Profile
Leiden University - the facts
The first university in the Netherlands, founded 8 February 1575
Motto: Praesidium Libertatis, Bastion of Liberty
International research university
11 Research profile areas
13 Honours Classes
Pre-University College
Faculty Campus The Hague
Leiden University College The Hague
Member of the League of European Research Universities, a partnership with other prominent research universities
46 bachelor's programmes
70 master's programmes
20,712 students
4,018 staff
Academic fields
Leiden has 7 faculties in the fields of:
- Archaeology
- Humanities
- Medicine
- Law
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Science
Research profile themes: focus on interdisciplinarity
Leiden University has appointed 6 profile themes for research carried out within the university. These themes, all areas in which our researchers excel, transcend the traditional boundaries between disciplines and faculties. They offer opportunities for top-level fundamental research whilst at the same time reflecting key societal and global concerns of the 21st century.
These research themes are:
- Fundamentals of Science
- Health, Life and Biosciences
- Health across the Human Life Cycle
- Law, Democracy and Governance: Legitimacy in a Multilevel Setting
- The Asian Challenge
- The Global Interaction of Civilizations and Languages
Integration of research and teaching
Teaching at Leiden University is closely integrated with research. We believe that a complete educational programme comprises a bachelor's and a master's stage. The master's stage has a one-year master's programme and a challenging two-year research master's variant. These constitute the preparation for the following stage: the PhD.
Strategic partnerships
Leiden University collaborates in a wide range of partnerships, through which we are able to amass expertise across the borders of disciplines and academic fields. Interdisciplinary collaboration is not restricted to scientific fields within the University; we also have partnerships with other research institutions, non-profit organisations, government authorities and the business sector.
Core values
We firmly believe in promoting the following core values, both within and outside the University:
- freedom of spirit, thought and expression
- independent development of knowledge
- societal responsibility
- integrity
Students of our University develop into responsible academics, fully aware of the ethical consequences of academic research and innovation, and of their conduct in society. In their dealings with society we expect them to demonstrate responsible leadership and to subscribe to the core values of our University.
In line with our tradition, our University continues to strive for innovation, in an environment that is constantly changing. Developments in science and society are a source of immense inspiration for both our staff and our students.