Political Science: International Relations and Organisations (The Hague)

Practical Information

More information about the following topics can be found in the tabs in this Prospectus:

• Practical Information

• Year 1

• Year 2

• Year 3

• Career Preparation

Please read below about the following topics:

• Academic Career Support

• Course and exam registration

• Course materials

• Board of Examiners

• Course entry requirements

• Plagiarism

Academic Career Support

Study Advisers

The team of study advisers is here to assist you with any questions related to your academic progress, whether you encounter obstacles or seek extra challenges, they can provide you with advice and support.

The study advisers know about all aspects of the programme. They can help you with thinking of your longer-term planning and making choices. If you feel your study progress is experiencing some obstacles, it is important to contact your study adviser as soon as possible. He or she can advise you on the best course of action and, if required, support you in dealing with academic delay. Meeting your study adviser is also advisable if you are looking for additional (extracurricular) challenges, such as internships, electives, Honours College etc.

Contact
There are three study advisers working for the IRO programme. Who your study adviser is, depends on the first letter of your surname;

• Ivar Halfman (replacement for Nynke Heegstra during maternity leave) – IRO students with surnames starting with A to G

• Ian Lau – IRO students with surnames starting with H to P

• Ester Blom – IRO students with surnames starting with Q to Z

• Ask your question via the Contactform

• Book an appointment

• Email Studyadvisers.iro@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

Information about study planning

• Brightspace page Academic Career Support IRO: for all information on study programme, planning and study progress.

• Info Desk IRO: The study advisers are available for quick questions about your studies at the desk opposite classrooms WHS 2.01 and 2.02. You can find the dates and times on the Brightspace page Academic Career Support IRO.

• Contact your study adviser: If necessary, you can ask your question via the IRO webform or schedule a meeting to discuss your personal situation.

• Academic Career Support Sessions: during these sessions the study advisers and other representatives of the university will explain about the different topics that are relevant for you in each phase of your study. IRO peers will join as well to share their experiences. Dates will be communicated via the Brightspace page Academic Career Support IRO.

Course and exam registration

Both first year students and students re-sitting courses from the first year will be registered for all courses, work groups and exams in semester 1 (block 1 & 2) by the Student Services Centre (SSC) (ssc@leiden.edu). The SSC will not register students for resits, students need to register for the resits themselves.

From semester 2 of year 1 onward, all students are required to register themselves for all courses, work groups and exams via MyStudymap.

Registration dates:
Semester 1: 9 July 2024, 13:00 until 5 days before the 1st meetng of the course
Semester 2: 10 December 2024, 13:00 until 5 days before the 1st meeting of the course
For the exact dates see Course and Exam enrolment.

In the week before your classes start, you can find your class schedule (lectures and workgroups) in uSis or in MyTimetable. If you need to retake previous courses, your current schedule will be taken into account. Once registered, changing to other workgroups is not possible.

Exam Registration

It is mandatory for all students, including first-year bachelor students, to register for each exam in MyStudymap. This is possible up to and including 10 calendar days prior to the examination. You cannot take an exam without a valid pre-registration in MyStudymap. More information can be found on Course and Exam enrolment.

Exchange students and external guest students will be registered for all courses and exams of the Political Science programme by the Student Services Centre (SSC).

Course materials

You can find additional course information and materials (textbooks, articles) in the Prospectus and in the Brightspace page of the course. Your instructor will communicate with you in Brightspace via your umail account. Make sure you have access to this account before your classes start.

Board of Examiners

Requests to the Board of Examiners

As a Bachelor student, you will need to request approval from the Board of Examiners for non-Political Science Institute elements in your programme such as your electives, Study Abroad courses, research internship and a minor at different university. If you are planning on taking electives next to your IRO courses you should always contact your Study Adviser to discuss study planning.

You can submit your request via Board of Examiners.

Board of Examiners

The role of the Board of Examiners is to ensure that study programmes adhere to their Course and Examination Regulations. The Board of Examiners oversees all tests and examinations within the institute and determines whether students have acquired the knowledge and skills required for the awarding of their degree.

If you want to have a short overview of specific situations you would need to seek their advice, please take a look at their FAQ.

