Governance of Migration and Diversity (History) (MA)

Learn migration from experts in four cities

Benefitting from the ‘Leiden-Delft-Erasmus’ consortium, this unique MA programme introduces you to migration professionals at institutes in Leiden, Delft, The Hague, and Rotterdam. GMD’s core program ensures students achieve all-around expertise for tackling issues of migration and diversity: from core theories in history, sociology, and public administration; to new concepts from law, international development and urban studies. By concentrating in the History track, your home base is Leiden University’s renowned Institute for History, where you will match with an advisor related to your research interests. Graduates from the History of Migration & Diversity apply their interdisciplinary frameworks to practical work, whether policy-writing for government ministries, leading action-oriented projects for human rights organizations, or conducting cutting-edge research for think-tanks.

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Explore diversity within a wider social context

Approaching migration from historical and interdisciplinary perspectives requires that students also learn how categories of identity and power intersect: class, gender, sexuality, religion, ability and more. Being attuned to these intersections relate to civil participation and citizenship is at the core of GMD, meaning that students have the tools to understanding complex dilemmas of diversity. You will address questions such as:

• What can history teach us about managing migration, diversity, and social change today?
• How can policymakers make better decisions about migration and inclusion by learning from the past?
• Why do discrimination and inequality persist—and what strategies actually work to address them?

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Why choose Governance of Migration and Diversity at Leiden University?

• Understand today's migration and diversity challenges through the lens of history—and use that knowledge to shape better policies for the future.

• Learn from internationally recognised experts from three leading Dutch universities: Leiden University, Delft University of Technology, and Erasmus University Rotterdam.

• Prepare for careers in government, NGOs, international organisations, education, heritage, and the private sector.

• Build connections with scholars, practitioners, and fellow students working on some of society's most pressing challenges.

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Research MA

Are you particularly interested in doing research, such as to pursue a career in academia? You can adapt the GMD programme into a two-year Research MA. One option is to apply for GMD’s MA History track; during your first year, you can switch to the resMA track.

Dr.mult. Andrew DJ Shield

Assistant Professor of Migration History

‘To understand the challenges of migration and diversity today, we need more than opinions—we need perspective. History helps us see how societies have navigated difference, belonging, and social change, and how we can build more inclusive futures.’

Suzan Abozyid

PhD fellow at Leiden’s Institute for History

‘What I enjoyed most about the GMD Master was the diverse and highly motivated crowd of students it attracted.’