Science, Society and Self

This Honours College track empowers you to address societal challenges by enhancing new skills and competencies.

Programme overview: how we're different

Science, society, and self are deeply interconnected—yet too often, we treat them as separate domains. The ‘Science, Society, and Self’ track empowers you to bridge these gaps by encouraging you to align these areas in ways that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time—like climate change and polarisation. Through interactive, playful and interdisciplinary learning, this programme equips you with the skills essential for thriving in a world shaped by Artificial Intelligence and rapid societal transitions.

Rather than being more of the same, our track offers education that is interactive, interdisciplinary, and playful, oriented towards the personal and professional development of students. The curriculum fosters a creative environment for new thinking and new practice. We depolarize science, society and self by listening deeply to others, and the way they interpret and experience the world differently. This enhances our capacity to make an impact. 

Students have a great deal of freedom to design their trajectory based on their own interests.  

Why join this track?

In our programme, you won’t just study theory; you will actively engage in real-world problem-solving through workshops, collaborative projects, and discussions with experts. 

Our curriculum is interactive and playful, encouraging creativity in thought and practice. By deeply listening to and understanding different perspectives, you will gain the tools to address complex, interwoven challenges with a fresh, holistic approach. This programme fosters personal and professional growth, equipping you with skills that extend beyond academic achievements.

Is Science, Society and Self right for me?

If you are looking for academic and personal growth, you are at the right place. This programme is open to students from all backgrounds who are eager to develop a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. Whether you’re passionate about tackling global issues like inequality, or you’re simply looking for new ways to think critically about your future, you will find a supportive environment here.

To thrive in this track, you should:

• Dedicate approximately 15 percent more weekly study time beyond your regular workload.
• Be willing to travel to our Leiden and The Hague campuses for interactive sessions.
• Possess a basic level of English proficiency—though perfection is not required. (Als je Engels lastig vindt, kun je door deelname aan onze track je taalvaardigheid verbeteren.)
• Demonstrate time management and communication skills to balance your Honours track with your bachelor’s programme.

Science, Society and Self in a nutshell

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Engage with diverse academic disciplines to explore how different fields study and understand the world.

• Tailored Educational Path: Design your learning trajectory to align with your personal interests and professional aspirations.

• Real-World Impact: Participate in projects that tackle global challenges such as sustainability, digitalisation and social transitions.

• Personal Coaching: Benefit from one-on-one coaching to reflect on your goals and achieve a healthy balance between your bachelor’s programme and extracurricular Honours education.

• Career and Personal Growth: Develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that will serve you throughout your career.

What you will achieve

By the end of the Science, Society and Self track, you will have:

• Gained a deep understanding of how different academic disciplines study and address global challenges.
• Developed the skills and mindset to align science, society, and self in your everyday life and future career.
• Taken ownership of your personal and professional development by setting and achieving your own goals.
• Enhanced your ability to work collaboratively with people from different fields and backgrounds, enriching both your academic and personal perspectives.

Coaching

We understand that combining your bachelor’s programme with extracurricular activities requires dedication and balance. That’s why we provide personal coaching to help you manage your time effectively and reflect on your progress. You will have the freedom to explore your own interests, but you won’t be doing it alone—our coaches and your peers will support you every step of the way.

Success stories

Graduates of this Honours track have gone on to become leaders in fields ranging from public policy to environmental sustainability. Whether you choose to pursue further academic study, start a career in global organisations, or launch your own initiatives, this track will equip you with the tools and network you need to succeed.

Take the next step!

Ready to challenge yourself and make a difference? Apply today and join a community of forward-thinking students who are passionate about solving real-world problems and shaping the future.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Leiden University offers you an interdisciplinary Honours track to enhance your academic and personal development. Designed to complement your bachelor's degree, this Honours track encourages you to engage in critical thinking about the world and your place within it by fostering new skills and competencies.