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).
The bachelor programme in psychology consists of 120 EC of required courses and 60 EC of elective space.
Elective space: subjects that you can choose (60 EC)
In the second half of the second year of study and in the third year of study, you can choose courses yourself, this is called the elective space. The elective space consists of a total of 60 EC and is divided into two categories of 30 EC:
1. Elective space within BSc Psychology Leiden (30 ec)
You must complete these 30 EC with courses from the bachelor psychology at Leiden with at least 20 EC of specialisation courses. You can fill the remaining 10 EC with electives or with extra specialisation courses. See the curriculum planner 2024-2025 and the Prospectus for an overview of the specialisation courses and the electives that you can choose.
2. General elective space (30 EC)
You can fill in these 30 EC at your own discretion with courses within or outside the offerings of the BSc Psychology Leiden. At least 5 EC must be completed at the 300-level or higher. You can choose courses from all university programs, if the courses are of an academic level and do not overlap with subjects that are part of the Leiden psychology programme. The courses do not have to have a substantive relationship with psychology. A list of Leiden University courses which are open as electives can be found in the Prospectus. If you plan to take a course from another programme or university, make sure you submit an exemption.
The type of courses you can take to meet the general elective requirement include:
- Additional psychology specialisation or psychology electives in Leiden
- Electives from another Leiden bachelor's programme or another Dutch university
- (Half) Minor (Year 3)
- Exchange / study abroad (Year 3)
For more information about the elective space, its requirements and the options to fill it, see that section under ‘’Study Planning Year 2 and Year 3’’ in the Brightspace module, International Bachelor Psychology.