Russian and Eurasian Studies (MA)

Russian and Eurasian Studies (MA) Master Discover the world at Leiden University The MA Russian and Eurasian Studies draws on Leiden University's status as an international centre of expertise in the study of Russia and Eurasia. Learn from leading researchers in the field This one-year master s programme explores Russia and the Eurasian world from the perspectives of language, literature and culture, or politics, history and economics. Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities has been studying Russia and the Slavic world since 1913. Scholars from around the world come to Leiden University to study and teach this fascinating field. During your studies, you will learn from our faculty members as well as visiting international scholars. Flexibility to construct your own programme 1

A flexible degree format means that you can focus your studies on the region's language, literature and culture, or on its politics, history, international relations and economics. You can also combine elements from the two focus areas. At Leiden we offer courses taught nowhere else in the Netherlands. International classrooms and internships An international classroom makes this a particularly rich learning environment for students. A competitive scholarship and internship programme also gives you the opportunity to study or do an internship in Russia, Georgia, or other countries. Why Leiden University Leiden University offers ambitious students the latest knowledge and the freedom to develop their own area of expertise. A top-ranked university Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities is consistently ranked among the top 30 Humanities faculties worldwide in the THE World University Ranking. At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, you can access resources found nowhere else in the world, such as those of the famous Leiden University Library and its collections of original manuscripts and periodicals. Benefit from specialist expertise Leiden University is one of Europe's top international research universities and an international centre of expertise. You will benefit from the expertise of specialists from the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, the Leiden University Institute for History and the Centre for the Study of Arts in Society as well as visiting professors and external specialists. Go abroad The programme has a network of international contacts through which exchanges in Russia can be arranged. There are also a limited number of competitive scholarship and internship programmes available in Russia, Georgia and other countries. A head-start to your career 2

Our reputation as a centre of excellence means that your qualification is respected by potential employers at organisations worldwide. Our graduates enjoy successful careers thanks to their mix of relevant professional skills and excellent academic grounding. The Leiden Experience About the Programme The Master's programme in Russian and Eurasian Studies offers you the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge of this region. The programme provides you with a qualification which is recognised by organisations around the world, and offers excellent preparation for a diverse range of careers. The master Russian and Eurasian Studies offers you flexibility in the areas you choose to focus on in your studies. You will select four courses from our department and have the option to exchange one course for a relevant course taught outside of the department, for example at the University of Amsterdam, or for a relevant internship. For some courses, knowledge of Russian is obligatory. Thesis At the end of the programme, you are required to write a thesis based on original research. A member of our academic staff specialised in your field of research will supervise you throughout the writing of your thesis. A wide variety of courses are offered relating to the core areas of: Politics and International Relations, History, Economics, Language & Identity, Linguistics and Culture & Literature. Examples of courses offered in the academic year of 2017-18 are The Slavic Triangle, Corruption, The Crazy 1990s. Linguistics and History 3

Our courses on linguistic subjects draw on the cutting-edge research carried out at the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics, one of the largest linguistics institutes in the world. Courses on modern Russian society and its historical background are embedded in the Leiden University Institute for History, which has a special focus on the study of non- European societies in a global context. Lectures Seminars Tutorials Self-study Internship options Exams Peer feedback and assessment Essays, reports Oral presentations Thesis Detailed programme For a detailed programme, see the e-prospectus. Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ. Jos Schaeken Professor of Slavic and Baltic Languages There is a growing need for specialists in Russian language and culture. A major player I want to stimulate young people to make unorthodox study choices such as the MA in Russian and Eurasian Studies. There is a need for specialists in these areas. Russia is an emerging economy that is going to become a major player, just like China, India and Brazil. Russia is also very close by and 4

