In this master you will learn to work with the Groningen model: from a historical perspective, providing insight into current issues, this with emphasis on practical historical applications at an academic level.
The expertise of experienced teachers and experts from the field is used in (guest) lectures, internships and practical assignments that bring historical theory to life.
You will learn how to interpret, evaluate and translate cross-border historical phenomena such as migrations, pandemics and terrorism into policy advice. Learn how to create a responsible exhibition or how you can delve into the application of digital techniques in research and public presentations. Or learn how to place the consequences of change processes in organizations and companies in their historical development
The master offers three specializations:
In each specialization you will follow a flagship course and matching method courses and together with all master students you will participate in the Masterclass. You deepen your content by choosing from the many research lectures . Finally, there is the possibility to graduate with a thesis or in an alternative way, such as an organizational research, policy analyzes, an exhibition plan or the development of teaching materials.
(See Programme for more info on specializations)
Read moreAmbassador in Slovakia
I chose to study History (then: Contemporary History) because I was interested in political and social issues, especially international relations. For me, studying History was a subject in which you learn to understand the present better. For example, how did political leaders deal with conflicts in the past? And how was progress achieved?
Read moreJunior Research Consultant - Meines Holla & Partners
In August 2013, I started a practical placement at Meines Holla & Partners in The Hague, a lobbying and public affairs office that provides a range of public and private parties with advice and support in setting agendas and representing interests. Both parties were happy with the placement and so after a traineeship lasting a year, I stayed on as a Junior Research Consultant.
My job involves assisting consultants in various lobbying and public affairs processes, acting as a junior advisor on several accounts and conducting research (e.g. political feasibility studies and stakeholder analyses) for current and potential clients.
I started considering my career options while doing my Bachelor's degree in History. I wanted politics to be part of my career, so I chose the specialization Policy, Administration and Politics as part of my History Today Master's track. I decided to stay in Groningen on account of the broad range of subjects and the possibility of gaining practical experience during a placement.
The research and writing skills I developed during the Master's track now form the basis of my current duties. In addition, the methodology course units in quantitative policy analysis and interviewing now stand me in good stead during my day-to-day work in the political world of The Hague.
I work on the cutting edge of politics and industry and for the time being I'm in exactly the right place. The lobbying and public affairs sector suits me down to the ground and I'm very ambitious – I hope to realise my ambitions within this company in the years to come.
Read moreConsultant at ECP Platform for the Information Society
Studying history was a conscious decision. I was drawn to media and culture and keen to study the lesser known subjects and stories, so I chose Media, Culture and Heritage as my specialist subject.
I was particularly intrigued by the course units in Visual Culture and Documentation Techniques, which examine the power of imagery and explain how you can tell a visual story. The knowledge I acquired was very useful later on in the programme, while I was researching up-and-coming film culture in North Korea.
At the moment, I am working as an advisor at ECP Platform for the Information Society, where I mainly concentrate on communication tasks and project management. On graduating, I worked as a researcher at the VPRO television company for a while, preparing various programmes and documentaries behind the scenes.
The Master's track teaches you how to deal with huge volumes of information. You also develop your capacities for analytical thinking and your writing skills to a very high standard. You learn to think critically, as this is an essential aspect of History. The small scale of Groningen and the friendly atmosphere in the city are what particularly appealed to me. But there's a lot more to it if you study History. I really enjoyed student life and had a terrific time in Groningen!
Are you a non-EU/EEA student from Russia, India or Indonesia, starting a Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts? If so, you could qualify for the University of Groningen OTS/Talent Grant, Faculty of Arts, a partial scholarship which helps you to finance your studies.
Read more about the OTS/Talent Grant Faculty of Arts.
Are you interested in a research oriented career? Please also check our Research Master's Programme of History.
