View Programme & University

English

Course Website

African Studies (research) (MA) The research master's in African Studies at Leiden University is unique in continental Europe for the interdisciplinary range of subjects offered and the variety of perspectives. About the programme This multidisciplinary programme offers you the opportunity to study the African continent from many different angles. As a result, you will acquire solid knowledge and understanding of the major historical, cultural, socio-economic and political factors at play in Africa. Year 1 You will start with an introduction to current debates on African Studies through three interdisciplinary courses in the first semester (September-December): The Theoretical Foundations and Interdisciplinary Nature of African Studies, History and Politics in Africa, and Reflexivity and Methodologies in Africanist Research. During the second semester (February-June) you will acquire an in-depth understanding of theoretical and methodological perspectives in different thematic fields of African Studies through participation in the thematic course Theoretical and Experimental Explorations, and study the various regions of the African continent from a comparative perspective through the course Africa in Cross-Regional Perspective. In addition, you will start developing your own research project through the course Writing Research Proposal, and gain knowledge on reflecting on methodological implications with a strong fieldwork orientation through the course Methodological Specialization. Year 2 This is a research year. The first six months you will spend doing research in Africa. After your return, you will start writing your thesis. During the fieldwork and writing up, you will work under the supervision of two senior researchers from your chosen field. In addition, hands-on research seminars will guide you through the writing-up phase Educational methods • Lectures • Seminars • Tutorials • Self-study • Fieldwork research in Africa Assessment methods • Thesis • Exams • Peer feedback and assessment • Essays, reports 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.