Testimonials
Do you want to know how our current and former students experience the programme? Then check out the interviews and videos with Sophie, Amber, and Henri.
Sophie Prijs (she/her) works as a Project Officer at the Department of History and Art History
"I chose to apply to the Bachelor programme in History at Utrecht University because I shared an interest in the effects of historical events in contemporary times."
"I looked forward to learning about topics and discussions of the past to shed new academic light on current events like international conflicts."
Details
Self-discipline
"During my first year, it took me a while to get used to the education system of the university after coming directly from Dutch high school. Not only do you have to schedule your own studies and write many assignments, but you are also expected to read and interpret large quantities of English literature. Reading and writing were not my strong suit back then, but I also realized that this programme was an amazing opportunity to improve these skills. Moreover, you also learn to do your reading in the most optimal way in seminars with and from other students."
Career orientation
"My favorite part of the Bachelor is the vast amount of elective space to orient yourself toward your future. My main specialization was in political history, but I also minored in early modern history and international relations. In addition, I also completed a research internship at the KNAW with aim of learning what I wanted to do after graduation. Here, I realized that I like performing research, but I also enjoy practical labor, so I moved on to pursue a master’s in International Relations that combined both aspects. Currently, I work as a Project Officer for the very same department History and Art History from which I received my education!"
Amber Verspui (she/her) is a student
"I was looking for a programme at Utrecht University that centered around politics examined from an international perspective. Not only did the bachelor’s in History meet these requirements, it also fit my general interest in the past that started during my high school’s inspiring history classes."
"Lastly, I thought the programme’s many writing exercises would be a wonderful opportunity to improve my academic reading and writing skills."
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Possibilities
"Some say History as a bachelor programme offers limited future possibilities, preparing you to become either a teacher or museum employee. During my studies, however, I discovered that the possibilities don’t stop there. Precisely because there are so many different possible fields to specialize in and choose electives from, you can totally customize your studies according to your interests and desired work pressure. I chose to minor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and to participate in the Humanities Honours Programme, in which I got to know students from disciplines that also interested me, including philosophy and media."
Research journalism
"The vast number of possibilities to specialize in allows you to choose your own path within History. I learned that I am interested in societal issues and that I would like to use my writing skills professionally, so I want to become a research journalist. For this reason, I am currently orienting myself toward master’s degrees that fit these ambitions, such as the master programme’s in Conflict Studies and Human Rights or International Relations in Historical Perspective."
Henri Rösch (he/him) is an international student
"My grandfather was a historian and throughout my childhood I admired his knowledge of the past and the way he made sense of the world. It's not only the knowledge of the past or historical facts that fascinated me, but the skill to connect the dots to a greater picture."
"‘Historia magistra vitae’ (history teaches about life) has become my primary encouragement. In year one, you learn a lot about Europe's fascinating past while always keeping an eye on larger world-wide developments."
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Specialization
"In year two everyone is allowed to partly focus on their favourite area, which gives you great opportunities to dig deep and gain an even better understanding of your chosen specialization. I especially like writing assignments, because they motivate you to think critically and allow for a personal interaction with the material. This provides a great opportunity to truly engage with it, implement your knowledge and create something of your own."
Supportive Atmosphere
"The Bachelor’s programme definitely is challenging but at the same time encouraging. Especially in the beginning I felt challenged by the amount and level of the reading material. But the atmosphere at Utrecht University is very friendly and supportive, so that you are never really alone with any issue. Interaction and exchange between students and teachers here at Utrecht University are valued greatly, thereby guiding students comfortably by providing support in many ways. The social and academic life here in Utrecht is truly benefiting in many ways. Make sure to talk to and get to know people! Utrecht is such a young city full of students and trainees and it offers many different activities. At the same time you have the chance to learn from committed teachers who seek your individual development as an academic."