Medieval and Early Modern European History (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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The Research Masters’s specialisation in Medieval and Early Modern European History focuses on the momentous cultural and political transformations that characterised the period between 1300-1700. The course allows you to specialise in the history of the Low Countries, which in this period was one of Europe’s major commercial, cultural and political hubs. Yet you can also explore the history of other parts of Europe, especially the Habsburg world.

Career

The main aim of the programme is to ensure that after graduation, you are able to function as a junior academic researcher—either in a semi-academic position or at a university. You will be able to solve complex academic problems independently, critically and creatively, and report on these results with clarity both in writing and verbally. You will be qualified to continue to PhD research.

As a graduate with a research master’s diploma, you will be qualified to pursue a career as a researcher within an institution or a company, or continue in a PhD programme. The research master’s diploma is the ideal preparation for a PhD position in a history department anywhere in the world. However, if you choose not to follow an academic career, you may consider positions for which an academic level of thinking is required, in particular those for which research skills are a must. This could include work at research institutes, in policy-making government posts and positions with NGOs, international organisations or companies, in journalism, public relations and business services.

If you are interested in a career in teaching, you can follow a teacher-training MA at the ICLON Graduate School of Education once you have graduated from the master’s programme. You have to speak fluent Dutch to follow the course, and there are some additional entry requirements.

What our alumni say

“You learn to set priorities, to divide texts into what’s important and what isn’t. The ability to apply this to large amounts of information is a vital skill.”

“The MA in History is challenging, interesting and inspiring. The lecturers expect you to already have acquired research and writing skills. You are encouraged to make in-depth studies of relevant issues yourself, and to develop your own approach. You have to form your own opinion and be able to defend it using sources you have identified yourself. During the process there is every opportunity for debate, both with fellow students and with teaching staff.

What I found most challenging was learning to handle the independent nature of the programme. I have a full-time job in addition to my study, a combination that forced me to learn to set priorities and to plan all the different tasks I had to so. It taught me a lot about self-motivation.

In the History programme you learn to handle large amounts of text, to separate out the things you need from those you don’t. It becomes more difficult if you have to do this for several different subjects. You have to present your story and argumentation clearly and logically to other people. You learn to set priorities, to divide texts into what’s important and what isn’t. The ability to apply this to large amounts of information is a vital skill.”

Michiel Flinkenflögel – teacher international boarding school

What kind of jobs do alumni go on to have?

Where do graduates of the MA and Research MA in History work, and what sort of jobs do they go on to have?

  • Public Information Officer at a Ministry
  • Information Officer at the Upper Chamber of the Dutch parliament
  • Head of Communications at a Medical Centre
  • Management Adviser at a local council
  • Policy Adviser at a local council
  • Case Manager at a major insurance company
  • Project Manager at a text agency
  • Digital Education Officer at a museum
  • Editor at a publishing house
  • Policy Officer at a college of higher education
  • Senior Assistant at the European Union
  • Independent history adviser / specialist / expert
  • Consultant at a consultancy company
  • Project Officer for External Relations at an art academy
  • Web journalist at a multimedia publishing house
  • History teacher at a secondary school
  • PhD candidate at Leiden University
  • Management Assistant at a fashion company
  • Education Co-ordinator for an art exhibition
  • Senior ICT Architect at a Ministry
  • Trainee at a staff recruitment agency
  • Project Assistant at a local council
  • Web Editor at a Non-Government Organisation
  • Foreign Editor at a Press Office

Source: Humanities Career Service, employment survey 2009-2011