already our partners in the sphere of culture. It is extremely important that people have knowledge of the language and culture of Russia if they are going to work with or come into contact with this country in the future." East European Law "This programme attracts top students with a good knowledge of Russian and English. Leiden offers these students a very strong and broad academic foundation. An attractive feature of the master s is that students can choose subjects from the Master s in Russian Area Studies, such as history, politics, economics and East European law. East European Law is offered by very few places in Europe. Studying this complementary subject is a real challenge but one that delivers great rewards." Slavic Linguistics and Russian Literature "Leiden works closely with the University of Amsterdam to offer students a complete programme in Slavic Linguistics and Russian Literature. Students must do at least one course at this sister university. We also encourage students to spend part of their study time abroad. Mark Rutgers Dean Many of our master s students discover the quality of our programmes only after they join us. In the Netherlands, selfpromotion is not a big part of our culture, yet Leiden University s Humanities Faculty ranks alongside the most prestigious universities in the world, and is the established leader in continental Europe. What can our students expect from this programme? An education on par with the world s best, with teaching by top researchers. Alumni: close-knit global community Your graduation from a master s programme marks a new chapter in your relationship with Leiden University. Our alumni community is highly active in terms of network-building and development. They are valued by the university, and we support them with personal and professional development and free use of our facilities such as the Leiden University Library. This close-knit global community offers life-long support for all our former students in terms of reaching goals, maintaining friendships and expanding networks. 5

Research: encouraging you to think beyond your own discipline Some of the most high-profile humanities research produced today is conducted at Leiden University s Humanities Faculty. These faculty members are among a handful worldwide who can lay claim to such a depth and breadth of academic expertise. One example is our centre of excellence on Native American cultures, languages and history a research group that is one of the best in the world. At Leiden, we can offer students expertise in most niche areas of interest. Our faculty members often work together across disciplines, and encourage students to think beyond the limits of their own discipline, which is where the future of innovative research lies. Careers: opportunities to develop your talent Decisions made during your studies have a big impact on your future. We offer you many opportunities to develop your talents both within and outside of the classroom, including internships, study trips abroad, student committees, and minors. These opportunities help define your objectives for after your studies, and equip you with additional skills and experience. Extra-curricular Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities. Community building Throughout the year activities are organised by the programme to encourage community building. The teaching generally takes the form of small-scale seminars and tutorials, in which lively and engaging discussions are encouraged. The small class sizes give you a high degree of contact with both your lecturers and fellow students. Study abroad You may choose to study a part of your Russian Studies programme abroad. The programme also offers a limited number of competitive scholarship and internship programmes available in Russia, Georgia and other countries. 6

Leiden Leadership Programme Are you interested in developing your leadership potential? The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an Honours Programme specifically developed for ambitious master's students at Leiden University and the Delft University of Technology who recognise the importance of leadership abilities. The LLP offers in-depth training sessions, assessments, seminars, and the creation of a Personal Leadership Roadmap a five-year plan for reaching and developing your leadership potential. Career prospects Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden University What our graduates do The master s programme in Russian and Eurasian Studies degree is a qualification that will open doors to a wide range of careers. Our graduates have found positions as: Academic staff member for Eastern European collection at an international legal library Political editor at a governmental information service Regional coordinator at a human rights organisation Librarian of Eastern European material at an international legal archive Partner for management and business development at a trading company Junior consultant at a software company Information manager at a network organisation of consultants and policy experts Project manager/policy advisor at a public management association Communications officer at an NGO Your qualifications An increasing number of companies, non-profit organisations and government institutions are exploring the Russian market as a fertile location for their products and services. This has led to an bigger demand for graduates with expertise in Russia and a solid command of the Russian language. As a graduate of the master s programme in Russian and Eurasian 7

