Arts, Literature and Media (research) (MA)

About the programme

In this video, Prof. dr. Maria Boletsi, tells you about the Arts, Literature and Media programme.

For more information about the structure of this two-year research master's programme, please check the Prospectus.

Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.

A coherent and flexible programme

After two compulsory core seminars that get you acquainted with the programme’s tranhistorical and transmedial character and aims, you may opt for the programme’s medieval/early modern line or the contemporary based on your research interests. In each line, you take two compulsory thematic courses that combine interdisciplinary and historically marked research with medium-specificity. You are free to design the rest of the programme based on your own interests. You are asked to select two courses provided by the national research schools, which offer an educational program around specific fields of research: medieval studies, art history, literary studies, media studies, cultural analysis. You also take three courses that are specific to your research and can be chosen from Leiden master programmes or other universities. Finally, in the ‘case-based research’ component you get a good grasp of a researcher’s ‘laboratory’ by collaborating with a staff member on one of their ongoing projects.

Thesis topics

The programme is concluded with a Master’s thesis. For some examples of thesis subjects written by students, please check this document.

Prof. dr. Maria Boletsi

Programme Director

"At the research MA Arts, Literature and Media, we combine disciplinary with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, which means that if you are fond of a particular discipline, the program offers you the opportunity to further develop in this discipline; and if you are fond of a multi- or interdisciplinary approach, this program fully stimulates that too. There is ample space for specialization, but we also offer a broad, transhistorical overview and theoretical training that enables you to make your research relevant to audiences beyond your own discipline and to enter the international market. In this program, we expect you to be a responsible and autonomous researcher, willing to collaborate with others but also to organize your own program - with our guidance."

Adrie Huijbrechts

Student Arts, Literature and Media

I am currently a student in the Arts, Literature and Media (research) programme, where I follow the medieval and early modern line. The program involves students with varying backgrounds and research interests, which leads to lively classroom discussions and new perspectives and research topics, and encourages an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary approach. The program provides me with new skills, like theoretical knowledge on theories and methodologies, whilst allowing me to specialise in my own field of interest: medieval English literature. Thanks to the program’s approach, I can apply new skills and perspectives in my own research. I am especially looking forward to the “Case Based Research” course next year, since working one-on-one with a scholar will teach me more about academia itself.

Admission and Application

Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?

Check the entry requirements