Awarding of diploma
Once you complete your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree you will be awarded your diploma during a celebratory graduation ceremony. Some study programmes also have ceremonies for the awarding of first-year (propedeuse) diplomas or other important achievements. The awarding of your diploma is always arranged by your faculty or study programme.
Graduation ceremonies are always arranged by your study programme or faculty.
Collecting your diploma from the Student Services Centre
As from one day after the graduation ceremony, you can collect your diploma at the desk of the Student Services Centre during opening hours. Please bring your ID.
Authorising someone else to collect your diploma
It is also possible to authorise someone else to collect your diploma. Please fill out the authorisation form and make sure that the person collecting your diploma hands in the following documents at the Student Services Centre:
- a copy of your ID
- a copy of his/her own ID
- the printed and signed authorisation form
Graduation Ceremonies BSc Political Science
You can complete your degree in any month. However, the graduation ceremony is only once a year.
| Date of last grade | Degree completion Date | Graduation ceremony BSc |
| 31 August 2025 or before | 31 August 2025 or before | 17 October 2025 |
General expectations (subject to change)
Location: Hooglandse kerk, Nieuwstraat 20, Leiden. Students are free to sit with their guest(s). At present students are welcome to invite three guests.
There is no official dress code, students are free to choose their own style. Majority of students come dressed in the smart casual style. The graduands do not wear gowns.
The ceremony is chaired by a member of the Institute of Political Science.
After the opening and a short speech, the graduands are called to come forward and receive their diploma, a graduation cap, and a flower.
When everyone has been called and has received their diploma the photographer will take a group picture and you will be invited to wear your graduation cap for the picture.
The ceremony will take approximately two hours. A reception follows, which gives you an opportunity to congratulate your fellow classmates and have a chat with the instructors and study advisors.
During the ceremony, a photographer might take pictures of the group and/or you. If you do not want this to happen, please let the photographer know.
About six weeks before the official graduation ceremony, you will receive an invitation specifying the exact time.
If you cannot attend the official graduation ceremony, please contact the Student Services Centre as soon as possible. You will be able to collect your degree certificate as of one day after the official graduation ceremony.