European Expansion and Globalisation (research)

Specialisation of: History (research)
Degree: Master of Arts in History (research)
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English. Classes for which reading knowledge of Dutch is required may be taught in Dutch.
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60139
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If you opt for a Master of Arts in History and cherish a truly open international academic atmosphere you should consider the specialisation History of European Expansion and Globalisation. This programme explores the dynamic interaction between civilisations in global history. We explore the question how worldwide political, economic, cultural and religious contacts have shaped processes of regional identity- and state-formation. The programme yields a strong comparative and connective perspective on transnational processes such as imperialism, colonialism, islamisation, modernisation and globalisation.


Apart from this global, panoramic perspective, this specialisation offers intensive practical and in-depth training in the investigation of primary sources by the best scholars in the field. Due to the international appeal of the Leiden research- and scholarship-programme Cosmopolis you will be part of a truly international community of students and scholars.

With unique documentation centres and libraries on Asia and Africa within reach, as well as easy access to the National Archives and the Royal Library in The Hague, the programme is able to offer you one of the most in-depth and complete studies on the history of European expansion and globalisation currently available in Europe.

In this specialisation you can also opt for a further focus on Maritime History.

Maritime history

Leiden University is the only university within the Netherlands with its own chair in maritime history. Maritime history covers the history of shipping across the early-modern, modern and present time in the Netherlands and in other countries with a sea-faring tradition.

Prof. Leo Lucassen

Leo Lucassen

“By placing migration, integration and urbanisation in a historical perspective, we consider migration as a structural feature of human communities.”

“The master’s specialisation in Migration and Global Interdependence is one of the five research themes of the Department of History. We teach students to think in historical terms about migration, networks and institutions. We place developments in their historical context and compare them both in terms of time and place, using comparative history as an important tool. To what extent does the structure of a city, a region or a country influence integration, for example?

Migration is a very topical subject. Why is migration regarded now, as opposed to at other times, as problematical? On the one hand, the development of the welfare state, which also manifests itself at a local level, plays a role. National governments are struggling with the dilemma that they need migrants for the employment market, but they do not want these migrants to make too much use of the social security provisions.

On the other hand, at the same time since the French Revolution increasing emphasis has been placed on equality in Western Europe. This means that we are less accepting of inequality than previously. It also implies that in statistical terms inequality is made more visible than in the past, whereby newcomers, particularly those who integrate more slowly, are categorised as problematical.

By placing migration, integration and urbanisation in a historical perspective, we consider migration as a structural feature of human communities. This master’s therefore stresses continuities with past experiences, but at the same time shows important breaks with previous periods. In my view that’s very important.”