University of St Andrews

At a glance

Leiden (LU) is the oldest university in the Netherlands and, like St Andrews, the university buildings are scattered around this compact city. University departments, lecture halls and Leiden’s numerous pavement cafés are never more than a 10 minute bicycle ride away. Leiden is also extremely well-connected and is nestled between Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam. Organised into graduate schools, research centres and research institutions, LU is one of the 17 research-intensive universities that comprise the League of European Research Universities (LERU). LU libraries hold approximately three million books and Special Collections. The library focuses on the history of Europe and European expansion.
Established : 1575
Student Population : 30800

Website and links

Website : Leiden University Homepage

Study abroad page : Study Abroad Webpage

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at Universiteit Leiden (Leiden University):

Students in the School of History should note that Universiteit Leiden is only open to those studying Modern History.

Please note that this exchange is suitable for students studying Ancient History, Archaeology, Greek, Latin and Classical Studies within the School of Classics.

• Art History
• Classics
• History

Semesters Available

• First Semester
• Second Semester
• Full Year

Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2021/2
Semester 1 Aug 2021 to Jan 2022
Semester 2 Jan 2022 to Jul 2022
2022/3
Semester 1 Aug 2022 to Jan 2023
Semester 2 Jan 2023 to Jul 2023

Your studies abroad

St Andrews academic requirements

• Minimum Credit in Academic year : 48
• Minimum Credit in Semester : 24
• Maximum Credit in Academic year : 60
• Maximum Credit in Semester: 30
• Module Weighting : 3,5,8

Partner Course Catalogue : Course catalogue

Some modules are available in English for Art History, History and Divinity. but most are taught in Dutch so you should research your options carefully before applying to this programme. However, most Classics courses are taught in Dutch at undergraduate level.

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : 3 full year or 6 semester places

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Getting there and getting around

The nearest airports are Schiphol (Amsterdam) and Rotterdam. Alternatively, Leiden can be reached via the Stena ferry line from Harwich (England) to Hoek Van Holland followed by a 40 minute drive to central Leiden. Nearby cities such as The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht are reachable by train within an hour. Advice and timetables can be found online.

Leiden has an extensive public transport system (train, tram and bus). The purchase of an OV-chipkaart (similar London’s Oyster card) is recommended for regular users of public transport. Plan your journey online. Previous exchange students have advocated that the best and cheapest way to get around Leiden is by bike.

Do be aware that people above the age of 14 must be able to present valid ID at any time should the police or other law enforcement authorities request it. A valid driving license or identity card from your country of origin (if EU/EEA) or your passport can be used for this.

Accommodation

LU does not own student accommodation in Leiden but does mediate between exchange students and the housing agencies Accommodate, DUWO and the Boerhaave Foundation (PhD housing only).

LU does own student accommodation in The Hague, a 15 minute commute from Leiden. They have a variety of housing options available.

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

The Academic Language Centre provides acculturation classes and a range of language courses catering for beginners to advanced students in a range of languages. Non-intensive, semi-intensive and daytime Dutch courses are available. The beginners (non-intensive) course begins in September/February.

LU Student Support provides information as well as personal and academic advice. LU also has a dedicated International Student Advisor.

The Plexus Student Centre houses computing facilities, study areas, a fitness centre and a cafeteria as well as access to student counsellors.

The Fenestra Disability Centre provides support and personalised advice for students and can also provide a ‘student buddy’ for incoming students.

There is a student-run EL CID orientation week. During the semester the Erasmus Student Network provides support and mentoring for international students as well as organising social activities.

Registered students are issued with a personal LU e-mail address, and have full access to the university network ULCN,library facilities, computer rooms and study areas.

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.