African Studies (research)

Overview

Course Details

The two year’s African Studies (research) MA programme at Leiden University bridges the often artificially drawn boundaries between the humanities, such as history and literary studies, and the social sciences, such as anthropology, political science and economics. 

As a result you have the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge about different aspects of the African continent and its peoples, at the same time you are not bound by boundary constraints of any of the more traditional disciplines focusing on Africa. Small classes ensure that you have plenty of direct contact with your lecturers and a high level of guidance and support throughout your studies.

This programme combines disciplines from the humanities, such as history and literary studies, with disciplines from social sciences, in particular:

• political science
• anthropology
• economics

Within the Research MA you will focus on developing your research skills, and you will have an entire year (of which six months consists of fieldwork) to execute your own research project which offers you outstanding opportunities to get insights into working and conducting research in Africa and to enhance your job prospects.

You will take in-depth courses that will guide you through social theory, methodology development, and proposal writing; you will write a scientific publication, and practice your debating and presentation skills. This will enable you, upon graduation, to initiate independent PhD or policy research, advise and participate in policy development and implementation, or offer training to businesses wanting to do trade in Africa.

Career Opportunities

• PhD candidate at a university in the UK

• Policy researcher in Lagos

• Policy officer for agriculture and trade at an embassy in Ghana

• Teacher of African languages

• Journalist

• Curator at a cultural institution

• Project Manager at an NGO in Senegal

• Team leader at a human rights organisation

• Editorial manager