History of Politics and Society Utrecht University

Overview

You will study the historical development of democracy, civil society, citizenship, and economic inequality in an international comparative perspective. The History of Politics and Society  programme at Utrecht University   focuses largely on the 19th and 20th centuries and has an interdisciplinary approach: you will combine historical research with concepts and explanations derived from the social sciences.

As a student you will develop new academic skills and perspectives: you will learn how to use comparative research methods and how to analyse long-term developments. Through internships, trainings and engaged supervision, the Master’s programme also offers a good preparation for the labour market. In this way we train you as a historian able to use knowledge of the past to help explain and solve current-day issues.

Careers

There are a number of job market segments where there is a need for people who can tie together the past, present, and future: employees who help shape the future by providing insight into the origins of contemporary society. For example:

• Policy makers in the public sector (national government and lower levels) or at semi-public organisations: employees who can advise on issues such as political structures, social relationships, and economic developments.

• Researchers and consultants at important consultation bureaus in these fields, such as the Netherlands Institute for Social Research or the Scientific Council for Government Policy, or parliamentary assistants for political parties.

• Research journalists and consultants in media- or business communities, with an eye to social issues and socially responsible entrepreneurship.

Academic Careers 

In principle, graduates of the Master’s programme History of Politics and Society are eligible to apply for a PhD position at a Dutch or foreign university, but the programme does not train candidates specifically for this purpose. Students who aim for such a career may be better off choosing the Research Master’s in History.

Accreditation

Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.