Studies, you will be qualified to meet this demand, with a range of career prospects that are both directly and indirectly related to your studies. Tatiana Kleerebezem-Egorova Graduated in MA Russian and Eurasian Studies "During the final period of my studies I managed to find a decent starter s function in a visa bureau which cooperates with the Russian Consulate in the Hague. Recently I found a new job as office manager at Uranium One. It is an international company which is engaged in mining, production and sale of uranium. As it operates among others in Russia and Kazakhstan I deal with the Russian language and Russian-speaking people every day." Expanding my knowledge "Russian and Eurasian Studies offered me a good opportunity to expand my knowledge about Russia and its neighbouring countries in the sphere of politics, economics and culture. Moreover, thanks to well-qualified teachers, I was able to develop my analytical skills and critical thinking. I should mention that I found these studies both personal and flexible. There was always space for your own interests in the field. In addition, student union MOST organises many activities which help to create a warm and friendly atmosphere among the students. I truly enjoyed studying at Leiden University and doing this MA programme." A Leiden University degree Leiden University master's graduates are sought-after employees at (inter)national organisations. Our graduates are known for their combination of robust academic training, in-depth and relevant knowledge, and critical, multidisciplinary approach to problemsolving. The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA in European languages and cultures. In which sector do students find jobs? 40.0 % Education 8

12.0 % Culture, sports and recreation 12.0 % Government and semi-government organisations 8.0 % Non-profit (e.g. at an idealistic organisation) 8.0 % Business services 8.0 % ICT 12.0 % Miscellaneous How successful are they in finding a job? 88.0 % found a job within two months 90.0 % found their first job at academic level Career preparation Knowledge and skills The development of in-depth knowledge in the field, and the ability to think critically and analytically are key goals of this programme. Upon graduation, you will have a profound knowledge of either the linguistics, literature and culture, or the history, politics, international relations, and economy of the Russian and Eurasian region. Relevant professional experience During your studies you have the opportunity to gain experience studying, working, or conducting research at an organisation or institution. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. In class, we encourage every student to participate in discussions with fellow students and lecturers to develop their confidence articulating ideas. Humanities Career Service Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at Humanities Career Service provide all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV. Humanities Career Event 9

Each year, the Faculty of Humanities organises a Humanities Careers Event. This all-day event is your chance to learn everything you can about how to find the job you want and successfully attain it. The event includes workshops on a wide range of topics as well as opportunities to network with alumni and potential employers and attain tips, information and potential job leads. Check out the video of the Humanities Career Event 2017! <!--cke_bookmark_8860s--& amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;<!-- cke_bookmark_8860e--> Admission and Application Do you want to apply for this master s programme at Leiden University? Please check our admission and application information. Admission requirements Required documents Application and deadlines Tuition fees Admission requirements On this page you will find the admission requirements for this programme. Diploma requirements A bachelor s degree from a university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic bachelor s degree. Knowledge, understanding and skills comparable to those acquired upon completion of the bachelor s programme Russian Studies from Leiden University, specifically: 10

Knowledge, understanding of and skills in at least two disciplines of the master s programme: politics, international relations, history, economics, linguistics, literature and culture. Academic knowledge of Russian history and society. Students who have a Bachelor s degree in Russian Studies from Leiden University are always eligible for admission and need to apply through Studielink only. Applicants with a Bachelor s degree in International Studies from Leiden University who have completed all area courses for Russia and Eurasia, and the programme s Russian language classes (20 EC), and who wrote their BA Thesis and/or completed optional courses worth 10 EC on Russia and Eurasia will be admitted. They do however need to submit an online application. Applicants with a Bachelor s degree in Russian, Russian Culture, History or Society obtained from The Hague University of Applied Science [De Haagse Hogeschool] will be admitted after completing the pre-master s programme. Other applicants who do not fully meet the entry requirements might be eligible for an individual bridging programme. Contact the study coordinator for more information. Language requirements Sufficient command of English (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100 (internet-based) or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)). For a list of exceptions, see the website on language requirements. Exams accepted IELTS: academic test only TOEFL Cambridge English Exam Cambridge English Exam equivalences Programme requiring IELTS 6.5 = Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), with a minimum grade of C Programme requiring IELTS 7.0 or higher = Cambridge Proficiency (CPE) 11

