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History (research) (MA) The research master in History at Leiden University offers five specialisations in which you will focus on historical processes, historical research, historiography and methodology. Specialisations • Ancient History (research) (MA) • Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence (research) (MA) • Colonial and Global History (research) (MA) • Europe 1000-1800 (research) (MA) • Politics, Culture and National Identities, 1789 to the Present (research) (MA) About the Programme During the two-year History (Research) programme you will learn from inspired academics and learn how to conduct quality research. Although the main focus of the programme is on your chosen specialisation, it also includes a number of courses enabling you to acquire a better understanding of theories on historical processes, historical debates and methodology of historical research. In the first semester, you will follow a course in historical methodology, in the second semester a course in developing research proposals. Programme outline Literature Seminar The programme starts with an intensive literature seminar, which covers the first 8 weeks of the semester. During this course you will discuss recent insights and key issues within your specialisation. The literature seminar is valued at 10 EC. Research Seminars You will follow two research seminars within your specialisation during which you will carry out research on the basis of original source material or published documents. You will take one research seminar during the first semester. The second research seminar may be taken during the second semester, or abroad during the third semester. Each research seminar is valued at 10 EC. Historical Theory This course is compulsory for all Research MA students. It discusses major problems in historical theory or philosophy of history through close readings of relevant texts. Topics that will be addressed include explanations, models, intentions, representations, narratives, paradigms, comparisons, objectivity, and ethics. The course is valued at 10 EC. Developing Research Proposals This course focuses on writing a research proposal. You will discuss various types of successful research projects and reflect upon the organisation of academic research. You will develop your own proposal, developing a good research question and including debate, feasibility, and innovative character. The course will guide you through this process. Senior researchers will visit the class to comment upon their own ongoing research projects. The course is valued at 10 EC and is compulsory for all Research MA students. Tutorial The tutorial is the mainstay of our Research MA as it offers intensive, eye-to-eye discussions with one of Leiden’s many specialists. During the tutorial you will explore the field and determine the subject and research question of your thesis. The tutorial is valued at 10 EC. Courses Research Schools Within the Research MA History, you will take courses at a national Research School, amounting to at least 10 EC. You will compose this set of courses yourself, together with the Coordinator of Studies. Research Schools courses offer training in both methodology and area specific knowledge. Research MA students choose courses at the Research school that relates most with their possible area of research. Optional Courses You will also choose a number of optional courses, worth up to a total of 20 EC. You are advised to study these courses abroad. The optional courses may also be spent on a research internship, or at courses (level 500) offered at any department of Leiden University or at another Dutch university. Thesis The programme concludes with a thesis, based on original source research and a final oral exam. Together they are valued at 30 EC. The level of the thesis will have to meet high standards. In principle, the (shortened) thesis will have to be worthy of publication in an academic journal. During the final ceremony you are expected to present and defend your thesis vis-à-vis with your thesis supervisor and a second examiner. Objectives The main aim of the programme is to ensure that after graduation, you will be able to function as a junior academic researcher, either in a semi-academic position or at a university. You will be able to solve complex academic problems independently, critically and creatively, and report on these results with clarity both in writing and verbally. The programme qualifies you to continue your studies in a PhD studentship. Educational methods • Seminars • Tutorials • Self-study • Internship options Assessment methods • Thesis • Exams • Peer feedback and assessment • Essays, research papers and final thesis • Oral presentations

Winter semester starts in end of August while summer sem starts in end of February. Course website provides you all major dates. We suggest international students to apply for students visa in time.