Leiden University College The Hague (LUC)

Introduction

Leiden University College The Hague (LUC The Hague), founded in 2010, is the international honours college of Leiden University, the Netherlands’ oldest university (est. 1575). Located in the vibrant, international city of The Hague, LUC offers a selective, English-taught Liberal Arts and Sciences program focused on global challenges. With approximately 600 students from over 50 nationalities, LUC fosters a close-knit, residential community. Renowned for its innovative curriculum and top ratings, LUC ranks as the highest-rated university college in the Netherlands (Keuzegids 2021). This presentation explores LUC’s history, academic programs, and key highlights that define its global impact.

Historical Background

LUC The Hague was established in 2010 as part of Leiden University’s Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, responding to the demand for interdisciplinary, globally oriented education. Housed in a modern building next to The Hague Central Station, LUC was designed to leverage the city’s status as the “International City of Peace and Justice,” home to institutions like the International Criminal Court. The college’s founding dean, Prof. Dr. Marijk van der Wende, shaped its innovative Liberal Arts and Sciences model, emphasizing global citizenship. LUC earned a “top-rated programme” seal from Keuzegids in 2016 and was ranked the highest-rated university college in the Netherlands in 2021. Notable faculty include Dean Giles Scott-Smith, a professor of transnational relations, and Jet Bussemaker, former Dutch Minister of Education. LUC’s legacy lies in its commitment to tackling global challenges through interdisciplinary education.

Academic Programs

LUC offers a three-year Bachelor’s (Honours) program in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges, leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc). Fully taught in English, the program admits ~200 students annually through a selective process (~20% acceptance rate). Students build personalized curricula around six interdisciplinary majors, supported by small-scale, interactive classes (max 25 students) and a focus on four global challenges: Peace and Justice, Sustainability, Prosperity, and Diversity.

Bachelor’s Programs

Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges (BA/BSc): This program integrates Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities, with students choosing one of six majors: Earth, Energy, and Sustainability (BSc); Global Public Health (BSc); Governance, Economics, and Development (BSc); International Justice (BA); World Politics (BA); or Culture, History, and Society (BA). The first year includes foundational courses in global challenges, academic writing, statistics, and mathematics, with students selecting a major by year-end. Years two and three involve specialized courses, a capstone project, and options for a minor, study abroad, or internship. Students prepare for careers in international organizations, research, or policy.
Special Programs: LUC offers a Double Degree with Leiden Law School, combining a BA in International Justice with an LL.B. Students can also pursue a minor in fine or performing arts through the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts, partnering with the Royal Conservatoire and Royal Academy of Art, both within a 10-minute walk.

Master’s and PhD Programs

LUC focuses solely on undergraduate education and does not offer master’s or PhD programs. However, its rigorous curriculum prepares graduates for advanced studies at top universities like Oxford, Harvard, and Leiden, with alumni pursuing fields such as international law, sustainability, and public health.

Faculty and Research

LUC’s faculty, drawn from Leiden University, includes research-active scholars like Giles Scott-Smith and Distinguished Fellows who provide guest lectures and thesis supervision. The college collaborates with the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs’ institutes, such as the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA), focusing on security, terrorism, and diplomacy. Students engage in research through capstone projects and internships, leveraging The Hague’s international organizations.

Highlights

Rankings and Recognition

LUC is unranked as a standalone college but benefits from Leiden University’s global ranking (#=77, QS 2026). It was rated the highest university college and third-highest bachelor’s program in the Netherlands by Keuzegids in 2021, with a “top-rated programme” seal in 2016.
LUC is accredited by NVAO and is a member of the European Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Internationalization

With 50% international students from over 50 countries, LUC is a global community. Partnerships with universities like Sciences Po and University College London support study-abroad programs. The mandatory residential campus for first- and second-year students fosters intercultural exchange, with events like TEDxLUCollege and international dinners organized by the Student Association (LUCSA).

Student Life and Facilities

Study Associations: LUCSA oversees 20+ committees, organizing sports, galas, film festivals, and philanthropy events. Students participate in UCSRN competitions with other Dutch university colleges.
Campus and Resources: Located at Anna van Buerenplein 301, next to The Hague Central Station, LUC’s modern, five-year-old building houses classrooms, a library, study areas, and residential studios. Students access Leiden University’s facilities, including the 4-million-volume library, a 10-minute train ride away. The nearby Universum Sport Center offers fitness, swimming, and climbing.
Housing and Support: Housing is guaranteed for first- and second-year students in single studios with private kitchenettes and bathrooms, costing ~€560/month. Shared lounges and a rooftop terrace enhance community life. Tuition is €4,924/year for EU/EEA students and higher for non-EU/EEA, with scholarships like the LUC Scholarship available.

Innovation and Industry Ties

LUC leverages The Hague’s status as a hub for international organizations, offering internships with NGOs, the International Criminal Court, and embassies. Research projects and capstone theses address real-world issues like climate change and global justice, connecting students with policymakers and industry leaders.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

Housed in a modern building beside The Hague’s historic center, LUC benefits from Leiden University’s 450-year legacy. Cultural events, like walking tours with faculty or the annual Orientation Week (August 25-29, 2025), immerse students in The Hague’s international vibe, with access to landmarks like the Peace Palace.

Practical Learning

LUC’s small-scale, interactive teaching emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving. Students engage in hands-on projects, internships, and capstone research, such as sustainability or human rights studies. The personal tutor system supports individualized study plans, and proximity to international institutions enhances practical opportunities.

Conclusion

Leiden University College The Hague, established in 2010, offers a transformative Liberal Arts and Sciences education focused on global challenges. Its selective, interdisciplinary program, supported by Leiden University, prepares students for impactful careers in a globalized world. With a top-rated curriculum, a diverse residential community, and a strategic location in The Hague, LUC delivers an unparalleled academic experience. Whether drawn to its innovative approach, international focus, or commitment to global citizenship, LUC The Hague is a place where students build knowledge for a better world.