Two new bachelor's programmes in The Hague explore crucial societal themes
Leiden University is expanding its educational offering in The Hague with two Dutch-taught bachelor's programmes: Economie & Samenleving and Cybersecurity & Cybercrime. These programmes address current societal issues and provide students with the opportunity to combine different disciplines to solve complex problems.
Bachelor Economie & Samenleving
The bachelor Economie & Samenleving is a joint initiative of Leiden University and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Students combine economics with political science and law, enabling them to understand the most pressing economic and societal challenges—such as climate change and AI—from diverse perspectives. This combination is unique in the Netherlands.
The location in The Hague is crucial. As the political capital of the Netherlands, The Hague offers direct access to policymakers, international organisations, and businesses. Students can directly connect their theoretical knowledge to practice. They receive lectures from experts from ministries and go on work visits. This way, students develop into modern economists who can operate strategically within a complex legal and political context.
Bachelor Cybersecurity & Cybercrime
‘The bachelor Cybersecurity & Cybercrime, offered by the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs in collaboration with the Faculties of Science and Law, this programme focuses on the growing importance of digital security and the fight against digital crime. The interdisciplinary nature of this course combines technology, law, criminology, and policy, training students to approach cyber threats and digital crime from various perspectives.
The Hague is a logical choice for this study, as the city is internationally renowned as a centre for peace, law, and security. With organisations such as Europol and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) based in the city, The Hague offers a lot of opportunities for students to engage with the fight against cybercrime and digital security. Through guest lectures from professionals and visits to relevant institutions, students gain up-to-date insights and learn directly from experts in the field.
Dynamic start at the Spui Building
The first students from both programmes will begin on 1 September 2025. In early 2026, they will move into the new Spui Building, a modern facility of Leiden University just a stone's throw from the Binnenhof. With this new building, the Leiden University campus in The Hague will have five locations in the city centre, close to the political and administrative heart of the country.
The Hague: a unique learning environment
The interdisciplinary nature of both programmes is enhanced by their location in The Hague, where students come into contact with national and international institutions. This provides them with the opportunity to connect theory and practice and contribute to the resolution of current societal and technological challenges.
In short, the new bachelor's programmes in Economie & Samenleving and Cybersecurity & Cybercrime are deeply intertwined with current events and offer a broad perspective on the world of tomorrow. With The Hague as their home base and the new Spui Building as their headquarters, students have unique opportunities available to them.