★ StudyPath verdict
7.5/10
Best for students passionate about policy and governance responses to global crises, terrorism, and cyber threats; strong Leiden reputation in social sciences with one key tradeoff being limited visible quantitative methods or private-secto
Tuition · Intl
↗€22,300
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
1 year
60 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2024
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗1,596
DUO ↑226% ↗
Intl. %
↗15%
of students ↗
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
6 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗3.3/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
↗91%
field est. ↗
Median salary
↗€3,333
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 25 Jun 2026
About this program
You will study contemporary security challenges from local and global points of view, gaining an understanding of the 'wicked problem' of security and crisis topics in a complex and globalising world.
During this multidisciplinary career-relevant master's programme you will become familiar with the academic, political and societal dimensions of the governance of (in)security and crisis. You will study contemporary security challenges from both local and global points of view, gaining a deep understanding of the 'wicked problem' of security and crisis topics in a complex and globalising world. The combination of theory, practical insights and analytical skills will prepare you for work in a vast array of public or private organisations.
This one-year, English-taught programme is the only academic Master's programme that offers insights on general developments as well as the specific challenges in the field of the governance of crisis and security, with in-depth knowledge of sub-fields of crisis and security management. You will choose one of the six specialisation before the start of your programme. By selecting one track that suits your interest, you will be able to become a security professional with specialized knowledge and skills combined with a deep understanding of the general field.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English60 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Behaviour & SocietySector: Recht en BestuurCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
LecturePortfolioResearch projectSelf-evaluationWorking group
About Leiden University
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe's most prestigious. Known for excellence in law, humanities, and international studies. 16 Nobel Prize winners are affiliated, including Einstein who was a professor there. Has a second campus in The Hague.
Living in Leiden
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€520/mo
Monthly total
€900–€1,600
Cost of living
Medium
Population
126k
Intellectual, historic, and cultured. Leiden exudes academic tradition with its beautiful old buildings and prestigious university. The city is quieter than Amsterdam but offers rich cultural experiences, including world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Academic Excellence ProgrammeKeuzevak
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Median starting salary (field)€3,333/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating91%
Months to a substantial job4.5
Working in their own field60%
Permanent contract58%
Satisfied with their job3.8/5
Possible professions
(Business) AnalystConsultantCrisis response coordinatorNetwork security coordinatorPolicy OfficerResearch AssistantResearch assistantNetwork security manager
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree92%
Women among first-years54%
International students15%
Say workload is “just right”63%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
3.3/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 159 respondents
Content & set-up3.4
Teachers3.7
Atmosphere3.7
Involvement & contact3.6
Study guidance3.5
Testing & assessment3.1
Facilities3.8
Career preparation3
Teachers' English4.5
Would choose again3.2
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-15
Non-EU deadline
2026-04-01
Upcoming open days
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- TOEFL internet based: 90
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: 180
Scholarships
Internships
?No data yet
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