Master's Programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Academic year 2023/2024
- 120 credits
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Programme syllabus and outline
Have you wondered what social factors incite instances of genocide and other forms of mass violence? Holocaust and Genocide Studies is a dynamic field of research and education of the highest international relevance. The Master's Programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies will give you the ability to independently understand and analyse the phenomenon of genocide and other forms of mass violence in their historical and cultural contexts.
Why this programme?
The history and memory of the Holocaust are central to this field of study, but you will also study other episodes of genocide, genocidal violence and other forms of mass violence and their historical, political and cultural contexts.
These violent events have usually occurred in conjunction with major economic, social and political crises, mobilisation of ethnic identities, formation of new states, colonial processes and modernisation. While studying different cases of genocide and mass violence closely, you will also learn methodologies and analytical perspectives from various disciplines.
The Master's Programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Uppsala University is a cross-disciplinary course of study drawing from academic fields such as:
- history
- political science
- cultural and social anthropology
- international law
- sociology
- peace and conflict studies
- psychology
- history of ideas
During the programme, you can expect to
- Independently and critically identify and analyse problems that are of central importance to the field of Holocaust and genocide studies.
- Learn methodologies and analytical perspectives from various disciplines.
- Gain empirical knowledge and sharpened analytical abilities that are sought-after skills for a variety of potential employers.
Student profile
You have a Bachelor's degree in the humanities or social sciences and the Bachelor's thesis you wrote gave you experience in the appropriate identification and use of theories and methods. You are motivated and willing to take a lot of responsibility in forming your own educational experience. Ideally, you already have a fairly clear idea about what subject you want to base your Master's thesis on.
Your social skills are good and you are both able and willing to communicate your ideas and thoughts in written and spoken English. You also understand that studying the Holocaust and episodes of genocide can be a very emotional experience and that honesty about your own feelings and respect for the feelings of others is important.
Degree
The programme leads to a Master of Arts (120 credits) with Holocaust and Genocide Studies as the main field of study. After one year of study, it may also be possible to obtain a Master of Arts (60 credits).
Name: Noah Godin
From: Canada
How did you choose your programme?
– I chose the Master’s Programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies because of my interest in historic and continuing settler-colonial violence. As it is an interdisciplinary programme, I was eager to further my understanding of violence and its consequences through the multitude of lenses employed during this programme.
What is it like to be an international student?
– Being an international student in Sweden poses a mix of challenges and rewards. As Uppsala is a student city, there are many ways to get involved, such as student nations and the student union. There are also a plethora of activities independent of the university, such as sports clubs, volunteering, and hiking groups. All in all, being an international student at Uppsala University can be a very lively and busy experience.
What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– I would argue that the best thing is the quality of education, available resources and staff expertise. Additionally, having a myriad of campuses and libraries to choose from when studying is a great benefit. Seemingly anywhere in the downtown area, one can find a location to study that is rich with resources. Finally, the quality of education at Uppsala University is often attributed, among other things, to its class sizes, staff invested in student development, and extracurricular lectures, seminars and professional development workshops.
Do you remember your first impression of Uppsala? Please tell us!
– I arrived in Uppsala around mid-August. Summer in Uppsala is characterised by dozens upon dozens of groups sitting in parks, having picnics, playing games and generally enjoying the warm weather in the numerous parks and gardens. The downtown of Uppsala is quaint and lively - not to mention, what Uppsala lacks in big-city infrastructure, it makes up for in large parks, nature reserves and forests. Uppsala in the winter has a very different atmosphere. The city slows down a bit and those groups seen in the parks six months earlier, are now huddled together in cafés, pubs and libraries.
Name three things you’re doing this week!
– This week I am wrapping up some things in preparation for the upcoming holiday. This weekend I’ll be travelling to a number of small towns with some fellow students to do a bit of Christmas market-hopping. Later this week I’ll be tying up any loose ends at my research assistant position. And, I will be attending a holiday “fika” organised by staff for my programme where we will socialise over traditional pastries and “glögg”.
Describe the student life
– As mentioned, the two staples of Uppsala University student life are the student nations and the student unions. Nations often have events such as karaoke, pub quizzes, formal dinners (gasques) and much more. Some nations also come with other benefits such as student accommodations and organised activities; like choirs. The student unions are a great place to get involved with the University and represent student interests. Further, sections of the unions host socials, academic discussions/seminars and other events for interested students.
Three quick questions:
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– Storken Café.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
– I want to further my academic endeavour through a PhD.
Where is the best place to study?
