Entry 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.

Aims

The purpose of the Master's Programme in Early Modern History is for students to develop a systematic understanding of early modern history from a global perspective, as well as to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to independently formulate and solve scholarly problems in early modern history and critically assess the work of others.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding*

*To be awarded the Master's degree, the student shall:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the field of early modern history, including both broad knowledge of the field and significantly deepened knowledge in certain areas, as well as advanced insight into current historical research and development work, and

• demonstrate advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge in the discipline of history.

Skills and abilities

To be awarded the Master's degree, the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyze, assess, and handle complex phenomena, issues, and situations, even with limited information,

• demonstrate the ability to critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate issues, to plan and carry out qualified tasks using appropriate methods within given time frames, thereby contributing to the development of knowledge, and to evaluate this work,

• demonstrate the ability to clearly present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in both national and international contexts, orally and in writing, in dialogue with different audiences, and

• demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work or to work independently in other qualified professional activities.

Judgement and approach

To be awarded the Master's degree, the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to make historical assessments with regard to relevant scientific, social, and ethical aspects, and show awareness of ethical aspects of research and development,

• demonstrate insight into the historical and current possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society, and people's responsibility for how it is used, and

• demonstrate the ability to identify their need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their ongoing learning.

Layout of the programme

Students take courses amounting to 75 credits and write a degree thesis of 45 credits. The programme is mainly structured around course modules of 7.5 credits. It includes compulsory subject courses, thematic courses, skills courses, and elective courses.

In the first semester, students take four compulsory courses: an introduction to early modern history, a thematic course in early modern history, a course in historical theory, and a course in historical narration. In the second semester, students take two compulsory thematic courses, one compulsory skills course, and begin their thesis work (module 1 of 3). The third semester includes continued thesis work (module 2 of 3), a compulsory course in historical methodology, and 15 credits of elective courses. As an alternative to, or in combination with, elective courses, students may undertake an internship worth up to 15 credits. The fourth semester is fully devoted to completing the thesis (module 3 of 3). Students have the opportunity to participate in international student exchanges during the third semester through the university’s and the department’s exchange agreements. Teaching and examination formats vary between courses and are specified in each course syllabus. Instruction is in English.

Degree

The programme leads to a Master of Arts (120 credits) in History.