Latin American Studies (MA)
In the Latin American Studies master’s programme you study the social, cultural, historical, and linguistic diversity of contemporary Latin America.
Why study Latin American Studies at Leiden University?
Latin America is an increasingly important player on the world stage: culturally, politically, and economically. In Latin American Studies, you develop into an expert on this strategic region: from global food supply (thanks to the region's large agricultural exports) to the energy transition (driven by its vast reserves of lithium and copper).
With Spanish and Portuguese you can already reach nearly one billion people, spread across more than twenty countries. But the programme goes beyond geopolitics and language alone. You explore how language and culture are intertwined with identity and power. You will be trained to set up an individual research project you will specialise in through your fieldwork.
Taught by scholars from Leiden University's internationally-acclaimed Faculty of Humanities, and including collaboration from visiting experts on Latin America, the master in Latin American Studies explores the most current social, political, linguistic and cultural developments shaping Latin America today. We offer you the unique opportunity to specialise in the Latin American region, and offer a unique combination of multi-disciplinary expertise for the Netherlands in the field of Brazilian studies. You can choose to focus on any of the countries in the region, depending on your interests.
Research in Latin America
In addition to the mandatory courses within each track, you can broaden or deepen your knowledge through a wide choice of electives, self-devised fieldwork and your thesis. A research trip to Latin America immerses you in one of the Latin American cultures and languages, while developing your ability to conduct high-quality scientific research and communicate professionally and effectively.
Learn more about the study programme
What are your career prospects?
Your degree qualifies you for roles in cultural organisations, education, translation, tourism, publishing, documentation and information processing, development, embassies, ministries and other (local) government institutionss, and semi-governmental and non-profit organisations with a focus on Latin America. You are also well-equipped to pursue a PhD position and a career in academia.
Find out more about your career prospects
Patricio Silva
Professor of Modern Latin American History
“The Public Policies in Latin America track is oriented to the study of public policies in Latin America. Each student has to study a specific social policy (in the fields of education, housing, security, health, etc.) in a particular Latin American country. For this purpose, you'll stay for two months in Latin America studying and participating in a Ministry, a specialised state agency, or in a Non-Governmental Organisation. So you'll learn the ‘real thing’: how real actors do try to solve specific problems in their countries. This first-hand experience of working in developmental institutions has proven to be highly appreciated in the Dutch job market.”
Is Latin American Studies the programme for you?
A substantial part of the programme is taught in Spanish and Portuguese: another reason why this programme attracts ambitious students from all over the world. Small classes ensure a high level of interaction between you, your international peers, and your lecturers – creating an exceptionally stimulating and supportive learning environment. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?