Leiden University introduces the first bachelor's programme in Cybersecurity & Cybercrime
Starting in September 2025, the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs will offer the bachelor's programme in Cybersecurity & Cybercrime. This unique Dutch-taught programme trains students to become versatile cyber experts. ‘There is a high demand for specialists in the field of cybersecurity and cybercrime.’
The programme combines no fewer than four disciplines: public administration, computer science, criminology, and law. In addition to traditional lectures, innovative teaching methods such as simulations, serious games, moot courts, and hackathons will be employed. The goal? To optimally prepare students for the challenges in the dynamic and growing field of cybersecurity and cybercrime.
'In the coming years, many cybersecurity and cybercrime specialists will be needed to make and keep the Netherlands safe.'
Bibi van den Berg, Professor of Cybersecurity Governance and lecturer in the programme, says: ‘In the coming years, many cybersecurity and cybercrime specialists will be needed to make and keep the Netherlands safe. There is a high demand from the market for specialists in cybersecurity and cybercrime, and this programme offers students in-depth knowledge and skills to contribute to that mission.’
Divers curriculum
Over three years, students will learn about everything related to cybercrime and cybersecurity. The first year focuses on cybersecurity in organisations, law in cyberspace, and criminology. Students will also be introduced to the four different disciplines and will develop academic and professional skills such as doing research and critical thinking.
In the second year, the focus shifts to incidents, attacks, and crises. Topics include cyberattacks, perpetrators and victims, crisis management, and criminal law. Analysing cyber incidents and providing policy advice are also part of the curriculum. In the third year, students will delve deeper and undertake a final project investigating a cyber challenge. This involves writing a scientific article and giving a poster presentation at a symposium.
Location The Hague
The programme is based in The Hague, a city with numerous national and international organisations focused on security, cybersecurity, and cybercrime, such as ministries, Europol, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NATO-NCI), and the Global Forum for Cyber Expertise (GFCE).
More information
Curious about the programme? Visit the website [Dutch] or attend the Bachelor's Open Day on Saturday 12 October.
Other new programmes in Leiden and The Hague starting September 2025
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