The University of Winchester (@_UoW) has established a fresh collaboration with one of Europe’s most ancient and esteemed universities.
Winchester is thrilled to declare a novel Study Abroad alliance with Leiden University in the Netherlands, providing its BA English Literature students with the chance to spend a semester there.
Founded in 1575, Leiden University stands as one of Europe’s foremost international research institutions. Its Arts and Humanities programs currently hold the 26th position in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
With seven faculties and campuses in both Leiden and The Hague, the university accommodates a student body of approximately 33,000, encompassing over 100 nationalities.
Situated in the southern region of the Netherlands along the Oude Rijn, a tributary of the Rhine delta, the historic city of Leiden, with a populace of about 120,000, lies a mere 20 km (12 miles) north of The Hague and 40 km (25 miles) south of Amsterdam.
Celebrating its 450th anniversary in 2025, Leiden University boasts a notable roster of alumni, including renowned figures such as the artist Rembrandt, French philosopher and scientist René Descartes, US president John Quincy Adams, former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutter, and filmmaker Paul Verhoeven.
The university also takes pride in its 16 Nobel laureates, among them Enrico Fermi, a key figure in the field of nuclear physics.
Following the path of the novel’s pioneer Henry Fielding, Winchester’s creative writing students will tread the same grounds as the Tom Jones author, who journeyed to Leiden in 1728 to delve into classics and law.
The collaboration with Leiden was orchestrated by Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Glenn expressed:
‘This presents an incredible opportunity for our BA English Literature students. Immersing themselves in studies at a university with such a rich international heritage, set in a picturesque and historically significant locale, will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on their academic journey.’
Dr Michael Newton, Lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society, remarked:
“The faculty and students at the English Department at Leiden University are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Winchester students! We look forward to your semester of exploration in English language, literature, and popular culture, at the Netherlands’ oldest university, nestled in a charming Dutch town with deep-rooted connections to British literary figures.”
Linda Huizinga-Coolen from The Humanities International Office at Leiden chimed in:
“The Faculty of Leiden University is delighted to welcome the University of Winchester as a new collaborator and is enthusiastic about fostering active student exchange between both institutions.”
- Explore Glenn’s blog detailing his recent trip to Leiden