Elective credits
In addition to compulsory elements, most degree programmes also have elective credits. These are credits you can earn in a variety of ways, for example by taking elective courses, studying abroad or doing a minor.
How many elective credits do I have?
The number of elective credits varies from programme to programme. Take a look at the programme-specific information in the Prospectus for exact details.
Elective courses
You can earn elective credits by putting together your own set of elective courses, selected from those offered by Leiden University or another institute of higher education. Make sure to request permission from your study programme’s Board of Examiners before doing so.
Going abroad
You can also earn elective credits by studying or doing an internship abroad for a few months. Read more on our study abroad webpages or contact your international exchange coordinator or study adviser to find out about the options within your study programme.
Minor
You can earn elective credits by doing a minor. A minor consists of a cohesive set of courses on one theme which can help you to broaden your horizons and develop new knowledge, insight and skills. Learn more about minors.
Internship
Electives credits can also be earned through internships or research projects, either in the Netherlands or abroad. Ask your internship or research coordinator for more information.
Permission from the board of examiners
If you choose to follow a complete minor in Leiden, Delft or Rotterdam you do not need to request advance permission. For all other ways of earning your elective credits you must always request permission from your programme’s board of examiners. More information can be found in the Prospectus or your study programme’s Course and Examination Regulations (OER).
Minors & Electives @ LUC
As a student at LUC, you have lots of elective space. Besides doing a Minor at LUC, it is possible to enroll in a Minor within Leiden University or even at another university in the Netherlands.
More information about Minors and Electives at LUC is available on the Minor page.
To request permission for an external course or minor offered by Leiden University, students must submit the form and a complete syllabus or course outline at least 15 working days before the start of the course to the LUC Board of Examiners.
After completion of the course, students must inform the Registar when their grade(s) have been uploaded to uSis.
Please note that failure to comply with the stated deadlines will lead to a denial of the request.
Form: External Course Leiden form
Syllabus or course outline: The syllabus must at least include a course overview, the number of ECTS, assessments, and the date of the course.
Certified transcript: Non-certified copies of the transcript will not be accepted. If necessary, the Student Information Desk can produce a certified copy of the original transcript. Once submitted, transcripts remain in possession of the Board of Examiners and cannot be returned to students.
It is possible to follow a minor or electives at other universities in the Netherlands.
To request permission for a minor or electives at another Dutch university, you must submit the form and a complete syllabus or course outline at least 15 working days before the start of the course to the LUC Board of Examiners.
Once the Board of Examiners has approved the request and you have completed the course, you should request the Registrar of the host institution to send an official copy of the transcripts to:
Leiden University College The Hague
Course Administration
Anna van Buerenplein 301
2595 DG The Hague, The Netherlands
Important: Should any changes occur in the course offering at the host institution, please resubmit the application form to the BoE after approval from the Study Advisor.
Please note that failure to comply with the stated deadlines will lead to a denial of the request.