Other exam criteria Exam results may not be more than two years old. Institutional exams, such as ITP-TOEFL, cannot be accepted. Chinese students who need a Nuffic certificate should take either an IELTS or a TOEFL IBT exam. Exemptions You may be considered exempt from submitting one of the above-mentioned English exam results if: You have an (English-taught) International Baccalaureate. You completed your secondary or higher education in the USA, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada). At the discretion of the Board of Admissions, you are a Dutch student with preuniversity education (VWO) level English. In exceptional cases, students who otherwise qualify for an exemption but whose application documents cast doubt on their English proficiency may be asked to sit an English exam. Submitting your exam results All English exam results must be uploaded to the online application system. Your English exam results must be checked for authenticity by the Admissions Office before the deadline for applying for a visa/residence permit (if applicable), or before the start date of your programme. To make this possible, please do the following: TOEFL exam: tell ETS to send your original results report to Leiden University Admissions Office institution code 0504. 12

Cambridge certificate: send your ID number and your secret number (check the Candidate Results Online service) to the Leiden University Admissions Office. IELTS: a scanned exam result is sufficient - no further steps will be required. Required documents Along with your application, you will need to submit the documents below. Required application documents Please upload a copy of the passport page(s) with your personal details and photograph. If you come from the EU/EER, you may also send a copy of your identity card. If you are already staying in the Netherlands with a Dutch residence permit for study or for another purpose, please upload a copy of both sides of your Dutch residence permit. Your CV must be written in English. Other than this, no standardised format or template is required. Your CV should clearly outline your educational and professional history up until the present date, as well as basic personal facts. Please provide the average mark (Grade Point Average) in your bachelor, calculated until March 15, 2018 (for start in September) or September 15, 2018 (for start in February 2019). A personal statement must be submitted explaining why you want to follow the programme, why you have chosen to do so at Leiden University, and what makes you think you are a good candidate. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words. Digital copies are required initially. Once you have been admitted, we will tell you how to submit certified copies to the Admissions Office. Documents must be in the original language and accompanied by official translations if they are not in English, Dutch, German or French. If you have not yet completed your study programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date. 13

If you are applying for an LLM Advanced Studies programme: all documents must be available in English (or translated into English). You can apply to a programme before you obtain the results of your language exam (if you already have your results you can upload them directly in our online portal). If you are admitted, it will be on the condition that these results will meet the required levels specified. Always check first if your programme requires you to send in letters of recommendation. If you need to submit more than one letter, at least one letter must be from an academic staff member. The letter must be printed on letterhead paper, signed and bearing the full contact details of the referee (for verification purposes). Your referee should describe your skills, qualities and competencies. Recommendation letters - submission information Letters of recommendation can be scanned and uploaded as part of your online application. Alternatively, your referee can send them directly to us, making sure your name and application number are clearly indicated. By post: Leiden University Admissions Office Gravensteen Pieterskerkhof 6 2311 SR Leiden The Netherlands Digitally via our contact form Additionally please complete the attached format and upload this in your application. Additional documents A sample of written work (e.g. a BA thesis) A clear indication in your motivation letter of the focus area(s) of the programme that you wish to study (700-1500 words) 14

Two letters of recommendation This programme requires two letters of recommendation: At least one letter must be from an academic member of staff. The letter must be printed on letterhead paper, signed and bearing the full contact details of the referee (for verification purposes). Your referee should describe your skills, qualities and competencies. Letters of recommendation can be scanned and uploaded as part of your online application. Alternatively, your referee can send them directly to us, making sure your name and application number are clearly indicated. By post: Leiden University Admissions Office Gravensteen Pieterskerkhof 6 2311 SR Leiden The Netherlands Digitally via our contact form Additionally please complete the attached format and upload this in your application. Questions? If you have any further questions, you can look them up at the Student FAQ page. Application and deadlines If you would like to apply for this programme, please check the guidelines below. 15

