The highly regarded Keuzegids Bachelor's Selection Guide 2017 ranked Utrecht University’s History programme as the best in the field in the Netherlands.
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.
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 an International Relations in Historical Perspective track. Would you like to study current international issues and their historical background? Look no further! You can also do an internship or study abroad. Read more about the curriculum.
During your Master's programme you can deepen your knowledge obtained in the track, for example in Conflict Studies, International Relations, Cultural History of Modern Europe, History of Politics and Society or the Research Master History.
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.
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.
