North American Studies (MA)

Why study North American Studies at Leiden University?

The Leiden programme offers a diverse and international learning environment. While the programme focuses on the U.S., you will also explore the role the U.S. plays in the region and in the world, as well as the impact of the region and the world on developments in the U.S. Some of the key areas and major issues in the history, politics,  literature and culture of the U.S. that the programme explores in depth and from a multidisciplinary and historical perspective include:

• Slavery, migration, and emancipation movements;
• The history and politics of international relations and human rights;
• Immigration and ethnicity;
• Identity constructions and memory politics;
• Environmental justice.

Study abroad or do an internship

Students are encouraged to do an internship, either in the Netherlands (for example at the Roosevelt Institute of American Studies at Middelburg) or abroad (for example at the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in the U.S.). Opportunities are available for study at a university in the U.S. or Canada.

Learn more about the study programme

What are your career prospects?

The master’s programme in North American Studies prepares you for a wide range of careers in which well-developed analytical and other academic skills or specialised knowledge of U.S. history, literature, politics, and culture are valued. Our graduates pursue careers in the international job market in fields including teaching, journalism, IT, business, politics, government policy, publishing and research.

Find out more about your career prospects

Is North American Studies the programme for you?

Critical reflection on U.S. exceptionalism is a recurrent topic throughout the programme. Do you want to learn how to conduct independent multidisciplinary research, comprehend and apply theoretical insights, learn about and engage with scholarly debates, and take a critical approach to all materials? Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?

Check the admission requirements

Join LUNAS

LUNAS (Leiden University North American Studies) is the study association for students in and alumni of North American Studies in Leiden. LUNAS helps new North American Studies students to find their way in and around the university and the city. In addition, LUNAS organises social, cultural and networking events for current students and alumni. For more information, visit the Instagram page of LUNAS.

Femke Fakkeldij

Student MA North American Studies

"I enrolled in the MA North American Studies programme because its interdisciplinary approach perfectly bridges my interests in US history and literature. This programme offers courses on many different subjects and I enjoyed the fact that we were encouraged to explore our own interests in our research. Because the programme is relatively small, the instructors are very approachable and willing to help students with all sorts of questions. I would recommend any prospective student to join the LUNAS study association – they organise fun activities throughout the year and it’s a great way to get to know your fellow students better!"

Kirsten Soer

Student MA North American Studies

"I wouldn’t have guessed that I would pursue a degree in North American Studies until I applied. Coming from an unrelated field, I was nervous about starting my pre-master’s program. However, the courses turned out to be so interesting that I didn’t mind lacking prior knowledge. The program is wide in scope but small in scale, meaning that you can pursue your own interests while easily getting to know fellow students. I was glad to focus my research on Cold War-era foreign relations, enjoying this so much, in fact, that I would now like to pursue a PhD in this field."

In which sector do students find jobs?

• 17 Culture, sports and recreation
• 17 Government and semi-government
• 17 Research
• 8 IT
• 8 Media and journalism
• 8 Education
• 8 Publishing
• 8 Financial institutions
• 8 Wholesale and retail
• 1 Other

The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA in North American Studies 2016-2020.

Find out more about the career prospects