Programs

African Studies

This Bachelor's program in African Studies offers an orientation towards the humanities, allowing students to specialize in one of three tracks: History and Anthropology, Literature and Film (Art), or Linguistics. It's also possible to combine two tracks. The program includes the study of Berber and Swahili languages over three years, as well as a language of the student's choice for their study abroad period. The first year is common for all students, focusing on foundational knowledge and developing digital research and publication skills. After the first year, students choose their specialization track(s). In the third year, students engage in a practice-oriented project in the first semester, applying their acquired skills to a real-world theme and producing a tangible outcome.

African Studies (BA)

The African Studies BA programme at Leiden University offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the African continent. With Africa playing an increasingly significant role in global developments, this program explores its diverse cultures, histories, languages, and societies from an Africa-centric perspective. You'll gain in-depth knowledge by examining the continent through various humanities disciplines, fostering a critical understanding of both internal dynamics and external perceptions.

African Studies (MA)

The Master's in African Studies at Leiden University offers a comprehensive exploration of Africa's diverse cultures and societies. This one-year program combines in-depth academic study with practical, research-based learning. You will engage with Africa from multiple disciplinary perspectives, including history, anthropology, literature, politics, and economics, developing a strong methodological foundation. The curriculum is structured around six cross-cutting themes designed to foster critical analysis of current events from a global viewpoint, alongside an introduction to various research methods.

Air and Space Law (Advanced LL.M.)

The Advanced LL.M. in Air and Space Law is an intensive one-year master's programme that delves into the complex legal frameworks governing aviation and space activities from both international and European perspectives. You will explore critical issues such as passenger safety, accident investigation, environmental protection, drone usage, fair competition, the sustainability of space exploration, and the militarisation of outer space. This unique programme offers a solid legal foundation taught by leading experts in academia and legal practice, preparing you to address contemporary challenges in this dynamic field.

Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory (MSc)

This Master's specialisation in Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory delves into the fundamental structures of pure mathematics, exploring areas like number theory, geometry, discrete dynamical systems, and arithmetic geometry. You will engage with advanced algebraic methods, computational aspects, and have the flexibility to tailor your studies through elective courses in fields such as algebraic number theory, algebraic geometry, and cryptology. The program is closely aligned with current research at the Mathematical Institute, offering opportunities to work on cutting-edge topics.

Ancient History: Empires, Societies and Cultures (MA)

This Master's program delves into the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the Graeco-Roman world, specifically between 400 BC and AD 400. You will explore the development of empires, from the Hellenistic kingdoms to the Roman Empire, and understand how imperial rule influenced local cultures, religions, and identities. A unique aspect of this program is its focus on documentary and artefactual evidence, such as inscriptions, papyri, coins, and material culture. This approach allows you to access perspectives beyond elite narratives and examine how empires both shaped and were shaped by diverse societies, leading to outcomes of unification and cultural diversity.

Ancient History: Empires, Societies and Cultures (MA)

Ancient Near East Studies

Leiden University offers Master's and PhD programs focused on the Ancient Near East, building on a long tradition in the field within the Netherlands. These programs provide in-depth training in ancient languages, scripts, history, and archaeology of regions including Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt, and the Levant. Students benefit from close collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for the Near East (NINO) and the Faculty of Archaeology, renowned worldwide. The MA in Assyriology, taught in English, is a one-year program within the Classics and Ancient Civilizations framework, offering foundational and advanced training. The Research MA in Assyriology prepares students for academic careers. PhD candidates can pursue research in Assyriology or related area studies through the Faculty of Humanities' graduate school. The Faculty of Archaeology offers specializations in Western Asia, with a strong track record in fieldwork across the region. Students can engage in archaeological heritage, sciences, and area studies through Bachelor's, MA Global Archaeology, and Research MA programs. Collaboration with NINO and the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) enhances the student experience.

Ancient Near Eastern Studies (BA)

This Bachelor's program focuses on the ancient cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. You will explore diverse civilizations from regions like Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia, alongside their languages and cultures, including Hebrew and Aramaic. The program is taught entirely in Dutch.

