Eastern European History (Master's Degree Subject)Specialization in a Fascinating Historical Region
The Master's degree subject in Eastern European History focuses on a region whose fascinating past offers a broad and dynamic field of research. At the University of Basel, the scope of Eastern European History extends from the new member states of the European Union to Russia’s eastern border, encompassing the countries of Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Whereas Eastern Europe was once often seen as a self-contained world behind the Iron Curtain, increasing attention is now paid to the close political, economic, and cultural interconnections with other world regions. The study primarily covers the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, although students are encouraged to pursue their own regional and thematic interests. Master's students in the Department of History at the University of Basel benefit from a vibrant research environment marked by interdisciplinary collaboration, research-led teaching, and international exchange.
Focal areas of teaching and research
The study centres on a critical engagement with the history of Eastern Europe in all its breadth. Core topics include the history of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, as well as the integration of Eastern European history into broader European and global contexts. Particular attention is given to questions of cultural history, memory, and interconnections.
The Master's study offers a compact yet diverse range of courses. The curriculum is enriched by the Research and Practice module, in which current research projects and theoretical and methodological issues are explored through interdisciplinary colloquia. Excursions to Eastern Europe provide further opportunities to deepen understanding on site and to connect academic perspectives with personal experiences. The Master's study in History is closely linked to the doctoral program at the Basel Graduate School of History (BGSH).
Short profile
| Degree | MA in Eastern European History |
| Type | Subject |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Study structure | The Master's degree is the second degree after the Bachelor's degree and comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP). The Master's degree program in Eastern European History requires a Bachelor's degree in Eastern European Studies or in History (with a focus on Eastern European History). Eastern European History is studied in combination with a second subject, each worth 35 CP. The subject in which the Master's thesis (30 CP) is written becomes a major, the other a minor. In addition, there is the free elective area (20 CP). One CP corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. |
| Subject combination | A subject from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or a non-faculty subject can be considered as a second Master's subject. Students can choose it according to their interests and professional goals. A particular meaningful combination can be made with the Master's programme in Slavic Studies. The free elective area consists of freely selectable courses that can be used to deepen knowledge of the subjects, to gain insight into other subjects offered by the University of Basel or to acquire language skills. |
| Language of instruction | German, English |
| Department | History |
Master’s admission requirements
Admission to master’s programs is regulated by the university student regulations and the stipulations of the individual degree program descriptions. More details of the general master’s admission requirements are provided here.
For students to be admitted with no additional requirements, they must hold a bachelor’s degree worth 180 CP from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel.
Subject-related requirements are defined in the admission requirements (section 3) of the study program for the relevant subject. The guidelines may also contain further useful information that is key to successful studies.
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 Master's studies
See also factsheets under Documents & Factsheets.
Master's thesis
Fall semester 2024
Fall semester 2026
Master's examinations for students of the subject and degree program
Master's degree
All data subject to subsequent changes.
Career opportunities
The Master's degree in Eastern European History is a professionally qualifying academic degree. It qualifies students for careers in the fields of media, journalism, cultural management, business, administration, politics, NGOs and the diplomatic service. It is also a prerequisite for admission to a doctoral program and thus for an academic career.
In addition to general historical qualifications, students acquire specialized and contemporary expertise in the field of Eastern Europe. The degree in Eastern European History enables graduates to work successfully in middle and upper management positions in numerous professional fields. In addition to traditional careers in schools and universities, Eastern European historians work in journalism, museums, libraries and archives, public administration, private service companies, cultural, political, non-profit and international organizations and even in the diplomatic service.
Student advisory service
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