Master's Programme in Modern History

How can contemporary phenomena, power relations, and ideological landscapes be better understood? What explanations can be found for the events and developments that constantly shape the world around us? Studying modern history can provide a pathway to answering some of these questions.

This Master's Programme provides you with advanced knowledge of the emergence and development of the modern world, with a particular focus on European history from the twentieth century onwards, while also addressing developments in other parts of the world. By combining broad historical perspectives with current methods and theories, you will deepen your understanding of the political, economic, social, and cultural processes that have shaped modern history and continue to influence the world today. This includes themes such as the struggle between democracy and dictatorship, the consequences of extreme political ideologies, and questions of identity and culture.

During the programme, you will:

• acquire advanced knowledge of modern history;
• develop your research and academic writing skills and learn to analyse different types of primary sources;
• be introduced to digital methods and databases; and
• have the opportunity to undertake an internship.

The programme concludes with the writing of a scholarly thesis based on your own research. You will present your thesis at an annual departmental conference, which includes one or more invited international participants.

Student Profile

You have a strong interest in history and contemporary social issues and wish to deepen your knowledge of the subjects. You enjoy reading, analysing, and discussing questions related to modern history. You are motivated and willing to take responsibility for your own education. You enjoy working with sources and archival materials. The programme is well suited to students who wish to engage with ongoing research and leading scholars in the field, and who may be considering pursuing doctoral studies in the future.

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:

• enhancing cultural heritage in its various manifestations including archives, museums and libraries
• international organisations
• journalism
• tourism
  
• personnel management
• civil service at local, regional and national levels,

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 to 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. Other graduates work at, for example, Radio Free Europe, International IDEA and SIDA. Job titles include editor, programme officer and policy specialist, etc.

Content

During the first semester, you will take two compulsory courses in modern history, one course in historical theory and one course in historical narration. During the second semester, you will take two compulsory courses in modern history and one course in digital history and start working on your Master's thesis.

During the third semester, you will continue working on your thesis, take a course in historical methodology, and choose from a range of elective courses. You also have the opportunity to undertake an internship as part of the elective component of the programme. The fourth semester consists entirely of thesis writing.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Learning experience

The specific forms of teaching and assessment vary across courses within the programme. 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 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 meet students enrolled in other Master's programmes in history and in other disciplines.

The language of instruction is English.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Arts (120 credits) with History as the main field of study.