Whether it is the history of Europe, the development of modern European literature or the art of Rome that fascinates you, the Research Master's specialisations is an excellent choice for talented students who want to prepare themselves for an international academic career.

Specialisations

You can choose from the following English-taught specialisations:

Course programme

All three Master's degree specialisations have a similar structure which contains the following elements:

Have you wondered how some societies manage to achieve wealth, security, justice, and freedom – and eventual happiness – while others do not? What role do citizenship, democracy, and the organisation of the market players in this process? Why do you think it is so difficult to avoid negative effects such as social polarisation and environmental damage?

These are the core questions addressed in our Master’s programme in History of Politics and Society. The central theme is the concept of ‘institutions’, in the broadest sense of the word: the formal and informal rules, customs, and organisational structures that make up a society but are themselves the result of a historical development process. As such, this programme is closely related to Institutions, one of Utrecht University’s strategic international research themes. In this programme, you will study the history and origins of institutions over the past 1,000 years. The emphasis is mainly on Europe in the modern age but emphatically placed within a broader perspective, as the programme also pays attention to other eras and other parts of the world. You will combine your historical knowledge and academic skills with concepts from the social sciences. You will learn how to use comparative research methods and methods for long-term analysis. You will develop the tools to contribute, as a historian, to the solution of contemporary problems.... [-]

Keuzegids Master’s Selection Guide 2015 The highly regarded Keuzegids Master’s Selection Guide 2015 ranked Utrecht University’s History programme as the best in the field in the Netherlands.

The History Master’s programme offers you research-based training in history as an academic discipline. We teach you how to perform research, and we challenge you to develop your own ideas on topics of your choice. Our History Department offers a broad range of historical expertise in four scholarly fields:

In the Master’s programme in Cultural History of Modern Europe, you will study Europe’s position in the world from a cultural-historical perspective, with an emphasis on modern history. Our programme offers you profound insight into the history of ideas and practices that form the identities of individuals, groups, and societies, including heritage and public history in international frameworks. The programme content focuses on theories of modern cultural history, global perspectives on European civilisation, the politics of heritage and cultural memory, aspects of transnational history and postcolonial culture, global practices of citizenship, and the development of career-oriented academic competencies. We begin by looking at contemporary problems and discussions. This programme offers an English track and a Dutch track. The modules offered in these tracks are the same – only the language of instruction differs.... [-]

Our Research Master’s programme in Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Studies focuses on interdisciplinary study of the material, social, and intellectual developments in Europe (including the Mediterranean region) from Antiquity through the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Within this long period you can focus on your academic interests by choosing one of the following tracks:

Within each track, you will work with source materials in their original languages, including in manuscript form. The Ancient Studies track has a keen interest in archaeology. The Medieval Studies and Renaissance Studies tracks go beyond a solely historical approach by including courses in Literature, Linguistics, Art History, Musicology, and History. In the Medieval Studies track, you may specialise in either Medieval History, Medieval Art History, Medieval Literature, or Medieval Musicology. Medieval Celtic Studies combines literary studies with historical linguistics. Read more about the tracks. The programme is enhanced by research conducted by lecturers who are internationally renowned in their fields of expertise. You are encouraged to work alongside these lecturers on research projects, and you can spend a semester abroad at one of the many universities with which we have research links. After graduation, approximately 50 percent of graduates go on to undertake a PhD, either in the Netherlands or abroad.... [-]

How did the ancient Romans view religious-political differences? How did ancient Jewish, Christian, and Muslim authorities use authoritative texts? What potential for pluralism exists in modern monotheisms and secularisms?

Tensions between group solidarity and productive relations with ' others' have been part of human history for as long as evidence exists. In Europe, it has played out most enduringly in relations among the monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Today, in the face of mass migration from Muslim regions, questions of political identity and belonging remain bound up with religious affiliation. This one-year degree programme focuses on relations between Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the antique world and how these relations have formed our modern society. We will explore concepts as religious pluralism, politics, and their many interfaces globally in particular.... [-]

This two-year Research Master's track covers Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Early Modernity in Europe and the Middle East. You will explore the similarities and differences between these periods. In addition, you will gain fundamental insights into the cultural changes that preceded the modern period.

The track offers three different specializations: in History (croho code 60139), in Literary Studies (croho code 60814), and in Classics and Ancient Civilizations (croho code 60039). Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies offers a multidisciplinary environment. Depending on your background and research interests, you will decide what your main subject will be. You can focus on history and choose between Ancient, Medieval or Early Modern History. You can also focus on literature. Then your options are Latin, Greek, English or Dutch Literature.... [-]

History Today is a socially oriented Master's track that teaches you to examine the past in the light of the present and gives you an understanding of topical issues in a historical perspective.

