Master's Programme in Early Modern History
Academic year 2023/2024
- 120 credits
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Programme syllabus and outline
The Master's Programme in Early Modern History will increase your appreciation and understanding of the late Medieval and Early Modern world (roughly 1350-1850) and give you the theoretical and research skills needed to conduct independent historical research. In this period there is much that seems strange and repulsive to us but, at the same time, this is when many developments that helped form the basis of modern society started to emerge.
Why this programme?
In the late Medieval and Early Modern World there is much that is foreign to us; devastating witch crazes, judicial torture, spectacular manifestations of power and subordination, a massive expansion of slavery, ubiquitous religious fervour, war, riots and revolution. At the same time, this period experienced phenomena that helped form the basis of modern history; emerging bureaucratic states organised around the ability to tax citizens and wage war, new consumption patterns, intercontinental trading, and the large-scale movement of people around the globe.
The Master's Programme in Early Modern History will provide you with knowledge of, and insight into the Early Modern world ca. 1350-1850, with a special focus on Europe but with some attention to other parts of the world.
During the programme you can expect to:
- gain a broad understanding of Early Modern history coupled with a strong emphasis on your research skills,
- analyse a wide array of primary sources, including early handwritten materials material artefacts, and digital databases,
- undertake an internship at a Swedish museum or cultural institution or do a research internship working on a research project,
- gain access to the rich Early Modern manuscript and book collections of the Uppsala University Library and a number of digital resources and databases.
Student profile
You have a background in history and now want to dig deeper into this field. If you also enjoy spending time in archives studying primary sources, including very early handwritten material, you will likely enjoy this study opportunity. You are extremely motivated and have confidence in your ability and knowledge. You enjoy reading, reflecting on what you have read and sharing your thoughts with others.
A PhD education is a distinct possibility in your future so you would value an educational experience that gets you in close contact with current research and prominent researchers in Uppsala and all across the world.
Degree
The programme leads to a Master of Arts (120 credits) with History as the main field of study. It is also possible to graduate after one academic year with a Master of Arts (60 credits).
Programme
During the first semester, you will take two compulsory courses in Early Modern history, one course in historical theory and one course in historical methods.
During the second semester, you will take three compulsory courses in Early Modern history and start working on your Master's thesis. If you graduate from the programme after one year, you will spend the entire second semester working on your thesis.
During the third semester, you will take one compulsory course, and two elective courses and continue working on your thesis.
The fourth semester consists entirely of thesis writing.
During the programme, you can also choose to do an internship or participate in a student exchange programme.
Courses within the programme
One-year Master's degree, 60 credits
Semester 1
Introduction to Early Modern History, 7.5 credits
War, Power, and Resistance, 7.5 credits
Historical Theory, 7.5 credits
Historical Methods, 7.5 credits
Semester 2
Master's Thesis in History (Degree of Master (One Year)), 30 credits
Two-year Master's degree, 120 credits
Semester 1
Introduction to Early Modern History, 7.5 credits
War, Power, and Resistance, 7.5 credits
Historical Theory, 7.5 credits
Historical Methods, 7.5 credits
Semester 2
Consumption and Material Culture, 7.5 credits
Early Modern Towns: Houses, Spaces, People and Social Practices 7.5 credits
Survival. Strategies and Institutions, 7.5 credits
Master's Thesis in History (Degree of Master (Two Years)), 7.5 credits
Semester 3
Information and Communication in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, 7,5 credits
Two elective courses of 7.5 credits each (including internship)
Master's Thesis in History (Degree of Master (Two Years)), 7.5 credits
Semester 4
Master's Thesis in History (Degree of Master (Two Years)), 30 credits
Learning experience
The specific forms of teaching and assessment vary across courses within the Master's Programme in Early Modern History. Generally, teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars, and thesis supervision. Assessment is usually based on individual oral and written work. Requirements for class participation also vary across courses.
You are expected to take greater responsibility for your learning as the programme progresses and the thesis should reflect your ability to critically, independently, and creatively formulate and solve problems based on knowledge and skills acquired within the programme. In addition to interacting with other students in the programme, you will have the opportunity to study alongside students enrolled in other Master's programmes in history and in other disciplines.
The programme is taught in Uppsala, which boasts a Mediaeval cathedral, a sixteenth-century castle, a university dating to the fifteenth century and famous student nations.
The language of instruction is English.
Career
Graduates with a Master's degree in history will be employable in a wide variety of occupations. It provides you with a good basis for advanced positions in secondary and higher education, and also for employment within:
- civil service at local, regional and national levels
- personnel management
- journalism
- international organisations
- tourism
- enhancing cultural heritage in its various manifestations including archives, museums and libraries
A Master's degree in history is a prerequisite for a successful career in historical research.
Many graduates with a Master's degree in history from Uppsala University have been admitted by a PhD programme in Sweden or abroad. This includes the universities of Alberta, Budapest, Cambridge, Lund, Seoul, Sheffield, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Uppsala University. This includes the universities of Alberta, Budapest, Cambridge, Lund, Seoul, Sheffield, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Uppsala University.
Other graduates work at, for example, Radio Free Europe, The National Swedish Museums of Military History, and The Swedish National Heritage Board. Job titles include editor, programme coordinator, administrator, etc.
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 Early Modern History
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 16 January 2023
Application code: UU-M5080 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.
Also required is 60 credits in historical studies.
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:
www.uu.se/education