Master of Arts in North American Studies
Explore the U.S. and its global impact through a multidisciplinary, critical lens at Leiden University.
Best for:Best for students with a strong interest in U.S. history, politics, and culture who seek an interdisciplinary, research-focused Master’s programme with opportunities for practical experience.
Overview
This Master’s programme at Leiden University offers a multidisciplinary approach to studying the United States, its history, politics, literature, and culture, while also examining its global influence and reciprocal relationships with other regions. Students engage with key themes such as slavery, migration, human rights, identity, and environmental justice through historical, political, and cultural perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes independent research, critical analysis, and participation in scholarly debates. An internship opportunity is encouraged, both domestically and internationally, to provide practical experience in fields like diplomacy or cultural institutions.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent multidisciplinary research on themes such as U.S. history, politics, literature, and culture.
- Engage with theoretical insights and apply them critically to scholarly debates.
- Develop skills in analyzing and interpreting complex historical, political, and cultural materials.
- Participate in an internship, either in the Netherlands or abroad, to gain practical experience in relevant fields.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty to explore the role of the U.S. in global contexts.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (C1), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (C2), IELTS overall band 6.5, or TOEFL internet-based score of 90
Instruction: English
- Proven academic ability in humanities or social sciences
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to conduct independent research
- No specific nationality restrictions
- No age restrictions
- No prior experience caps
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal. Additional materials may be requested depending on the application.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Certificate)
- Research proposal
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.