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The
Research Masters in African Studies, which is offered by the African
Studies Centre in cooperation with
Leiden University, is unique in the
Netherlands and introduces students to a range of curricular and career
options in the field of African Studies and a wide network of researchers
and their current academic work.
African Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that straddles the
(artificial) divide between the humanities and the social sciences, and
students following this programme will develop knowledge and skills that
cross the traditional disciplinary boundaries. The Research Masters in
African Studies is a broad and multifaceted programme in which an
interdisciplinary approach is combined with in-depth study of a particular
theme and region. It is intended for talented and highly motivated students
who have already undertaken the required preparatory degree courses. Having
successfully completed the Research Masters programme, students will be
qualified to engage in research at an academic level in universities (PhD
research), or work in state institutions or within the NGO sector.
The Research Masters in African Studies is taught by leading scholars from,
among others, the universities of Leiden, Wageningen, Utrecht, Groningen and
Amsterdam (UvA and VU) in the Netherlands and Louvain in the
Flemish-speaking area of Belgium. The research projects of the participating
staff members are central to the programme and students will come into
contact with and work alongside scholars at the forefront of African
Studies.
For admittance to the Research Masters in African Studies, applicants are
required to have written a BA thesis on an African-related subject and/or
have proof that they are motivated to do research on Africa. Preference will
be given to applicants who have (the equivalent of) a BA degree in
anthropology, art history, comparative literature, development studies,
economics, geography, history, political and international relations, or
sociology, with a specialization on Africa, or have a first degree in
African Studies. Students with degrees in medicine and health, law,
linguistics or other relevant disciplines can only be admitted if, in
addition to an interest in Africa, appropriate knowledge of (some of) the
methods and theories in the above-mentioned fields can be demonstrated.
Entry requirements are the equivalent of an A grade, or 8 out of 10 for the
applicant’s BA thesis, and an average score of at least 7.5 for BA course
work.
Non-native speakers of English will be tested for their mastery of English
at an academic level (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 570 / 230).
Prospective students should submit a completed application form to the Leiden University by 1 April 2010, at the very latest, for entry
into the programme starting in September 2010. Please note that there is
NO February intake! Dutch students can apply until July 2010. Applicants
will be informed of the selection committee’s decision within six weeks of
receipt of the application.
Application for international students (including those applicants with
Dutch nationality who are seeking admission on the basis of a diploma that
was obtained abroad):
http://koala.leidenuniv.nl/iooa/oa/Index.php
More information for international students can be found on the website of
the university:
http://www.aanstaande-studenten.leidenuniv.nl/info/studielink/studielink/international-students.html
and
http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/arrange/admission/
If you are unable to apply online, you can send an email to
IO-study. They can provide a
paper application form. However please note that they do not encourage paper
applications as using a paper application form instead of applying online
may cause a significant delay in the processing time of your application.
Application for Dutch students:
http://www.aanstaande-studenten.leidenuniv.nl/info/studielink/aanmelden/
An application must include:
• a fully completed and signed application form;
• a curriculum vitae (in English);
• a detailed transcript of results (with a minimum qualification of a
Bachelors degree or an indication of the date by which the candidate expects
to obtain their Bachelors degree);
• a letter of application (in English) that includes a short description of
the candidate’s research interests (max. 500 words) and shows how these
research interests relate to the Research Masters programme; and
• a copy or description of the applicant’s Bachelors thesis or an equivalent
(research) report.
• certificate of proficiency in English, preferably by means of an IELTS
test (excepting native speakers) Paper applications forms should be sent to:
Leiden University
International Office
PO Box 9500
2300 RA Leiden
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 7287
study@io.leidenuniv.nl
Courier Service Address:
Pieterskerkhof 6
2311 SR Leiden
The Netherlands
Please note: all questions concerning copies of diplomas, transcripts and
English certificates must be addressed to the International Office.
The cost of living in the Netherlands
Please note that if you need an "MVV" (visa) to enter the Netherlands and a
residence permit to legally stay in the Netherlands, you will need to
provide proof that you are financially able to cover expenses during the
whole period of stay. Rates are fixed by the Ministry of Justice
(Immigration and Naturalisation Service). See also:
http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/arrange/visa-en-verzekeringen/
Estimated Living Expenses per month
On average a student will need at least € 900 - € 1000 per month. This
estimate does not include tuition fees and unforeseen costs, and should be
used as a general indication of the costs of living. How much money you
actually spend will of course depend on your life style and spending habits.
The costs for housing, for example, may differ considerably.
See also:
http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/arrange/housing/
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are dependent on a student’s country of origin. Leiden
University distinguishes between a fee for Dutch students and a full tuition
fee for international students. Dutch students have to pay an annual tuition
fee that is set by the Dutch government and is applicable to all Dutch, EU
and EEA students participating in the Research Masters in African Studies.
The fee for these students for 2009/2010 is €1620 (for students
under 30 years of age) and €2220 (for students aged 30 and over). Other
(overseas) applicants pay €13.750 for the 2009/2010 academic year.
Scholarships
Prospective students have several options regarding scholarships but
eligibility for a particular scheme depends on one’s nationality,
professional background and personal identity (gender, etc).
The Faculty of Humanities
(Leiden University) offers the Research Masters in African Studies one
scholarships for an excellent student from Africa. Applicants must first
gain academic admission to the research Masters in African Studies.
The Research Master is African Studies is included in the
Netherlands
Fellowship Programmes (NFP) course list and mid-career staff members can
apply to the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP). The NFP are
demand-driven fellowship programmes provide training and education to
mid-career staff members. Applicants must first gain academic admission to
the Research Masters in African Studies before applying for a fellowship
through the Netherlands embassy or consulate in their country.
NUFFIC Huygens Scholarship Programme
For our Research MA in African studies, we have been looking for scholarship
options in particular for African students. Very recently the NUFFIC decided
upon its criteria for the Huygens Scholarship Programme (HSP). It turns out
that eligibility is no longer restricted to certain nationalities. Moreover
tuition fees are included in the scholarships.
Since the new criteria were formulated only recently, NUFFIC will accept
applications as late as 1 March.
Prior to the application candidates must have been admitted to a study
programme in the Netherlands. If you want to compete for this scholarship in
order to participate in the Research MA in African Studies you should apply
NOW.
Information Huygens Scholarship Programme on the NUFFIC website:
http://www.nuffic.nl/
See also:
http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/arrange/beurzen-voor-internationale-studenten/
http://www.mandelafund.leidenuniv.nl/ (only available for students from
South Africa)
For further information on the Research Masters African Studies please contact:
Dr.
Azeb Amha (Academic Coordinator Research Masters in African
Studies)
Tel: +31 (0)71 5273364 (Monday and Thursday)
Amhaa@ascleiden.nl
or:
Researchmasters@ascleiden.nl
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Students 2009-2010
Students 2006/2007
Presentation first diploma to Lidewyde Berckmoes
Review of thesis The journey home. Multi-discursive perceptions on the
movement patterns of internally displaced persons, Northern Uganda
(Hilde Kroes, student 2006/2007)
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