Leiden University

Overview

The MSc Governance of Crisis at Leiden University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and manage crises effectively. The programme emphasizes the importance of governance, policy formulation, and coordination in addressing crises that affect societies and organizations. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical skills, students will learn to assess risks, tackle crisis communication challenges, and understand post-crisis accountability and recovery processes.

What you'll study

Programme outline:

• Governance and strategic crisis management: Develop a governance perspective on crisis management across various sectors, exploring the roles of authorities, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Risk, vulnerability, and preparedness: Analyze risk and vulnerability while evaluating preparedness measures and their potential impacts.
• Decision-making and coordination under uncertainty: Enhance your skills in sense-making, coordination, and navigating trade-offs amid incomplete information and time constraints.
• Crisis communication and stakeholder dilemmas: Investigate how communication decisions influence legitimacy, trust, and outcomes, considering the viewpoints of authorities, media, affected communities, and other stakeholders.
• Post-crisis governance: Examine accountability frameworks, learning processes, and strategies for promoting recovery and resilience following a crisis.

Note: For detailed module titles and curriculum structure, please refer to the official programme page of Leiden University.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• No specific GRE/GMAT or GPA requirements have been stated.
• Direct admission: Holders of a bachelor’s degree in Security Studies are eligible for direct admission and can apply via Studielink.
• Conditional/transfer pathway: Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Safety and Security Management Studies from The Hague University of Applied Sciences may qualify for admission if they meet specific criteria. Applications should be submitted through Studielink and the uSis application portal.
• Other applicants: Those who do not meet the above conditions must apply through Studielink and the online application system, where applications will be evaluated on an individual basis.

English requirements

• TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 90
• IELTS: minimum score of 6.5

Required documents

• Applicants typically need to submit prior degree(s) and transcripts, a CV, proof of English proficiency, and any additional documents specified by Leiden University. Please confirm the complete list of required documents on the university's official website.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc Governance of Crisis will be well-prepared for various roles within public and private sectors, including positions in crisis management, policy development, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness. The analytical and decision-making skills acquired during the programme will enable graduates to contribute effectively to organizations facing complex crisis situations, making them valuable assets in today’s increasingly unpredictable world.