What does this study entail?
The United Nations developed since 2015 an agenda of 17 goals to improve the living conditions for all on our planet. Although those 17 challenges might reveal contemporary problems, they are rooted in historical developments. Global warming, for instance, refers to a historical evolution on our planet and can only be understood from a long-term perspective, but this also applies to other challenges such as gender inequality or poverty.
In the master specialisation Applied History at Erasmus University Rotterdam you will learn how we need to use a long-term perspective if we want to come with sustainable solutions for global problems. You will also discover that nation states often use history to create narratives and identities that influence our daily lives. By studying the development of different global histories, you learn to understand how history is often a cultural, religious, social, or political narrative created to legitimise nation states, conflicts, cultural identities or world domination.
Is this the right programme for you?
How do you create a relevant exhibition about Rotterdam’s colonial past? In what ways can big data and digital humanities be used in collecting and presenting information? What are the major societal challenges in today's globalising society?
Do these questions speak to you? Then the master specialisation Applied History could be a match. During this programme, with a practical approach, you will master the right analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle contemporary challenges by looking for the solutions in long-term developments from history.
Five reasons to study Applied History at the EUR
- This master specialisation offers you the opportunity to take a longer internship and reflect on concrete contemporary problems in your final project. Next to writing a research thesis, you can challenge yourself by translating your research problem into other product, such as a documentary script or an outline for an exhibition;
- the interdisciplinary collaboration (where possible) with Arts and Culture and Media Studies makes you a desirable employee for a variety of organisations. Whether you want to become a journalist, ambition a career in politics, or as a scientist, this master will prepare you thoroughly;
- this master specialisation provides methodological skills to gather and analyse data in a critical way which prepares you for the labour market. Data mining, management, analysis and presentation are crucial skills on today’s labour market;
- you will benefit from the engaging tutorials and a dedicated team of lecturers;
- studying Applied History in Rotterdam means living in a city with an interesting past and a dynamic present.
