History

The History programme at VU Amsterdam is a broad-based bachelor’s programme, with a strong focus on European and global history, research skills, and contemporary issues. In addition to the Dutch-taught programme, there is a fully English-taught bachelor’s track in History and International Studies (HIS).

During the broad-based first year, you will gain a good overview of the discipline and take modules covering the main themes of European and global history, from classical antiquity to the present day. You will also take a number of general modules focusing on academic skills and the historical understanding of current affairs. The Dutch-taught programme places greater emphasis on European history, whilst HIS focuses more on international relations.

Following the chronologically structured first year, the second year offers a more thematic orientation within the discipline. In the Dutch-taught programme, the emphasis is on the legacy of European history, whilst in HIS students choose to study specific regions. Students also gain insight into the challenges that characterise our times, and their historical roots, such as climate change and inequality. In research seminars, students go through the entire research process. Students also deepen their academic and historical skills, including an examination of the digital environment in which historians work.

In the third year, you will delve deeper into your chosen specialisation, for example by taking a minor. You may also choose to study part of your degree abroad, or arrange an internship at a research institute or a potential future employer, such as a government department, a heritage organisation or a company. The Bachelor’s programme concludes with a thesis on a topic of your choice. Research seminars will prepare you for this.