– My favourite spot to study on campus would be the Master’s room in Engelska Parken.
Spring 2023.
Programme
As a student in the Master's Programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, you will write a Master's thesis worth 45 credits (or 15 credits if you choose to finish after one year). You will also have the possibility of combining your studies with methodology courses and courses at other departments.
During the first semester, you will study compulsory courses in Holocaust history and other episodes of genocide and mass violence from cross-disciplinary perspectives. Other case studies you will analyse include Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Episodes of genocidal violence that have occurred in Latin and North America, Africa and Asia will also be studied. You will learn about the historical, political and cultural processes and contexts in which mass violence has occurred, including fascism, colonialism, and communism.
The second semester will begin with a compulsory course on theories of genocide and mass violence, followed by the opportunity to choose from different courses covering specific aspects of mass violence, including psychology, social psychology, cultural and social anthropology, peace and conflict studies, international law and the study of (historical) memory.
You will also have the opportunity to take relevant courses from other departments within the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences.
During the third semester, you will choose a specific method for your thesis, take a methodology course, and begin drafting your Master's thesis.
The fourth semester is devoted to writing and defending your Master's thesis.
Courses within the programme
One-Year Master's Degree, 60 credits
Semester 1
Theoretical Approaches to Genocide and Mass Violence, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Genocide and Mass Violence I, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Genocide and Mass Violence II, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
The Holocaust in European History and Historiography, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Semester 2
The Social and Psychological Dynamics of Violence, 15 credits (compulsory)
Master's Thesis in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (One-Year), 15 credits (compulsory)
Two-Year Master's Degree, 120 credits
Semester 1
Theoretical Approaches to Genocide and Mass Violence, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Genocide and Mass Violence I, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Genocide and Mass Violence II, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
The Holocaust in European History and Historiography, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Semester 2
The Social and Psychological Dynamics of Violence, 15 credits (compulsory)
Transitional Justice: Retribution, Coexistence, Reconciliation, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Master's Thesis in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (Two-Year), 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Semester 3
Teaching about the Holocaust and Other Genocides, 7.5 credits (elective)
History and Memory in Comparative Genocide Studies, 7.5 credits (elective)
Internship for Master's Programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, 7.5 credits (elective)
Method in Comparative Genocide Studies, 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Master's Thesis in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (Two-Year), 7.5 credits (compulsory)
Semester 4
Master's Thesis in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (Two-Year), 30 credits (compulsory)
Learning experience
Instruction will take the form of lectures, seminars, independent group work, and individual and group tutorials.
All course instructors are highly qualified in their fields and have been published internationally and in Sweden. This ensures a close connection between ongoing research and education. Your active participation in all phases of the Master's programme is compulsory. Grading will be based on active participation in seminars, written assignments and other written and oral examinations. You will also be graded on your completed thesis, including defending your thesis orally and leading a discussion of another student's thesis.
The programme is taught in Uppsala. The language of instruction is English.
Career
The programme will provide you with empirical knowledge and theoretical insights based on state-of-the-art research and pedagogy in the field of Holocaust and genocide studies. A variety of international organisations actively seek students equipped with such knowledge and analytical skills. These include:
- UN organisations,
- The European Union,
- The Council of Europe,
- Governmental ministries, including defence and foreign services,
- International NGOs (Human Rights Watch, IDEA),
- Museums and other institutions of commemoration (Forum for Living History).
If you choose to pursue a PhD, this Master's programme will qualify you to apply for doctoral studies in several disciplines, history among them.
Career support
During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career. Learn more about UU Careers.
Admissions
Below you will find details about eligibility requirements, selection criteria and tuition fees. For information on how to apply and what general documents you need to submit, check the application guide. Besides the general supporting documents, you also need to submit one programme-specific document: a statement of purpose (1 page).
Master's Programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 16 January 2023
Application code: UU-M5075 Application
Language of instruction: English
Requirements:
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. The main field of study must be within the humanities or social sciences.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
Selection: Students are selected based on:
- an overall appraisal of previous university studies; and
- a statement of purpose.
Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.
Fees:
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. Fees cover application and tuition only and do not cover accommodation, academic literature or the general cost of living. Read more about fees.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first semester: SEK 50,000
Tuition fee, total: SEK 200,000
Contact and further resources
Contact
For programme specific information, please contact Jonas Lindström, Director of Studies
+ 46 18 471 1559
For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
Thunbergsvägen 3 D, Uppsala
P.O. Box 521, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
+46 18 471 63 95
www.uu.se/education