COURSE CURRICULUM

The one-year Master’s program in African Studies at Leiden University is designed to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary understanding of Africa. The program combines academic coursework, research methods, and practical fieldwork to prepare students for careers in research, policy, international organisations, or further academic study.In the first semester, students focus on coursework and research preparation. This phase includes lectures, seminars, and tutorials that cover Africa from multiple perspectives, including history, anthropology, literature, politics, and economics. Students also gain a strong methodological foundation, learning multi-modal and mixed research methods that allow them to critically analyse contemporary issues across six cross-cutting themes: Framing Africa, Developing?, Decolonizing?, Dwelling and Moving, Caring, and World-viewing. Self-study complements these sessions, helping students deepen their understanding and develop independent research skills.The second semester centres on fieldwork and thesis writing, giving students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts. Through fieldwork, they gather empirical data, engage with local communities, and analyse social, cultural, and political phenomena. The semester culminates in the Master’s thesis, which demonstrates the ability to conduct independent, methodologically rigorous research and present findings clearly and persuasively.Assessment throughout the program is varied and interactive, including exams, essays and reports, oral presentations, peer feedback, and the final thesis. This combination of coursework, practical research, and assessment methods ensures that graduates are well-prepared for professional and academic roles requiring in-depth knowledge of Africa, analytical skills, and the ability to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives.