Contents of the programme

Geschiedenis

The past becomes more alive as your knowledge about it deepens. Western European society has been largely shaped by the past. Universities started during the Middle Ages, democracy originated in classical antiquity. When you realise that life in the past differed from life nowadays, you no longer take the present for granted. An example: when you know the background, you obtain more insight into the tension between the US and the Islamic world.
History uses a variety of approaches, discussions and changing perceptions, and is thus many-sided and constantly moving.

The bachelor’s programme in History is a broad one, giving an overview from the old to the newest history of Europe and an introduction to the history of America. Topics include, among others, the world of antiquity, Europe in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Europe from Reformation till revolutions, and the modern world. Students will furthermore learn how to study and interpret historical sources and literature.

During the first year you will approximately once a month follow the lecture ‘history on location’: city walks, visits to archives and museums, movie shows, and classes in a historically relevant site. A lecture about the church in the Middle Ages for example will be taught in Catholic church built during that period.

Later on during your studies, you will learn about history in a socio-political, cultural, economic and international perspective. There are also opportunities for following elective courses, for doing work experience or for doing part of your studies at a university abroad.

Master's programmes

The UvA offers a wide range of master's programmes, taught either in English or in Dutch. Follow the link below for an overview of these programmes (in Dutch).

The job market

Graduates in History used to become teachers or researchers, but this has changed. You can of course still opt for research but other possiblities are journamlism, museums, politics, publishing firms, libraries and archives or the government.

Additional entry requirements

Apart from the entry requirements which apply to all students (see below) the following applies to school subjects:

• Compulsory: none
• English, German and French is useful since most of the literature is in these languages
  

Application and admission

The application procedure for regular study programmes taught in Dutch depends on the country where you have obtained your diploma. Follow the link below for detailed information on application and admission.