Master Honours Challenges
Do you want to gain problem-solving experience? Shape your future with a Master Honours Challenge at Leiden University!
What is a Master Honours Challenge?
Master Honours Challenges (3-10 EC) combine theory with practice. You are trained as a problem-solver and experience what it's like to think as, for instance, an entrepreneur, researcher or policy-maker that aims to tackle a problem.
The scope of the challenge can vary widely, from a societal problem to an issue of a specific organisation. In case of the latter, you may for instance work with a company, municipality or NGO or take the first steps towards your own business.
In your Master Honours Challenge, you will work closely with a team of students from different disciplines. You will learn to work together professionally in an interdisciplinary way and thereby prepare yourself for life after your master's.
Why a Master Honours Challenge?
- Discover your path. Try out new topics, fields, and skills and discover what suits you.
- Prepare for a problem-solving career. Gain experience with working with other disciplines on complex issues.
- Broaden your skillset. Pitch for stakeholders, make a podcast, shoot a documentary, set-up an exhibit or create your own business.
- Build a network. Work with motivated students and teachers, as well as real-life partner organisations.
How did students experience their challenge?
On the course Race in Law & Policing:
- 'This was really valuable space for reflection on topics most typical normal courses do not approach - or at least not in this depth.'
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'It was nice to make the short films instead of writing yet another paper. Nice, fun, interesting, diverse.'
On the course Entrepreneurship and Impact:
- 'It literally starts from scratch and explains things beautifully. It requires students to connect with people, which helps them to understand the real problems people have.'
- 'The course enabled us to gain skills that are essential in our everyday life and that can open opportunities for the future.'
On the course Planet in Peril:
- 'I really liked how involved everyone was. Lecturers had conversations, rather than just teaching us facts.'
- 'The interdisciplinary part was at times uncomfortable, but exhilarating. Everyone was in the same boat.'
Study credits and certification
Master Honours Challenges are worth 3-10 EC. Upon successful completion, you will have your course mentioned on your diploma supplement as an extracurricular course. Upon request, you can get a certificate via usis-ha@ha.leidenuniv.nl. Students from Erasmus University Rotterdam and TU Delft automatically receive a certificate and grade transcript.