Applied Archaeology (MA)

The Master's specialisation in Applied Archaeology at Leiden University is designed to provide a strong foundation for a professional career in archaeology. This program is a collaborative effort between Leiden University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. You will learn to conduct critical and reflective research within a professional context, understand the relationship between archaeology and heritage management, and apply various research and excavation methods. The program emphasizes developing professional advice based on research findings, considering academic, societal, ethical, and financial aspects of projects, and effectively communicating archaeological information to diverse stakeholders. It also aims to equip you to contribute to societal discussions and the future of the field. This specialisation allows you to tailor your studies to your personal interests, choosing a career profile and regional focus that aligns with your goals. You can choose to complete assignments and your graduation project in either English or Dutch. The program offers a flexible path, enabling you to focus on fieldwork, policy-making, public archaeology, or heritage management, with an obligatory internship included in the Applied Archaeology profile.

Applied Cognitive Psychology (MSc)

This Master of Science (MSc) specialisation focuses on applying psychological knowledge to real-world challenges in professional and organisational settings. You will gain practical and academic skills to improve human performance, decision-making, and well-being. The program explores how people think, learn, and act, and how to support these processes through research, design, and interventions. It emphasizes translating theory into practice with hands-on experience from the start. Key areas of application include optimising cognitive abilities across age groups, designing environments for focus and safety, creating user-friendly tools and interfaces, developing accident-prevention programs, and advising organisations on human performance in sectors like education, industry, and healthcare. You will also study the impact of external factors like fatigue and stress on human functioning. The program offers a unique, integrative approach combining theory with realistic case studies, preparing you for a wide range of careers.

Applied Neuroscience in Human Development

This Master's program focuses on the application of neuroscience to understand human development across the lifespan. It explores how brain development influences behavior, learning, and emotional well-being, with a particular emphasis on the early years. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical research methods, equipping students with the skills to investigate developmental processes and their implications for interventions and educational practices.

Arabic Language and Culture (BA)

Arabic Language and Culture (BA)

Arabic Language and Culture is a specialization within the Bachelor's programme in Middle Eastern Studies. This program is taught entirely in Dutch. It offers an opportunity to explore a language and culture distinct from the Netherlands. While this specific page does not provide detailed curriculum or admission information, it points to the Dutch website for the Middle Eastern Studies programme for further details.

Archaeological Science (MSc)

Leiden University's Master of Science in Archaeological Science is a specialized program focusing on the scientific methodologies and techniques crucial to modern archaeology. You will engage in both hands-on field experience and laboratory work within a dynamic research environment. The curriculum offers considerable flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests, whether in archaeobotany, archaeozoology, human osteoarchaeology, material culture analysis, or computational archaeology. You can also complement your chosen specialization with courses on specific regions or time periods, developing expertise in a chosen field and geographical area. Upon graduation, you will hold a Master of Science degree in Archaeology, well-prepared for a career in archaeological sciences.

Archaeology (BA)

Archaeology at Leiden University focuses on understanding past societies, cultures, and human behaviour. The program combines education and research to provide a strong foundation for a career in archaeology or heritage management. You will explore how studying the past, including human activities and behaviour, can offer new insights into our present-day world and contemporary issues like migration, globalization, and climate change. The program also allows you to delve into the role of heritage in society, considering its preservation and policy implications.

Archaeology (MA/MSc)

Archaeology (MA/MSc)

The Master's programme in Archaeology at Leiden University allows you to study past societies and cultures, reconstructing them and bringing them to life. You will explore how to use your interest in the past to address contemporary societal challenges like migration, globalisation, and climate change. The programme offers a solid foundation for a career in archaeology, heritage management, policy, or the museum sector. You will gain regional expertise in Europe, the Near East, the Mediterranean, and the Americas, all within a faculty that ranks among the top in the world for archaeology research and teaching.

Archaeology (Research MA)

The Archaeology (Research MA) is a two-year master's program at Leiden University designed for students aiming for an academic career. It is highly research-oriented, allowing you to develop a personal study plan with a dedicated supervisor who will act as your coach. The program leverages Leiden's international reputation in archaeological research, offering courses that deepen and broaden your knowledge while developing essential research and publication skills. You will be encouraged to engage with cutting-edge research, attend conferences, and take courses outside the department to enhance your expertise.

Archaeology (Research MA)

Art History (BA)

The Bachelor of Art History programme at Leiden University offers a comprehensive study of art across different historical periods and geographical regions. You will explore art from the Netherlands, Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, from early cave drawings to contemporary art forms. The programme provides a high academic level of study, examining the influence and evolution of art throughout history.

Art History (BA)