The emphasis on applying history at an academic level is what makes this one-year Master's track in Groningen unique. Would you like to learn to compile a historically accurate exhibition, write someone's life history, conduct quantitative or archive research or analyse image culture? The choice is yours! Explore the use of digital techniques in research and public presentations. Or learn to see the consequences of change in organizations and companies in terms of their historical development.... [-]

You can take the Master's track in Modern History and International Relations as a track within the Research Master's degree programme in History or the Research Master's degree programme in International Relations.

The two-year Master's track in Modern History and International Relations teaches you to carry out independent academic research in the fields of modern history and international relations. You will explore recent developments in these fields and study relevant theoretical and methodological backgrounds. You will learn about subjects such as the international political economy, the history of cultural identity and European cooperation and integration.... [-]

History for the Media, Culture and Heritage Sector, with appropriate placement (specialization)

Professionally oriented specialization that prepares you for a career or follow-on degree/traineeship in a museum or archive, the cultural sector or the media.In preparation for your placement, you choose 1 or more appropriate methodology course units from a range that includes Oral History, Archives & Internet, Visual Culture or Documentary, Museum and Exhibition. For information about placements, see the Arts Mobility Office web page. After a placement in a museum or cultural organization, some students compile an exhibition as their graduation project.The History Online workshop is another alternative, which explores the wealth of new digital sources for historical research. Research seminars allow you to develop your individual profile. History offers a wide choice of subjects and periods, or you can opt for one of the regional-based course units, such as Central and Eastern European Studies (MOES: www.rug.nl/let/moes), Asian Studies or American Studies.... [-]

In this one-year's Master track you learn how to tackle different aspects of Classical Antiquity in an academic way and how to write a commentary on a classical text. You may choose between a more linguistic or more cultural-historical approach. Besides literary sources, inscriptions, papyri and archaeological sources are also used to shed light on the world of Classical Antiquity. It is also possible to follow courses at another faculty, within the Master language programme, or to include a work placement in the programme. You will finish your programme by writing a thesis.... [-]

The Master's degree programme in Classics and Ancient Civilizations consists of two tracks:

In the Classical Studies degree programme, we take an academic approach to various themes from Antiquity. You will learn how to critically assess written and material sources. You can opt for a more language-oriented or a less language-oriented curriculum. In the Ancient History specialization, we take a historical approach to the period from Hellenism to Late Antiquity. In addition to literary sources, you will use inscriptions, papyri and archaeological sources to cast a different light on the ancient world. Both tracks are concluded with a thesis, following which you will be awarded a Master of Arts degree in Classics and Ancient Civilizations. This Master's degree programme is also available as a part-time variant.... [-]

Ancient history is a dynamic discipline with a long tradition. In Groningen, Ancient History takes the form of a one-year Master's track with a full-time and a part-time variant. Ancient History in Groningen covers the whole of antiquity, from archaic Greece to the late Roman Empire. We have a particular focus on the political cultural and religious connectivities of the Mediterranean world. We take an interdisciplinary approach especially with archaeology and religious studies. We integrate theoretical approaches and digital humanities in our teaching. In addition to elite culture, we are also interested in aspects of daily life – besides literary sources, we focus on inscriptions, papyri and archaeological sources as cultural objects that cast a radically different light on the ancient world.... [-]

The research master in History at Leiden University offers five specialisations in which you will focus on historical processes, historical research, historiography and methodology.

Focus on your own specific interests

The two-year research master in History at Leiden University offers you the chance to determine a study based on your own particular interests and ambitions. During your studies, you will experience the riches and challenges of academia not only via frequent meetings with your tutor but also during the seminars in which staff members and research master's students discuss one another's research findings and exchange scholarly views and insights.

Specialisations... [-]

At Leiden University, we have one of the world's leading centres for the study of European and non-European history. The master in History is your opportunity to access this world-class expertise.

Seven specialisations and a flexible curriculum

With such a broad curriculum, the master’s programme in History offers you the chance to specialise in niche subject areas not offered elsewhere. A flexible format also allows you to tailor your degree to suit your career goals. To help you develop a cohesive area of expertise, the programme offers seven specialisations each with their own thematic focus. Within your specialisation, you even have the added option of focusing on Maritime History, Political Debate or Economic History.... [-]