Decisions and guidelines

The Department of History at Uppsala University is responsible for the programme. It is part of a co-operation between the universities in Tammerfors (Finland), Oslo (Norway) and Oldenburg (Germany).

The programme starts every autumn semester.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time studies), with a major in history studies (90 credits). Proficiency in English attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores: 1. Minimum TOEFL score: 580 (paper based) or 237 (computer based) or 92 (Internet based) 2. Minimum IELTS score: average 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0). Exemption will be given to applicants with English B from the Swedish secondary school.

Selection will be based on a total appraisal of quantity (number of ECTS points) and quality of previous university studies. Special emphasis is placed on the quality of written independent academic work project in history or equivalent (at least 10 000 words). As full documentation of your degree project is required it must be sent to the Director of graduate studies at the Department of history. A statement of intent (2 pages maximum) is requested.

Layout of the programme

The program consists of four parts.

Part 1. Introduction courses (á 7.5 credits), 15 credits

Part 2. Concluding workshop, 7.5 credits

Part 3. Master's Thesis, 60 credits

Part 4. Five thematic courses (á 7.5 credits), 37.5 credits

Parts 1, 2, and 3 are compulsory. Of parts 4, two courses are compulsory, equal 15 credits. Courses corresponding to at least 15 credits can be taken at a partner university.

Organisation

The program is structured so that both thesis work and course work take place simultaneously throughout the program, although not necessarily on an equal basis each semester. Teaching, which includes seminars, lectures, and individual and group tutorials, will to a certain extent be co-ordinated with the teaching of the Ph.D. students and with the teaching of students enrolled in the other Master programmes at the department. Active participation in all forms of instruction is mandatory. The student has the right to tuition only during the ordinary program period.

Instruction

The program focuses on the early modern history of Northern Europe (c. 1450–1850). It addresses questions of the long-term causes of political, economic and social development in the area and it will consciously employ comparative approaches, both as regards the different nations/regions of Northern Europe and different research issues. The geographical scope of the program is Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland and the German territories. Students are supposed to study these issues from a comparative perspective, drawing on the expertise of scholarship provided not only by Uppsala University but by the partner universities as well. Students are supposed to spend a time at a partner university.

The language used in teaching is English.

Learning outcomes

The student will:

- obtain a broad knowledge of the early modern history of Northern Europe.

- obtain a deep knowledge of political, economic and social developments of the region.

- be able to understand and reflect on differences and similarities of the historical developments of the region.

- obtain a capacity to ask analytical questions related to different aspects of early modern history of Northern Europe.

Competences

The student will

- acquire advance skills in the use of comparative method in historical research.

- acquire the capacity to plan, manage and execute complex research tasks.

- attain extensive skills in problem identification and solving, communication, and knowledge sharing.

- develop skills for use of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

- acquire the capacity to present research result in agreement with current scientific standard.

- be able to employ comparative approach in his/her research tasks.

Assessment include an active participation in seminars, writing papers, and writing and defending a research thesis. Grades are given for each part and for the programme as a whole. Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system. The following grades will be used: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Failed (U).

Degree

Upon completion of the program a student will receive a Master of Arts Degree in History.

Students receiving the Master Degree in this programme are eligible to apply to the PhD program at the Department of History, Uppsala University.

Assessment of the course work is done by the teaching staff and recorded where the courses are taught. The thesis is completed and evaluated at the home university. A Diploma Supplement will be issued by all partners in English and all of the vernacular languages of the participating partners. The degree is granted by the home university and is fully recognised by all partners. The degree may be transformed into a multiple degree or joint degree granted by two or more of the partners, if all of the partners agree.

Other directives

Employability

Graduates with a Master's degree in history will be employable in a wide variety of occupations. A Master in history is a prerequisite for successful career in historical research. It provides a good basis for responsible positions in secondary and higher education, civil service on the local, regional and national levels, personnel management, journalism, international organisations, tourism as well as enhancing cultural heritage in its various manifestations including archives, museums and libraries.