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 the field of Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence.

Research Seminars

You will take two Research Seminars during which you will carry out research on the basis of primary 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.

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.

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.

Courses Research Schools

Within the Research MA History, students are required to take courses at a 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.

Developing Research Proposals

This course is also compulsory for all Research MA students. It will focus on the development of your research skills. You will learn how to arrange academic research, from initial research question to publication/research proposal. Senior researchers will guide you through this process, using their own ongoing research projects as guideline.

Optional Courses

You will also take a number of Optional Courses, worth up to a total of 20 EC. We encourage students to take these courses abroad. However, you are also able to fill in this Optional Course space with a multitude of options. See the Prospectus for more information.

Thesis

You conclude the programme by writing a Research MA-thesis. Students are guided in writing their thesis by thesis supervisors. Upon graduation students sit for a final ceremony for which they defend their thesis and answer questions on additional literature. 

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.