烏特勒支大學

Why should we be concerned with the past? After all, aren't we living in the here and now? In the History programme you will learn that historical studies are not just about the past, but are also about the present: you will use your historical knowledge to understand contemporary events.

You will study history based on all kinds of sources, from original letters to coins and inscriptions and from diplomatic treaties to propaganda images. You will collect and evaluate evidence, which you will then analyse and interpret. These are highly transferable skills.

At Utrecht we also think that it’s important to put everything into perspective. This means that - sometimes contradictory - views of the past play a central role.

TWO TRACKS

In the first year you will become acquainted with history from antiquity to modern times, though not necessarily in that order. From the second year on, you can choose to obtain more in-depth knowledge of historical backgrounds and events through our History track. For students who are especially interested in International Relations, we offer International Relations in Historical Perspective track.

FOR FLEXIBLE MINDS

Do you have a broad range of interests and are you also ready to dig deep? A history student is extremely curious. But you’re not just looking for answers. You want to ask questions and become involved in social debate.

SAMPLE LECTURE

You can watch a sample lecture given by Maarten Prak, Professor of Economic and Social History from the History Bachelor's programme at Utrecht University.

Curriculum

The full Bachelor's programme takes three years. Each year comprises four 10-week periods. Each period concludes with a week of examinations. In your first year, you will receive 12 to 18 hours contact hours per week.

Career perspectives

After a Bachelor's most students go on to take a follow-on Master’s programme. A Master’s allows you to work in a various fields of employment. It all depends on the direction you followed in your specialization.

As a result of the capacity to analyse and present large amounts of complex information, historians are in demand in all kinds of policy and other roles in the public and private sectors. Depending on the choice of a specific Master’s programme, you will also be qualified for employment in special working environments, such as international organizations, museums, archives and academic institutions for instance. But journalism and education should also be considered.