Leiden University

Overview

The Master's program in Arts, Literature and Media (research) at Leiden University equips students with the skills to conduct interdisciplinary research that examines the relationship between art, literature, and various media forms. Through a combination of collective research training and the option to specialize in one of two thematic pathways, students develop a strong academic profile in preparation for their research master’s thesis.

Students can choose between the medieval & early modern pathway, which explores how media influences the production and transmission of art and literature, or the contemporary pathway, which covers developments from the 19th century to the present, including cinema, games, and social media. The program is designed to blend structured coursework with ample opportunities for personalized study based on individual research interests.

• Degree: Master of Arts (MA) – research track
• University: Leiden University
• Programme focus: Arts, literature, and media (historical and interdisciplinary research)
• Duration: 24 months (part-time options available)
• Credits: 60 ECTS
• Delivery: On-campus (Leiden)
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Refer to Leiden University’s official website for application details
• Start dates: Typically in September

What you'll study

The MA program features a research-focused curriculum that includes structured collective training along with a diverse selection of courses tailored to your chosen thematic line. Components of the program include:

• Two collective courses designed to position your research within a multidisciplinary context and enhance your ability to communicate findings for academic evaluation, funding, or publication.
• Two mandatory thematic courses associated with your selected line, which integrate interdisciplinary research methods while focusing on the specific role of media in cultural production.
• Two courses from national research schools in areas such as medieval studies, art history, literary studies, media studies, and cultural analysis, allowing you to deepen your expertise in your field of interest.
• Three additional elective courses that align with your research topic, which can be selected from the Leiden master’s program offerings or from other institutions, pending approval.
• Research master’s thesis based on your chosen line and specific research question.

The two research lines

• Medieval & early modern line: This pathway investigates how art and literature interact through various media, considering the medium as a crucial element in the creation and dissemination of cultural works, such as language, print, theatre, and painting.
• Contemporary line: This focus examines the interplay between art, literature, and media from the 19th century to the present, encompassing forms such as cinema, video games, and social media.

Entry requirements

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a research university or an equivalent qualification comparable to a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree. Relevant fields of study include:

• Comparative Literature / Literary Studies
• A specific Language and Culture program (e.g., Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, etc.)
• Art History or a related discipline with a significant emphasis on arts and culture

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA Arts, Literature and Media (research) program can pursue various career paths in academia, research institutions, cultural organizations, publishing, media, and arts administration. The interdisciplinary skills developed throughout the program prepare students for roles that require critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of cultural dynamics.