FGGA students share their experiences from the past year: ‘Experiences really bring theory to life’
The academic year is coming to an end, and the summer break is approaching. FGGA students are working hard to complete the final stretch. We asked them how they look back on the past year and what tips they would like to share with fellow students.
Jonas, third-year Security Studies
Past year: ‘Looking back, the year was interesting, enjoyable and challenging. My choices of extracurricular activities, my minor and my thesis topic reflect my personal interests; in my view, this is the best motivation when choosing courses. My extracurricular activities have mainly focused on Europe, the transatlantic relationship and security, including through L.S.A. Custodia and European Horizons. My minor in Intelligence Studies aligns with my interest in this field, particularly its overlap with (counter-)terrorism.’
Programme: ‘The BSc Security Studies is suitable for students who are interested in a changing world in which security is increasingly central and who focus on topics such as cybersecurity, war and peacebuilding, and (counter-)terrorism. I chose this programme because of my interest in defence and security, an interest strengthened by my voluntary conscription in the Danish army during my gap year before starting university. The high ranking of Leiden University and the programme also played a role in my decision, particularly the faculty’s recognised research and projects.’
Tip: ‘My advice for new students is to discover where your passion lies and immerse yourself fully: attend events, meet new people and try new things.’
Summer: ‘This summer will mainly be spent with family, friends and my girlfriend. I will be travelling to Denmark, Norway and Greenland for hiking.’
Rosalie, first-year Cybersecurity & Cybercrime
Past year: ‘I found the past year very enjoyable and educational. At the beginning, I found the transition from secondary school to university quite daunting. As a result, my first semester did not go entirely smoothly, but the second semester went very well. It also helps that I find my degree programme extremely interesting, which made studying feel far less burdensome. I have met lovely friends this year, learned many new things, and I am curious to see what the coming year will bring.’
Programme: ‘Cybersecurity & Cybercrime is a multidisciplinary degree programme with a modern curriculum that combines theory and practice. You explore cyber-related issues from a range of disciplines, including law, criminology, public administration, and computer science, enabling you to analyse complex problems from multiple perspectives. This broad approach prepares you for a wide variety of careers, such as a role with the police or other organisations working in the fields of security and cybercrime.’
Tip: ‘Sign up for EL CID, Leiden University’s introduction programme. I really enjoyed taking part. I also found the Night of Digital Security very interesting as an introduction to the programme, as it focuses on the subjects you will study.’
Summer: ‘This summer, I’ll be going on holiday with my family, my boyfriend, and my friends, and I’m really looking forward to it.’
Jochem, second-year Advanced MSc International Relations & Diplomacy
Past year: ‘My thesis was the most challenging and enjoyable part of the year. In the end, you produce something you are proud of and that (hopefully) contributes to the field. That makes the early mornings in the library worthwhile.’
Programme: ‘MIRD is suitable for people who are curious about why the world currently feels so unpredictable and who prefer deep analysis over surface-level understanding. It is intended for those with an international outlook and an open mindset. What can you expect? A combination of theory and practice, International Relations alongside Clingendael negotiation training, opportunities for an internship, The Hague on your doorstep, and a small, diverse cohort where you know everyone. In short: a combination of ideas and practice.’
Tip: ‘Don’t be put off if your background is not in international relations: MIRD attracts students from a wide range of disciplines. The students who succeed are curious and engaged. The best conversations often happen after class over a drink. You start to see the world differently and make friends for life.’
Summer: ‘This summer I will travel to Estonia, Peru and Colombia, and I will work on my newsletter about the Netherlands and Latin America, Kingdom in the Tropics. After that, I will look for a paid traineeship or entry-level position in the Netherlands or Brussels, with the goal of applying to the Dutch diplomatic service.’
Mea, first-year Public Administration
Programme: ‘What I particularly appreciate about studying at Leiden University is the freedom you are given. You can decide whether to attend lectures, study at the university, or spend your time on other activities. This makes it easy to combine study, work, and leisure. The location of the faculty also makes the programme special to me. You study in the heart of The Hague, among ministries and other important organisations. In my first year, we visited a ministry; experiences like these truly bring theory to life.’
‘If you have a range of interests and are interested in societal issues, Public Administration is a good choice. Because the programme is so broad, you are introduced to many different fields of study and do not need to focus on a single topic.’
Tip: ‘My advice for prospective students is to sign up for the Summer Start programme and the HOP Week. Everyone is there to meet new people, which makes it much easier to make contact. During HOP Week, I met even more people, and by the start of the academic year I already had a nice group around me, which made the transition to university much less intimidating. My advice is simple: just go for it. Everyone is in the same situation and looking to make new friends and connections.’
Summer: ‘I am looking forward to a well-deserved break and a trip to Greece and Malta. It is nice to take a break from studying.’