Historical Studies

The Master's program in Historical Studies at Radboud University offers students an in-depth exploration of historical developments, narratives, and methodologies across a wide range of periods and regions. This program is designed for those who have a passion for understanding the complexities of the past and how these shape our present and future. Throughout the program, students engage in critical analysis of historical sources, participate in interdisciplinary research, and develop advanced skills in historiography, research techniques, and academic writing.

The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of different historical themes, including cultural, social, political, and economic histories. Students have the opportunity to tailor their studies by choosing specializations such as medieval history, modern history, or global history, among others. The program emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to compare and connect historical phenomena across different societies and regions.

Radboud University’s historical studies program promotes active learning through seminars, workshops, and research projects. Students are mentored by experienced faculty members and are encouraged to develop independent research projects, culminating in a master’s thesis that contributes original insights to the field of history. Additionally, the program prepares students for a variety of career paths, including academia, journalism, cultural heritage management, policy analysis, and international organizations.

Internationally oriented and research-driven, the Master’s in Historical Studies also offers opportunities for study abroad and internships, providing practical experience and broadening professional networks. The program adheres to high academic standards and aims to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in historical knowledge but also equipped with research, analytical, and communication skills necessary for diverse career opportunities. Whether you wish to deepen your understanding of specific historical periods or develop a broad comparative perspective, this program provides a solid foundation for your future endeavors in the field of history.

• Theory of Scientific Research in Humanities
• Academic writing
• International Literature and Historical Research
• Methods and Approaches in Humanities
• Contemporary Debates in Humanities
• Sources of Historical Research
• Key Research in Historical Studies
• Electives, study abroad or internship
• Article, proposal, and thesis

Instruction modes

literature study, internship, research, research project, research proposal, tutorial, lecture, individual assignment, self study

A completed Bachelor's degree

A Bachelor's degree in History or related area. Your average grade during the second and third years of your BA studies has to have been at least a 7.5 and your Bachelor’s thesis had to have received a grade of at least 8.0.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this specialisation, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of ≥600 (paper based) or ≥100 (internet based)
• A IELTS score of ≥7.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Strong motivation

You have to be able to demonstrate your motivation for and affinity with international academic research. A selection committee will review evaluate the motivation of each applicant separately.

Letter of recommendation

We also ask that your BA thesis supervisor (or other relevant teacher) sends us a letter of recommendation by mail: hlcsmaster@ru.nl

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Master's in Historical Studies is a specialisation of the Research Master's in Historical, Literary and Cultural Studies