African Studies (MA)
About the programme
In one year, you’ll complete five months of coursework, conduct an Embedded Research Project, and write your thesis.
Programme structure
Semester 1
The first semester is devoted to group teaching and serves to both broaden and deepen your knowledge of Africa as well as to prepare you for the research project.
Semester 2
At the beginning of the second semester you will go to Africa or an Africa related setting elsewhere for your Embedded Research Project. From April onwards, when you have returned from your field trip, you will start writing your MA thesis which is based on your own original research, whilst also following the Thesis Seminar.
Educational methods
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Self-study
- Fieldwork
Assessment methods
Your progress is assessed through:
- Exams
- Essays and reports
- Oral presentations
- Peer feedback
- Master’s thesis
Detailed programme
For more information about the programme structure, see the Prospectus. Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Embedded Research Project in Africa
You’ll conduct field research in Africa or an Africa-related setting. This experience builds valuable skills and is supported by the Uhlenbeck and Lustra+ grant.
In preparation for your research project in Africa, you have the opportunity to study a specific language (like Swahili or French) that will help you communicate more easily with the people in the country you visit.
Mirjam de Bruijn
Professor of Contemporary History and Anthropology of Africa
"We have a very large number of researchers available at Leiden University who work in various disciplines – from humanities to medicine – related to Africa. This means that we have an enormous wealth of expertise available and we are always able to successfully match our students with a researcher who shares their specific interest."
65 languages
"As Leiden University teaches around 65 languages, our students have the opportunity to study a specific language that will help them communicate with the people in their chosen country."
Current world issues
"A lot of the issues we study in African Studies are essential to understanding current world issues. One of the fields I am interested in, for example, is security and radicalisation. To understand the current debates in Europe about migration and radicalisation you need a good understanding of the developments in Africa."
Job market after African Studies
"Where our students end up working after graduation depends a lot on their personal area of interest. We have alumni working in journalism, but also as policy officers for the EU government. I also know of some alumni who are working in Africa at NGOs. One of our alumni is now working in Mali for the Dutch Ministry of Defence, for example."
Latest Research
Courses are taught by active researchers and updated regularly to reflect the latest academic debates. Lecturers also serve as mentors and community builders.
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?