Colonial and Global History (MA)

A top-ranked programme

According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, History at Leiden University is rated 1st in the Netherlands and 18th in the world.

Why study Colonial and Global History at Leiden University?

During your studies you will explore the interaction between the global and the local such as globalisation and regional processes of identity and state formation. While the programme highlights the global connections and entanglements made by conquest, trade and migration, you will gain a comparative understanding of European imperialism and its impact on Asia, Africa and South America.

Another advantage that you will have as a student of Colonial and Global History is that you will have access to unique documentation centres and libraries specialising in Asia and Africa within easy reach of Leiden University – at the National Archives and the Royal Library in The Hague. This will be of great service during your studies.

Learn more about the study programme

Choose from two specialisations
Additionally, the Colonial and Global History programme offers two specialisations:

• Heritage and Postcolonial Studies focuses on the study of politics and practices of archives in a transnational and comparative perspectives; 
• Maritime History focuses on humankind’s relationships to the seas and oceans of the world

Focus on Heritage and Postcolonial Studies

When you choose the Heritage and Postcolonial Studies specialiation, you will focus your studies on colonial and postcolonial Indonesia, in transnational and comparative perspectives. You will critically study the politics and practices of archives in the context of colonial and postcolonial history, thereby engaging with debates and queries regarding their decolonization.

Learn more about the Heritage and Postcoloial Studies specialisation

Focus on Maritime History

You can also choose to focus on Maritime History. Maritime history, a field which has enjoyed a real renaissance in the past two decades, encompasses humankind’s relationships to the seas and oceans of the world. Besides economic, political and nautical themes, there is a new attention to social and cultural phenomena and the relation between maritime and global history, and between maritime history and cultural heritage institutions. Leiden University is the only university within the Netherlands with its own master’s specialisation in Maritime History.

Learn more about the Maritime History specialisation

Benefit from access to excellent resources

During your studies you will have access to unique documentation centres and libraries specialising in Asia and Africa within easy reach of Leiden University – at the National Archives and the Royal Library in The Hague.

What are your career prospects?

This Master's prepares you for a wide range of roles in almost every sector of the job market. Our graduates work at different types of organisations, such as research institutes, academia, government and the cultural sector. Jobs include researcher, consultant, conservator and PhD candidate.

Find out more about your career prospects

Is Colonial and Global History the programme for you?

Do you want to study in a highly stimulating and international academic environment? Are you interested in uncovering how the colonial past has affected – and still affects – the world? Then Colonial and Global History at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements. 

Check the admission requirements

History Degree

Colonial and Global History at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme of History. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited master’s degree in History and the title Master of Arts (MA).

In which sector do students find jobs?

• 20 Research
• 16 Government and semi-government
• 11 Culture, sports and recreation
• 11 Education
• 11 Information management
• 11 IT
• 5 Welfare and health
• 5 Financial institutions
• 5 Wholesale or retail
• 5 Business services

The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA Colonial and Global History 2016-2020