African Studies

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.