Leiden University · Faculty of Humanities

Thesis & Research Supervision

Thesis supervision at Leiden University

Thesis & Research Supervision

Practical guidance for turning a topic into a researchable question, choosing a method, organizing evidence, and completing the thesis with confidence.

Start with your programme Browse the methods library
Dr. Steven Denney · Faculty of Humanities s.c.denney@hum.leidenuniv.nl View on GitHub

Your first stop

Choose your programme

Programme pages collect the requirements, deadlines, submission rules, and official documents that apply to your thesis.

BAIS BA International Studies 10,000 (±10%) · due June 5, 2026 Open programme guide BAKS BA Korean Studies 10,000 (±10%) · due June 1, 2026 Open programme guide MAAS MA Asian Studies 12,000–15,000 · due July 1, 2026 Open programme guide MAIR MA International Relations 15,000 max · due June 5, 2026 Open programme guide

The thesis journey

Move from requirements to submission

Use this shared route alongside the rules on your programme page.

  1. Confirm the rules

    Check your word count, milestones, deadline, submission route, and assessment criteria.

    Programme requirementsAssessment standards

  2. Shape the project

    Turn the topic into a research question, map the literature, and make a workable plan.

    Getting startedTemplates & checklists

  3. Choose evidence and method

    Decide what evidence can answer the question and how you will analyze it.

    Methods guideBuild a corpus

  4. Work responsibly

    Address ethics, source handling, research integrity, and the rules for generative AI.

    Ethics & AIMeeting tools

  5. Review and submit

    Check the argument against the rubric, complete the final review, and follow your programme’s submission instructions.

    How work is gradedCompare programme facts

At a glance

Programme snapshot

RequirementBAISBAKSMAASMAIR
LevelBABAMAMA
Word count10,000 (±10%)10,000 (±10%)12,000–15,00015,000 max
Citation styleChicagoChicago Notes-BibliographyConsistent, recognized styleConsistent, recognized style
Final deadlineJune 5, 2026June 1, 2026July 1, 2026June 5, 2026

BAIS

BA
Word count
10,000 (±10%)
Citation style
Chicago
Final deadline
June 5, 2026

BAKS

BA
Word count
10,000 (±10%)
Citation style
Chicago Notes-Bibliography
Final deadline
June 1, 2026

MAAS

MA
Word count
12,000–15,000
Citation style
Consistent, recognized style
Final deadline
July 1, 2026

MAIR

MA
Word count
15,000 max
Citation style
Consistent, recognized style
Final deadline
June 5, 2026

All dates are for the 2025-2026 academic year. Always confirm deadlines with your supervisor and programme coordinator.

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