COURSE CURRICULUM

The Research Master’s in History at Leiden University is designed to provide students with advanced training in historical research, combining rigorous academic coursework with intensive one-on-one guidance and independent research. The program begins with an intensive Literature Seminar during the first eight weeks, introducing students to recent insights and key debates within the field of Cities, Migration, and Global Interdependence. Students then progress to two Research Seminars, where they conduct original research using primary sources or published documents; one seminar is taken in the first semester, while the second may be completed in the second semester or abroad in the third semester. A compulsory Historical Theory course equips students with critical tools to analyse major problems in historical theory and the philosophy of history, exploring topics such as explanations, models, intentions, narratives, comparisons, objectivity, and ethics. Tutorials form a core component of the program, offering intensive, personalized supervision with a Leiden specialist to refine research questions and thesis focus. Students also take at least 10 EC of courses through affiliated Research Schools, tailored to their methodological and area-specific needs. Developing Research Proposals, another compulsory course, guides students through the entire research process, from framing research questions to preparing work suitable for publication, with mentoring from senior researchers. Optional courses worth up to 20 EC allow students to broaden their expertise, often including opportunities to study abroad. The program culminates in a Research MA thesis, which is defended in a formal ceremony. Graduates are prepared to work as junior academic researchers, critically solve complex problems, communicate findings clearly, and are qualified to pursue PhD studies or research-based careers.