Research Master in African Studies
The Research Master in African Studies, offered by the African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) and the Faculty of Humanities of Leiden University, was unique in continental Europe for the interdisciplinary range of subjects offered and the variety of perspectives.
Following nationwide budget cuts in higher education, the Research Master in African Studies will be discontinued in 2027.
The last cohort of Research Master students started in September 2025. The Research Master in African Studies in Leiden offered a broad, multifaceted programme that combined an interdisciplinary approach with in-depth study of a particular theme and region.
You may be interested in the (one-year) Master programme in African Studies.
Interdisciplinary research abroad
An important aspect of the research master programme was developing the ability to conduct original and interdisciplinary research. Students had the opportunity to spend an entire year - of which six months consisted of fieldwork in Africa or an Africa-related setting elsewhere - to execute their own research project. Take a look at the theses of former research master's students.
An important aspect of the research master programme was developing the ability to conduct original and interdisciplinary research. Students had the opportunity to spend an entire year - of which six months consisted of fieldwork in Africa or an Africa-related setting elsewhere - to execute their own research project. Take a look at the theses of former research master's students.
Remembering Research Realities
To protest the discontinuation, as well as celebrate its intellectual strength, a team of alumni has produced an edited volume (open access) showcasing excellent research master theses written over the years. More information about this book here.
Contact for further information
Tim Sanders (Coordinator of studies, Research Master in African Studies) - Email: stucoafrican@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Curious about the background, education so far and career expectations of our participating students? Read the interviews with two of our graduates: Fransje Bolwijn and Ryohei Shiozaki.
Posted on 15 November 2011, last modified on 23 January 2026