All students applying for a programme at Leiden University will need to start at Studielink, the national online registration system for students who want to follow a degree programme at a Dutch university. Studielink will be open for applications from 1 October. Please follow the instructions given in Studielink. After taking the first step, you will receive an email with the following information (but bear in mind that it can take a few days): confirmation that you have started the application process in Studielink login details for Leiden University s online application portal In the online application portal, Leiden University will let you know whether you qualify for automatic admission and will guide you through all necessary steps to complete your registration, as well as informing you about what you have to do after applying. Automatically admissible If your Leiden University bachelor s degree grants you automatic admission to the master s programme of your choice, Leiden University s online application portal will tell you this and you will therefore not have to apply for admission. The portal will give you further instructions. Check if you can be admitted automatically Some Leiden University bachelor s degrees grant automatic admission to certain Leiden University master s programmes. Check in the programme description whether this is the case with your bachelor s degree. Not automatically admissible If your diploma doesn t grant you automatic admission to the master s programme of your choice, you will receive a message to that effect directing you to our application form. The portal will give you further instructions. Application deadlines Starting in September 16

If you need a visa, residence permit or accommodation via the Leiden University Housing Office, the deadline is 1 April 2018. If you do not need a visa, residence permit or accommodation via the Leiden University Housing Office, the deadline is 15 June 2018. Starting in February If you need a visa, residence permit or accommodation via the Leiden University Housing Office, the deadline is 15 October 2017. If you do not need a visa, residence permit or accommodation via the Leiden University Housing Office, the deadline is 1 December 2017. Apply early! If you are required to take an additional entrance exam or submit additional documentation, you should apply as early as possible. If you apply at the last minute, you risk missing deadlines, such as those for accommodation or visa applications. Late applications will only be considered in exceptional cases, and at the discretion of the faculty Board of Admissions. Pre-master s If you have a bachelor s degree in Russian, Russian Culture, History or Society obtained at a university of applied science (HBO) in the Netherlands you will be admitted after completing the pre-master s programme. This one-year programme consists of 30 EC from courses that you select from a limited list. From the academic year 2018-19 the programme will consist of 60 EC. The programme is taught in Dutch, some courses may be taught in English. More details For more information, see the e-prospectus. In the list of the second and third year courses you find a description of the history, politics, and economy courses. You may also contact the Co-ordinator of Studies. 17

Tuition fees The tuition fee for a programme depends on a number of factors. Your nationality, study programme and previous Dutch higher education qualifications determine the tuition fees you are required to pay. The tuition fees for the academic year 2017-2018 are: Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students: 2,006 per year Non-EU/EEA students 16,600 per year Second Dutch master s programme: 14,900 per year More information about tuition fees The tuition fee for this programme is 2,006 for the academic year 2017-2018 (statutory fee). This tuition fee applies if this is not your second master s programme and you are a national of the Netherlands, or one of the following countries: Austria Latvia Belgium Liechtenstein Bulgaria Lithuania Croatia Luxembourg Cyprus Malta Czech Republic Norway Denmark Poland 18

Estonia Portugal Finland Romania France Slovakia Germany Slovenia Greece Spain Hungary Suriname Iceland Sweden Ireland Switzerland Italy United Kingdom The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study. The tuition fee for this programme is 16,600 for the academic year 2017-2018 (institutional tuition fee). If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland you must generally pay an institutional tuition fee. However if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO), you are entitled to pay a statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found in the DUO nationality chart. 19

This fee applies for both full and part-time study. Please note: If you study at Leiden University via a cooperation agreement the fees stated in the agreement apply. The tuition fee for this programme is 14,900 for the academic year 2017-2018 (institutional tuition fee). If you would like to enroll in a second Dutch master s programme, you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This tuition fee also applies if you obtained a Dutch Bachelor s, doctoraal, ingenieurs or HBO (Bachelor s in professional education) diploma after 1991, and you are a national of the Netherlands or another EEA country: Austria Latvia Belgium Liechtenstein Bulgaria Lithuania Croatia Luxembourg Cyprus Malta Czech Republic Norway Denmark Poland Estonia Portugal 20

Finland Romania France Slovakia Germany Slovenia Greece Spain Hungary Suriname Iceland Sweden Ireland Switzerland Italy United Kingdom Exceptions Did you commence a bachelor s programme at Leiden University before 2010, and will you continue directly onto a second master s programme in the year you complete your bachelor s programme, or during the following year? If so, you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee in accordance with a transitional ruling (also see Exceptions ). Please note! Other fees apply for students who are not nationals of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland. Please refer to the information in the section Non-EU/EEA nationals. Are you unsure whether you have to pay a statutory tuition fee or an institutional fee? Consult our tuition fee flowchart for second master s programmes. EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland 21

