MA in History - Colonial and Global History

Leiden University

The master’s programme in Colonial and Global History at Leiden University offers the most in-depth and comprehensive programme on the history of colonialism and globalisation currently available in Europe.

Why study Colonial and Global History at Leiden University?

You will join a master in which you will explore the mutual interaction between the global and the local: between globalisation and regional processes of identity- and state-formation. In a highly stimulating and international academic environment, you will participate in the latest debates in the field of colonial and global history and you will contribute yourself to the progress of that field by investigating unexplored primary sources. While the programme highlights the global connections and entanglements made by conquest, trade and migration, you will gain a comparative understanding of European imperialism and its impact on Asia, Africa and South America.

Focus on Maritime History

You can also choose to focus on Maritime History. Maritime history, a field which has enjoyed a real renaissance in the past two decades, encompasses humankind’s relationships to the seas and oceans of the world. Besides economic, political and nautical themes, there is a new attention to social and cultural phenomena and the relation between maritime and global history, and between maritime history and cultural heritage institutions. Leiden University is the only university within the Netherlands with its own master’s specialisation in Maritime History.

Benefit from access to excellent resources

During your studies you will have access to unique documentation centres and libraries specialising in Asia and Africa within easy reach of Leiden University – at the National Archives and the Royal Library in The Hague.

History Degree

Colonial and Global History at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme of History. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited master’s degree in History and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Career prospects

Create a world of opportunities with a Master's degree from Leiden University.

What our graduates do

Your master will qualify you for roles in almost every sector of the employment market. Many of our graduates work for public services, research institutes, business services, banking and financial services, communications, education, advisory work, policy development, management, co-ordination, editing and information services.

Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:

• Senior assistant at the European Union
• Consultant
• PhD candidate at Leiden University
• History teacher at a secondary school
• Project manager at a text agency
• Digital education officer at a museum
• Policy advisor at a local council
• Editor at a publishing house
• Web journalist at a multimedia publishing house

Your qualifications

The MA in History offers outstanding preparation for students seeking a profession that requires in-depth knowledge of history and strong academic skills, with a focus on analytical and writing skills.

Teaching qualification

If you are interested in a career in teaching, you may be eligible to follow a teacher-training master's at the ICLON Graduate School of Education once you have graduated from the master programme in History. You must speak fluent Dutch and there are other, additional entry requirements.