Cultural History

Historical Insight and Understanding of Today's Complex and Globalised World

Inescapably, we give meaning to the world we live in. But how have the strategies we use in interpreting our surroundings come about?  Which historical institutions, traditions, cultural values and interpretations continue to shape our lives? How have they been debated and contested in the past and how do they mark the present? How can we use or revise them to shape our future?

To address these issues, our Master programme offers historical insight into, and a deep understanding of, today's complex and globalised world, based on a unique blend of historical theory and practice. The programme explores how cultural historians translate their theoretical insights into practical research on cultural modernity, combining academic excellence with social relevance.

Broad Spectrum of Cultural Perspectives and Approaches

Using our special expertise in the fields of the history of media, religion, visual culture, cultural heritage and collective memory, gender studies and more, we offer a broad spectrum of cultural perspectives and approaches with regard to modern Western and global history. Our modules explore themes like the role of museums and heritage in the integration of minorities, the cultural cold war in Europe, the representation of self and alterity in literature, the interrelationship of religion, culture and power and the history of utopian thought.

Topical, Relevant and Future-Oriented

The course is designed to help students acquire the skills necessary to navigate a professional environment; students may integrate an internship into the programme. Above all, students will acquire fundamental knowledge of the world, of the origin of values and strategies, of traditions and counter-traditions, of cultural clashes and exchanges. Such a broad cultural orientation helps us to better understand the manifold choices we are facing in shaping our world. Thus, by studying the past, the Master programme aims to be topical, relevant, and future-oriented.

Utrecht Master’s Programme Cultural History judged best in the Field 

 Of the major universities in the Netherlands, Utrecht University shares the top spot with the universities in Nijmegen and Groningen for the quality of its Master’s study programmes. That is the conclusion reached by the Keuzegids Masters 2011 (Master’s Study Programme Selection Guide), which was released on 8 February. 15 Master’s programmes in Utrecht, including Cultural history, were named best in their field. >> Read more