History (Bachelor's Degree Subject)A Different Perspective on the Present: Studying History
The study of history looks into past eras while remaining firmly rooted in the present. Its goal is not merely to generate factual knowledge but to continuously pose new questions to the past from the perspective of today. Historians investigate events, processes, and structures of the past through the lens of contemporary questions. They are interested in all aspects and developments of past cultures and societies – power relations and trade routes, festival cultures and social conflicts, hunger crises and political symbols, medical knowledge and family relationships, wars, and material cultures.
Their interpretations of the past are derived from the analysis of sources and through critical engagement with existing research. By reconstructing the historical dimension of social and cultural phenomena and relating present issues to past contexts, the study of history fosters awareness of possibilities for action and the malleability of the present and future.
Focal areas of teaching and research
History at the University of Basel sees itself as a cultural and social science discipline. It is interested in the historically specific ways in which people shaped, experienced, and interpreted their world as well as the conditions under which they did so – in social, economic and political structures, forms of organisation, and power relations.
The Bachelor's degree subject in History at Basel is designed to cover all epochs. The four epochs of Ancient History, the Middle Ages, Early Modern Times (16th–18th century) and Modern and Contemporary History (19th-21st century) structure the course of study. It combines a basic theoretical and methodologically orientated education in the craft of history with an interest in the perspectives of other disciplines.
The flexible study structure and the thematically diverse range of courses enable students to focus on their interests and develop individual study profiles. To this end, they make use of the spatial, epochal, and conceptual focal points that characterise the profile of Basel history in research and teaching, focusing, for example, on European history in a global perspective, the history of Eastern Europe, the history of Africa, Swiss history, gender history, the history of knowledge or the Renaissance.
Short profile
| Degree | BA in History |
| Type | Subject |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 180 |
| Study structure | The Bachelor's degree is the first degree before the Master's degree and comprises a total of 180 credit points (CP). History is studied as one of two subjects, each worth 75 CP. In addition, there is the free elective area (30 CP). One CP corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. |
| Subject combination | In addition to subjects from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, a non-faculty subject is also possible as a second Bachelor's subject. The free elective area is freely available to all students. It is generally used to acquire general skills (foreign languages, IT, rhetoric, etc.), for interdisciplinary learning (non-subject or interdisciplinary courses), to further deepen your own subject studies or to acquire a certificate. |
| Language of instruction | German (occasionally English) |
| Department | Department of History |
Bachelor’s admission requirements
The Student Administration Office at the University of Basel is responsible for admitting students to bachelor’s programs in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. This is based on the admission regulations of the President’s Office:
- with Swiss educational qualifications,
- foreign educational qualifications, or
- as a visiting student (not working toward a degree at the University of Basel)
Holders of a Swiss federal Maturität certificate will be admitted to all bachelor’s degree programs.
If you have any further questions, please consult the information provided here.
Registration dates
Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.
Information events
The University of Basel organizes regular information events for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Details can be found on the events page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Some subject areas also offer their own separate information or welcome events. Please consult the page for the relevant subject area for event dates and locations.
Deadlines and dates for the Bachelor's studies
Students who have earned 60 CP in the subject to be examined or 120 CP in the degree program and have completed the seminar papers that count towards the degree in the subject to be examined or in the degree program may register for the Bachelor's examination. Proof is provided by submitting the module assignment.
Only one subject per session can now be examined. This means that the two Bachelor's examinations can be spread over two sessions (note: only for subjects - it is not possible to separate the two examinations for degree programs).
BA examinations: Due to the free availability of AI text generators (such as ChatGPT), the Faculty of Phil.-Hist. has decided to adapt the way in which the BA examination is conducted. This adjustment is intended to ensure that students are able to do their own work. From spring semester 2023, the BA examinations will once again be written in the university rooms under supervision. These will be digital "bring-your-own-device" examinations. The examination dates remain unchanged.
Please note the updated information sheet on the procedure for BA examinations and the new registration form (subject, degree program). If you have any questions, please contact the Student Administration.
Examinations & graduation
Further Master's studies
A Bachelor's degree in History qualifies students for various advanced Master's degrees in history: History (Master's degree with a second subject), East European History (Master's degree with a second subject, admission requires language skills and proof of academic achievement in East European History), European History (full Master's degree). It also allows admission to interdisciplinary Master's programs such as African Studies and European Global Studies (usually with individually agreed conditions)
- MA History
- MA East European History
- MA European History in a Global Perspective
- MA African Studies
- MA European Global Studies
Teaching diploma
Graduates who are interested in the teaching profession can study for a teaching diploma for the lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I) or upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II). For details and teaching diploma regulations, please consult the relevant school for teacher education (such as the FHNW School of Education) or the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education.
Student advisory service
Teaching commission
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