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).
3rd year: 30 EC elective space
The third year of the IRO programme includes an elective space, spaning 30 EC and to be filled using one or more of these building blocks:
- elective courses from other programmes and even universities;
- a minor, a set of related courses from another bachelor’s programme;
- a research internship and/or
- study abroad, via
- an exchange programme (temporarily enrolling in the study programme of a partner institution), or
- going abroad independently (selecting the institution and making all arrangments yourself).
› Prospectus BSc Political Science: International Relations and Organisations
A research internship should preferably be scheduled for the first semester of Year 3. Permission for an internship will only be granted if the internship is research based, if you have passed year 1 of the programme and obtained at least 40 EC of the second year, including the Research Methods in Political Science course, if the internship fits in with the curriculum of the study programme and will not cause any delay in study progress.
› Prospectus BSc Political Science: International Relations and Organisations
A minor is a cohesive, thematic set of courses within a specific discipline, tailored for students from outside that discipline.
› Minors
› Prospectus BSc Political Science: International Relations and Organisations
You can select 30 EC of elective courses of your choice from Leiden University or another Dutch university.
Note that the Board of Examiners has to pre-approve your selection of electives.
If you are pursuing a second Bachelor degree or if you have completed university courses before, you can request the Board of Examiners to transfer the credits obtained and thus receive an exemption for the elective space. Contact your study adviser for this option.