The Board of Examiners can be reached via: examencommpol@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

Course entry requirements

Note that some elements in the IRO programme require completion of specific courses (Study Abroad, Bachelor Project, Bachelor Seminar in Year 3) or a minimum GPA (Study Abroad, continuation with a Master programme) You can find information about prerequisites in the Course & Examination Regulations.

Plagiarism

Generally, plagiarism is understood as presenting, intentionally or otherwise, someone else's words, thoughts, analyses, argumentations, pictures, techniques, computer programmes, etc., as your own work. Plagiarism is a violation of academic integrity that can have serious consequences for the perpetrator. To prevent plagiarism, all your written work is checked via Turnitin. Turnitin is an external tool that has been integrated in Brightspace to assess assignments/papers/etc. and to check for plagiarism. Turnitin provides instructors with the tools to provide specific personalized feedback and check similarity to other papers, bibliographic and online sources and grade assignments.

Year 1

Programme components year 1 (60 EC)

Year 2

Programme components year 2 (60 EC)

Year 3

Programme components year 3 (60 EC)

1. Elective Space (30 EC)

2. Bachelor Seminar (10 EC, Block 1, 2, 3 or 4)

3. Bachelor Project (Thesis) (20 EC, semester 1 or 2)

More information about the programme can also be found on Brightspace page Academic Career Support

Career Preparation

Career preparation in the BSc Political Science

In pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, we are committed to providing you with not only a comprehensive academic education, but also the necessary tools and skills to thrive in the professional world.

It's important to note that career preparation is a collaborative effort between the university and the student. To make the most of the opportunities provided, you should actively engage in extracurricular activities, seek internships or research opportunities, and take advantage of the career services available to you. By combining your academic achievements with practical experiences and professional networking, you can enhance your employability and/or readiness for a Master’s degree, and position yourself for a successful career in the field of Political Science.

Here are some aspects of career preparation you can expect from the programme:

1. Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
The BSc Political Science programme will equip you with broad knowledge and understanding of different aspects of Political Science and related disciplines, such as economics, history, law, and political philosophy. It will also offer you’re the opportunity to specialize in a subfield of political science in your second and third-year projects, papers, and thesis.

2. Research and Analytical Skills:
You will develop strong research and analytical skills through coursework, seminars, and finally through application via the writing of a thesis and, optionally, an Internship project. These skills are valuable in various career paths, including academia, policy analysis, consulting, and research positions.

3. Transferrable skills
Transferrable skills are abilities and competencies that can be applied across different roles, industries, and contexts. These skills are not specific to a particular job or field, but can be transferred and utilized effectively in various settings. These skills include: research and analytical methods, project-based work, generating diagnostic and solutions, digital skills, collaborative work, oral and written communication, presentation skills, societal awareness, independent learning, resilience. These skills are highly valued by employers and can enhance your adaptability and marketability.

4. Self-reflection
This involves reflecting on your own (study) career (choices), reflecting on your own background, profile and your personal and professional development. Gaining insight into, among other things, your competences and personality, your (work) values and motivations: this involves reflection on what can you do with your knowledge and skills on the labour market.

5. Practical Experience
We recognise the importance of practical experience in enhancing employability. We encourage you to look for research internship opportunities as part of your third year elective programme. Career Services and Brightspace Career Preparation Political Science provide opportunities for internships or collaborations with relevant organisations, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This experience can be instrumental in gaining insights into potential career paths and building a professional network.

6. Networking Opportunities
The Institute of Political Science, and the study association SPIL regularly provide networking events, guest lectures, and conferences that bring together students, alumni, professionals, and experts from the field. Actively participating in these events can help you establish connections and foster relationships that may be beneficial for your career advancement.

7. Study Advice
Your study adviser can assist you on your study choices and strategies to improve your academic performance, also by referring to the right contacts within the university. You can contact studyadvisers.iro@fsw.leidenuniv.nl if you have a question about your programme or if you would like to discuss your personal situation.

8. Career Service
The Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ Career Service offers career guidance, including workshops, (faculty) career events, and individual counseling sessions. These resources can assist you in exploring career options, developing job search strategies. Leiden University has a strong Alumni Mentor network, and as a graduate, you can leverage this network to access career opportunities, seek mentorship, and gather insights from professionals who have pursued careers in various sectors related to Political Science.