In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme. If your second degree programme is in the field of healthcare or teacher training you are entitled to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee. If you begin your second bachelor s or master s programme whilst you are still studying your first bachelor's or master s programme you may pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for your second degree programme on condition that you remain continuously registered as a student. If you start a second bachelor s or master's programme at Leiden University in the academic year directly following the year in which you obtained your first bachelor s or master's degree at Leiden University you may pay institutional tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee. Less than 45 EC If you plan to study a pre-master or conversion programme after completing a bachelor s programme, you must pay 33,- per study credit (EC) if the programme is less than 45 ECs. 45 EC or more For programmes of more than 45 ECs you must pay the statutory tuition fee. If the premaster or conversion programme is more than 60 ECs and therefore longer than one year or if you will study courses that are not part of your conversion programme, you must pay the institutional tuition fee for the programme in question (see Second Dutch master s programme ). These fees apply to students of all nationalities. Student life Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden. 22

Life in Leiden Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train. Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities. Welcome and orientation programme In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students. Study associations Leiden University s Faculty of Humanities has a number of study associations run by students and related to a particular department or programme. Study associations organise social activities such as informal gatherings, sports events, and parties, as well as studyrelated activities such as excursions and study trips. The study association related to Russian and Eurasian Studies is the study association via bestuur@mostleiden.nl. International Student Associations MOST. You may contact Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are: International Student Network (ISN) ISN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university. 23

AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures. For an overview of all of our student associations, please visit our Student assocations page. Humanities Master s Buddy Programme The Humanities Master s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. Through the programme you will learn everything you need to know about the university, the student community, and the practical side of life in Leiden. Information activities Come and meet us at the Leiden University Master s Open Day! About our Master s Open Day Are you thinking about joining a master s programme at Leiden University? Come and visit our Master s Open Day! This event is your opportunity to learn everything you need to know about our master s programmes and how they can help you reach your goals. Attend presentations, meet our lecturers, learn about the careers of our alumni and hear first-hand the experiences of students and graduates on life at Leiden University. 24

Jelle and Rick: The main reasons we re visiting the Master s Open Day is to talk to students and recent alumni. The website gives you a lot of information, but talking to students gives us a much better idea of what it s really like to study this degree. 25

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Sophie: I came to the Master s Day because I have some questions that I couldn t find answers to via the site. In my bachelor s I am already specialising in North America, so this master s is a good match. And next year, in the first semester, I ll be going to Boston! 27

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Luuk: Today I want to find out what it s like to be doing a master s, and what the real focus of the programme is. I ve just been looking at International Relations, because I really like the dynamics of the programme. It focuses on current events, and I m particularly impressed with the international aspects of the master s, which I feel give it more weight. 29

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Nino and Elias: Nino: I m now doing a bachelor s in Assyriology, and I may want to do a master s in it too. We ve heard that studying here is real fun. We re from Italy but we love Holland and the Dutch. 31

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Dennis: Studying: pre-master s in Dutch Literature (Vrije Universiteit), master s in Philosophy (University of Amsterdam) Interested in: Literary Studies, Dutch Studies, Cultural Analysis: Literature and Theory. Contact If you have a question, there are various ways to get in touch with us. The website and our Frequently Asked Questions are the quickest ways to find an answer to your questions. Questions about the Programme Coordinator of studies Ms. Titia Bouma Phone: +31 (0)71 527 20 74 Email: t.bouma@hum.leidenuniv.nl Questions about the application procedure Student Affairs Front Office Phone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11 Email: Contact form Or visit their website Visiting address Leiden: Plexus Student Centre Kaiserstraat 25, ground floor 2311 GN Leiden Monday till Friday between 11.00 and 16.00, Tuesday 11.00 to 21.00. 33