Educational system


Dutch higher education
The Netherlands has two main types of regular higher education:
 
  • Universities
  • Universities of professional education ("HBO" or "Hoger Beroepsonderwijs") 
      
The universities focus on the independent practice of research-oriented work in an academic or professional setting. The universities of professional education are more practically-oriented, preparing students directly for specific careers. A smaller branch of education is provided by International Education Institutes, which offer programmes designed especially for foreign students. The VWO secondary school diploma qualifies students for admission to a research university.

Leiden University is university of the first type and fully recognised by the Dutch Ministy of Education.
Degree structure
Leiden University awards the bachelor's, master's and doctorate (PhD) degrees. The highest degree awarded is the PhD.

The following degrees are awarded, depending on the type of programme:
 
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Master of Arts
  • Master of Science
  • Master of Laws
  • PhD (the "doctorate")

The bachelor's programmes take three years; a master's degree takes an additional one or two years of full-time study. 
Mode of study: part-time / full-time
At Leiden University it is possible to study full-time or part-time for many undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. 

The subjects of a part-time programme are spread out over a longer period. A part-time programme therefore takes longer to complete than the full-time equivalent, but allows the time for students to work or fulfil other activities in addition to their studies.

Part-time bachelor's programmes
Leiden offers part-time possibilities for approx. 13 bachelors’ programmes. A bachelor's degree will normally take about 4 and a half years part-time, or 3 years full-time to complete. Full-time students can expect about 40 hours per week, and part-time students 25 hours. These hours are an indication of the course load and cannot be regarded as definitive. 

Required study progress
With more time available to study, a student can complete the programme at a faster pace. In some cases, studying at a somewhat slower pace is a possibility, but part-time bachelor's students are required to have completed 40 credit points (ECTS) after the first two years of study, and should have obtained their first degree (“propedeuse”) in three years. If this requirement cannot be met and there are no mitigating circumstances, students may be barred from continuing their study in Leiden ("binding study recommendation"). It is generally possible tailor a programme to one's available study hours in consultation with a Study Advisor.      
 
Part-time master's programmes
A master's degree programme will normally take 1 or 2 years full-time, or one and a half or 3 years part-time to complete. The duration of the programme usually depends on the amount of time a student has available to study.
 
 
Note for international students
Students who need an entrance permit (MVV) or residence permit for the purpose of study, cannot study part-time. Full-time study is a requirement for obtaining an MVV or a residence permit for the purpose of study. 
Credits & grading
The credit point system
The course load is given in ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit points. ECTS was introduced in the academic year 2002-2003 as the offical credit point system at Leiden University.
1 ECTS equals 28 hours of study. This includes preparing for and attending classes, reading books, writing papers, studying for tests and exams etc.  In ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of a year of study.

Grading
The Dutch grading system runs from 1 (very poor) to 10 (outstanding: 100%). The lowest pass grade is 6, while grades 9 and 10 are rarely given. Grades between 5 and six are usually rounded up from 5.5, which means that 5.4 is a fail and 5.5. a pass. However whether a grade signifies a pass or not is the prerogative of the board of examiners of the department.

10: excellent (flawless; 100%); 9: very good; 8: good; 7: satisfactory; 6: pass; 1 to 5: fail. 
Level indication
The level of an individual course is indication with a number ranging from 100 to 600 as follows: 


Level 100
     
  • Introductory course; no course prerequisites
  • Intensive supervision, textbooks in Dutch, guided work groups, etc.
  • Mostly first year courses, some second year (bachelor's)
Level 200
  • Introductory course; no specific course prerequisites
  • Independent study techniques required, books in English may be used
  • Mostly second year courses, some first year (bachelor's)
Level 300
  • Course for advanced students; course prerequisites at level 100 or 200
  • Books in various languages (only if relevant)
  • Examinations test the student's skills in  applying acquired knowledge and insights into new problems
  • Mostly third year courses, some second year (bachelor's)
Level 400
  • Specialised course; course prerequisites at level 200 or 300
  • Books mostly in languages other than Dutch; extensive use of scientific articles
  • Examination may include a small research project, an oral report, or written papers
  • Third year bachelor's or first year master's course
Level 500
  • Master course: scientifically oriented course
  • Course prerequisites at level 300/400
  • Scientific advanced specialist/professional literature
Level 600
  • Master course: very advanced scientific course with as prerequisite a level 400/500 course
  • Latest developments in scientific field
  • Examination consists of a contribution to an unsolved problem, with an oral presentation
Academic calendar
The Academic year runs from 1 September - 31 August  Most faculties use a semester system. This means that the academic year is divided into 2 semesters: September through January, and February through June. At some departments each semester is divided into 2 "blocks".
 
Web Editor – 16/07/2009