History (Master's Degree Subject)Master’s Degree in History – Broad-Based, Up-to-Date, Research-Oriented
The Master's study at the Department of History in Basel is research-oriented. It fosters the development of students' individual interests, supports their independent academic work, combines this with methodological and theoretical reflection, and establishes links to career and practical fields related to historical studies.
In seminars and research seminars, Master's students engage with different historical periods, topics, and research approaches. Workshops and internships introduce them to academic debates and professional fields closely related to research careers. Through colloquia and study days, they are integrated into the doctoral program of the Basel Graduate School of History. The core of the Master's education is independent research in the form of the Master's thesis, which is closely supervised and guided by members of the department’s faculty.
Focal areas of teaching and research
History at the University of Basel is understood as a cultural and social science discipline. It is concerned with the historically specific ways in which people shape, experience, and interpret their world, as well as with the social and cultural conditions under which they do so. By investigating and reflecting theoretically on processes and conditions of continuity and discontinuity, it contributes to a better understanding of contemporary society.
The Master's study in History is designed to span different historical periods. At its core is a research-oriented engagement with the Middle Ages/Early Modern Period (12th–18th century) and Modern and Contemporary History (19th–21st century). It combines theoretical and methodological training in historical research with an openness to interdisciplinary perspectives. The flexible structure of the study and the thematically diverse range of courses allow students to set their own focus areas and develop individual study profiles. In doing so, they draw on the spatial, chronological, and conceptual areas that shape the profile of historical research and teaching in Basel, engaging with topics such as European history from a global perspective, the history of Eastern Europe, African history, Swiss history, gender history, the history of knowledge, and the Renaissance.
Short profile
| Degree | MA in History |
| Type | Subject |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Study structure | The Master's degree program in History requires a Bachelor's degree in History. It comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP). 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. 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 provides a comprehensive academic education for becoming a historian. Together, the Bachelor's and Master's programmes not only convey historical knowledge but also equip graduates with the skills necessary for a successful career in mid- to senior-level positions across a wide range of professional fields.
In addition to the traditional careers in schools and universities, many historians are employed in the fields of culture, communication, and media. They work in journalism, museums, libraries, and archives, in public administrations, in private service providers (notably banks and insurance companies), as well as in cultural, political, non-profit, and international organisations, including the diplomatic service.
A Master's degree in History with a final grade of at least 5.0 qualifies for admission to the doctoral programme at the University of Basel.
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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