MA African Studies (research)
Leiden, Netherlands
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2024
TUITION FEES
EUR 19,300 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EU/EEA students | dutch, EU/EEA, swiss and surinamese students: €2,314 per year | second dutch master’s programme: €15,400 per year
Introduction
The Research Master's program in African Studies at Leiden University is unique in continental Europe for the interdisciplinary range of subjects offered and the variety of perspectives.
Why study African Studies (research) at Leiden University?
The two-year research master’s program in African Studies at Leiden University bridges the often artificially drawn boundaries between the humanities and the social sciences, combining perspectives from history, literary studies, anthropology, political science, and economics, among others. As a result, you have the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge about different aspects of the African continent and its peoples, while being challenged to go beyond the boundary constraints of any of the more traditional disciplines focusing on Africa. Small classes ensure that you have plenty of direct contact with your lecturers and a high level of guidance and support throughout your studies.
Fieldwork research
An important aspect of this program is developing your ability to conduct original and interdisciplinary fieldwork research. You have the opportunity to spend six months doing fieldwork research in Africa or an Africa-related setting elsewhere, and six months to analyze, write, and publish your own research project. For your fieldwork research in Africa, you will have access to two university funds to get financial support, the Ulhenbeck and Lustra+ funds.
Curriculum
The two year’s research master’s programme bridges the often artificially drawn boundaries between the humanities and the social sciences, combining perspectives from history, literary studies, anthropology, political science and economics, among others. As a result you have the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge about different aspects of the African continent and its peoples, while being challenged to go beyond the boundary constraints of any of the more traditional disciplines focusing on Africa. Small classes ensure that you have plenty of direct contact with your lecturers and a high level of guidance and support throughout your studies.
An important aspect of this programme is developing your ability to conduct original and interdisciplinary fieldwork research. You have the opportunity to spend six months doing fieldwork research in Africa or an Africa-related setting elsewhere, and six months to analyse, write and publish your own research project.The programme is taught by leading African Studies scholars with each unique areas of specialisation. They will further guide you in developing and carrying out research in your specific area of interest.
Admissions
Gallery
Program Outcome
The development of in-depth knowledge in the field, and the ability to think critically and analytically are key goals of this programme. The African Studies (Resarch) programme will introduce you to the concepts and academic approaches current in the interdisciplinary field of African Studies.
You will learn to use these concepts and approaches in researching and analysing source material. Your fieldwork and thesis will give you the opportunity to apply these methods in your own research.
Scholarships and Funding
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a program specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s program.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Having successfully completed the research master’s program, you will be qualified to undertake PhD research or work at research institutes, work as a policy maker, journalist, or practitioner for Africa-oriented organizations worldwide.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- Ph.D. researcher in Malawi at the University of Edinburgh, UK;
- Team lead Gender research area, United Nations Women’s Programme, Harare, Zimbabwe;
- Ph.D. researcher in South Africa at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands