Europe 1000-1800 (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 Europe 1000-1800 at Leiden University?

Our courses explore how premodern practices of power and the knowledge cultures that supported them, developed, were communicated, and challenged. The courses are designed by leading scholars who work on comparative approaches to concepts such as dynasty, holy war, and citizenship, contrasting historical experiences across the globe. With this training you will develop your own ideas focusing on communities, states and networks in and across Europe and the Mediterranean between 1000-1800.

We often collaborate in our programme with premodernists in other specializations within the Institute and in the other institutes, making Leiden a great centre of expertise for studying the premodern world. Like many other students, you can also do an internship at various museums, cultural, research and media institutions.

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Learn from leading scholars

The programme is taught by inspired academics currently engaged in research projects on issues directly related to the master in Europe 1000-1800, including Philippe Buc, Jeroen Duindam, Raymond Fagel, Lionel Laborie, Judith Pollman, Felicia Rosu, Jasper van der Steen, Robert Stein and Claire Weeda. They will teach you how to think comparatively about the transformations in politics, culture and religion that took place during 1000-1800. 

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 education, research institutes, consultancy and government. Jobs include researcher, consultant, conservator and teacher.

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Access to unique resources

During your studies you will be able to benefit from the easy access to the excellent library and archival resources available in Leiden (including Leiden University Library and Erfgoed Leiden) and The Hague (such as KB National Library of the Netherlands and the National Archives), where you can study many primary sources and secondary studies. You will learn how to conduct original and innovative research and develop the skills to write your own, independently researched MA thesis.

Is Europe 1000 – 1800 the programme for you?

Are you interested in Europe and the Mediterranean between 1000 and 1800? Do you want to explore premodern practices of power? Then Europe 1000 – 1800 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.

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Leiden Medievalists blog

Leiden University is home to many specialists studying the history, culture, art, archaeology and languages of the Middle Ages. On the Leiden Medievalists Blog you will read articles by Leiden University researchers from various disciplines, including History, Art History, Archaeology, Book History, Anglo-Saxon Studies, Dutch Language and Culture, German Language and Culture, and Middle Eastern Studies.

In which sector do students find jobs?

• 18 Education
• 9 Government and semi-government
• 9 Research
• 9 Wholesale and retail
• 9 IT
• 9 Communication and marketing
• 9 Consultancy
• 9 Business services
• 9 Culture, sports and recreation
• 9 Information management
• 1 Other

The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA Europe 1000-1800 2016-2020

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History Degree

Europe 1000-1800 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).

Chat with a student

Do you have a question about student life in Leiden, studying at Leiden University, or do you want more information about the History master's programme? Chat with a current student for answers to your questions!