Latin American Studies (MA)
The master’s programme of Latin American Studies offered by Leiden University supports the teaching and research of the social, cultural, historical, and linguistic diversity of contemporary Latin America, a region of mind-blowing diversity and global impact.
Why study Latin American Studies at Leiden University?
Taught by scholars from Leiden University's internationally-acclaimed Faculty of Humanities, and including collaboration from visiting experts on Latin America, the master in Latin American Studies explores the most current social, political, linguistic and cultural developments shaping Latin America today. We offer you the unique opportunity to specialise in the Latin American region, and offer a unique combination of multi-disciplinary expertise for the Netherlands in the field of Brazilian studies. You can choose to focus on any of the countries in the region, depending on your interests.
We also offer:
- The opportunity of extending the full immersion in the region through fieldwork in Latin America, for which you receive supervision and guidance.
- Small-scale teaching and research-led teaching.
- Knowledge and skills that will help you in your future career, whether inside or outside of academia.
Research in Latin America
In addition to the mandatory courses within each track, you can broaden or deepen your knowledge through a wide choice of electives, self-devised fieldwork and your thesis. A research trip to Latin America immerses you in one of the Latin American cultures and languages, while developing your ability to conduct high-quality scientific research and communicate professionally and effectively.
Learn more about the study programme
What are your career prospects?
Your degree qualifies you for roles in cultural organisations, education, translation, tourism, publishing, documentation and information processing, development, embassies, ministries of foreign affairs, and semi-governmental and non-profit organisations with a focus on Latin America. You are also well-equipped to pursue a PhD position and a career in academia.
Find out more about your career prospects
Patricio Silva
Professor of Modern Latin American History
“The Public Policies in Latin America track is oriented to the study of public policies in Latin America. Each student has to study a specific social policy (in the fields of education, housing, security, health, etc.) in a particular Latin American country. For this purpose, you'll stay for two months in Latin America studying and participating in a Ministry, a specialised state agency, or in a Non-Governmental Organisation. So you'll learn the ‘real thing’: how real actors do try to solve specific problems in their countries. This first-hand experience of working in developmental institutions has proven to be highly appreciated in the Dutch job market.”
Is Latin American Studies the programme for you?
A substantial part of the programme is taught in Spanish and Portuguese: another reason why this programme attracts ambitious students from all over the world. Small classes ensure a high level of interaction between you, your international peers, and your lecturers – creating an exceptionally stimulating and supportive learning environment. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?
Check the admission requirements
A centre of expertise on languages and cultures of the world
When it comes to languages and cultures, Leiden University is the university. The global expertise present places our university at the top. In Leiden and The Hague, we study languages and cultures from all regions of the world and from prehistory to the present day. In this way we create a broad view of the world; the key to mutual understanding.
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