at Leiden University, one of the leading universities in continental Europe. The programme is located in The Hague, the international city of peace, justice and security.

This English-taught programme challenges you to combine critical thinking with a practical attitude and helps you to develop into an all-round, academically trained, highly employable security specialist.

* International community
* Interdisciplinary approach security and safety challenges
* Research-led and practice-oriented
* Three-step teaching philosophy: Explore, Understand and Do
* Combination of lectures and skills labs; where academic and professional skills are trained in small groups

Programme outline

At every stage of the Bachelors of Security Studies, you will learn by ‘exploring, understanding, and doing’ security. This means that, throughout the programme, you will:

• explore by identifying crucial events, stakeholders and the cultural and historical context of real-life safety and security cases
• increase your understanding by identifying relevant theoretical lenses and applying them to these cases
• use your knowledge to assess and design strategies and solutions to security and safety challenges

After graduation

Graduates of the unique Security Studies programme at Leiden University are attractive candidates for a broad range of employers, in a field that is growing and offers excellent prospects for academically trained security strategists.

Your career prospects

Do you want to follow a full academic programme? After obtaining your bachelor’s degree you can continue with a master’s programme. Once you have successfully completed your master’s you will have earned the title Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts(MA). Your master’s diploma will increase your chances of finding a job or academic-level position.

Your future workplace will depend upon your interests, knowledge and skills, and on the elective choices you’ve made during your study. Students who complete this programme find themselves prepared for a wide range of sectors and occupations.

The Security Studies programme offers a broad range of future employment prospects in business, or at governmental or NGOs. Career opportunities include such positions as:

* Security Policy Officer at a government organisation
* Consultant advising public and private organisations on security
* Risk Manager at a public or private organisation
* PhD student in the security domain
* Strategic Advisor on security strategies at a public or private organisation
* Researcher in the security domain at a university