Arts, Literature and Media (research) (MA)

About the programme

Art and literature help us understand the present by revisiting the past. This programme explores how creative works are shaped by and interact with different media—print, paint, film, social media, and more. 

You’ll learn to: 

• Think across historical periods and media formats. 
• Combine theory with hands-on research. 
• Design your own study path based on your academic goals. 

Transhistorical and transmedial

This interdisciplinary Research MA deems such transhistorical and transmedial conversations essential for humanities research and its social impact, even when one’s research focuses on a specific period, genre or medium. It thus brings together arts, literature, and media through a programme that combines theoretically grounded approaches with period-specific training. Offering space for specialisation, this Research MA allows you to design a personalised study programme based on your interests.

Why study Arts, Literature and Media in Leiden?

Leiden University offers a unique interdisciplinary programme that blends theory with historical and media-specific training. You’ll explore how art and literature interact with various media—from manuscripts and print to cinema and social platforms. 

What makes this programme stand out: 

• You’re not limited to one specialisation. Mix courses from both the Medieval & Early Modern and Modern & Contemporary lines. 
• Learn to communicate your research across disciplines, increasing its impact and visibility. 
• Develop your academic identity through core seminars that help you position your work in a broader scholarly context. 

Prof. dr. Maria Boletsi

Programme Director

"At the research MA Arts, Literature and Media, we combine disciplinary with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, which means that if you are fond of a particular discipline, the programme offers you the opportunity to further develop in this discipline; and if you are fond of a multi- or interdisciplinary approach, this programme fully stimulates that too. There is ample space for specialization, but we also offer a broad, transhistorical overview and theoretical training that enables you to make your research relevant to audiences beyond your own discipline and to enter the international market. In this programme, we expect you to be a responsible and autonomous researcher, willing to collaborate with others but also to organize your own programme - with our guidance."

Deepen your interests

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can tailor your studies to match your academic background and research goals. Whether you come from art history, media studies, or literary studies in languages like Dutch, English, French, or Spanish, you’ll find space to specialise. 

You’ll complete 70 ECTS through courses and research projects that support your chosen focus. All you need is a passion for research and a curiosity to explore. 

Learn more about the study programme

What are your career prospects?

This programme prepares you for both academic and professional careers. You’ll write a research master’s thesis that can serve as a foundation for a PhD or a role in the cultural sector. 

Throughout your studies, you’ll build a strong set of skills: 

• Critical thinking and analysis 
• Academic writing and communication 
• Interdisciplinary collaboration 
• Historical and theoretical insight 

These skills are valuable in fields such as education, publishing, museums, media, and government. 

Find out more about the career prospects

Is Arts, Literature and Media the programme for you? 

Are you fascinated by the connections between art, literature, and media? Do you enjoy asking big questions and exploring ideas across disciplines? 

This programme is ideal if you: 

• Have a background in art history, media studies, or literary studies. 
• Are curious and open to exploring different time periods and media formats. 
• Want to develop your research skills in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. 

Check the admissions requirements

Related programmes

For programmes in related fields, you can also check our one-year MA programmes in Literary Studies, Media Studies and Arts and Culture. If you start a one-year MA in Leiden in a related field (e.g. Media Studies, Literature in Society or Arts and Culture) it may be possible to transfer to this Research MA during your studies, if you wish to acquire a deeper specialisation and more extensive training in research.

PhD vlogs

Interested to see what some of our graduates are doing now? Around 40% of our students go on to work in (academic) research after graduating from the Arts, Literature and Media research master. Check out the PhD vlogs from the Leiden University Centre of Arts in Society where graduates, including Merel Oudshoorn en Andries Hiskes, talk about their PhD project.