History (120 ECTS) – (M.A.)

It is the aim of the Master of Arts in History programme (120 ECTS) to enable students to clarify the reciprocal connections of political, social, economic, environmental and cultural developments within the framework of human existence, since history has an important function in the critical debate of any society about its self-concept and self-image. Students have the opportunity to strengthen their methodological abilities and their empirical knowledge. Most important of all, they undertake independent scholarly work. Students choose two from seven specialisations, i.e. Ancient History (AG), Medieval History (MA), Early Modern History (NG), Modern and Contemporary History (NNG), Swiss History before 1800 (CH-), Swiss History after 1800 (CH+) and Economic, Social and Environmental History (WSU) and study these in interactive courses (seminars) and lectures, and through private study of set texts (Literaturliste). In addition, they can choose from a variety of courses to further strengthen their abilities as historians. Finally, they prepare their master thesis, which they present to and discuss with their fellow students at an early stage. Students of history have several opportunities in the work-place, as academics, high-school teachers, and journalists, and in positions in the public and private sector such as the civil service, insurance companies, banks, etc.