African Studies Leiden University

Overview

Africa is home to around 1.5 billion inhabitants in 54 countries, with at least 2000 languages, a rich history and a wide range of cultures. As a continent, it is a key player in helping to resolve world issues such as climate change and the global economy, while its art and literature are gaining increasing international recognition and appreciation. In the African Studies bachelor’s programme you will acquire in-depth knowledge of Africa, from an Africa-centric perspective and with a critical eye for the external, often Eurocentric view. You will have the choice to study Africa as a continent, its individual regions or individual countries through an interdisciplinary lens.

Why African Studies at Leiden University?

• Leiden is the only place in The Netherlands where you can follow a BA African Studies and the only place in continental Europe where you can follow the course in English.
• In this programme, you will learn Swahili. In addition to the language acquisition courses, you will stay an entire semester in an African country of your choice.
• Study Africa in-depth from an interdisciplinary perspective that includes History, Linguistics, Anthropology, Literature and Arts, giving you a well-rounded perspective.
• You will be able to tailor the programme according to your interests, focusing on a discipline, a particular theme, Africa as a continent, or a particular region or country.

What you will learn

After graduating from this bachelor’s programme, you will possess both academic, digital and professional skills:

• In-depth knowledge about the history, society and culture of the African continent, as well as its current position in today’s globalised world;
• Detailed knowledge about your area of specialisation;
• Command of Swahili;
• Intercultural skills;
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills;
• The ability to transfer knowledge to practical issues;
• Independent thinking and problem solving;
• Writing texts for specific audiences;
• Presentation skills;
• The ability to work in teams as well as to work independently;
• Analysing and assessing information.

These skills are sought after by employers and well as by universities selecting candidates for their master’s programmes.

Career prospects

With a degree in African Studies, you have a strong starting position on the job market. In addition to in-depth knowledge of the African continent it’s cultures and societies, you’ve developed academic skills that are highly valued across many sectors. Alumni report that they benefit most from skills such as oral and written communication, independent and solution-oriented working, analytical thinking and the ability to select and process complex information. An internship either in The Netherlands or abroad alongside your studies can further strengthen your profile.

Graduates at work

A glimpse of workplaces where recent graduates have started their careers:

• Policy advisor at several (Dutch) Ministries
• PhD at different research universities
• Social media marketeer at a museum

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.