General History

The Bachelor of Arts in General History at the University of Geneva offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of historical phenomena from ancient times to the modern era. Designed to provide a broad foundation in historical studies, this program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the complex forces that have shaped human societies across different periods and regions. Throughout the course of the program, students engage with diverse topics including political history, social movements, economic transformations, cultural developments, and intellectual histories from various parts of the world. The curriculum is structured to encourage interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from archaeology, anthropology, and other social sciences, thereby enriching students' perspective on historical processes.

Students will have the opportunity to study primary and secondary sources, honing their research skills and learning to interpret historical evidence critically. The program emphasizes the importance of contextual understanding, enabling students to analyze historical events within their broader socio-cultural and geopolitical frameworks. Throughout their academic journey, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects—which may include collaborations with international institutions—allowing them to apply their knowledge practically and to develop academic and professional competencies.

The university also offers a variety of specialization options within history, allowing students to focus on specific regions, themes, or periods such as medieval Europe, early modern Asia, or contemporary global history. Additionally, students are supported through academic advising to tailor their studies according to their career goals, whether in academia, public history, journalism, education, or international organizations. The program prepares graduates to pursue further studies at the master's or doctoral level or to enter professional environments requiring analytical and research skills.

The teaching faculty comprises experienced historians and researchers dedicated to fostering an engaging and stimulating learning environment. The university’s facilities, including libraries, archives, and digital resources, provide students with excellent tools for their academic projects. By completing this degree, students will acquire a deep understanding of historical developments and the ability to critically analyze complex historical questions, fostering a lifelong appreciation and curiosity about the past and its influence on present and future societies.

The Bachelor of Arts in General History at the University of Geneva offers students a comprehensive introduction to the diverse and interconnected facets of historical study. The program is designed to provide a foundational understanding of major historical events, periods, and themes from ancient civilizations to modern times. Students will explore the social, political, cultural, economic, and religious dimensions that have shaped human societies across different regions and eras. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret primary sources, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, cultural heritage, journalism, or public history.

Throughout the program, students engage in a variety of coursework that combines theoretical approaches and practical research methods. Core courses cover topics such as European history, world history, history of mentalities, and historical theories, fostering a broad and interconnected perspective on past events. Elective options allow students to specialize in particular areas of interest, including the history of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Modern Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas. Interdisciplinary elements are integrated into the curriculum, encouraging students to connect history with fields like sociology, anthropology, and political science.

The program also emphasizes the development of essential skills, such as historiographical analysis, critical reading, and effective writing. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects, which provide hands-on experience in historical investigation and presentation. The faculty at the University of Geneva consists of renowned historians who mentor students and facilitate a stimulating academic environment. The program culminates in a final research project or thesis, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent historical research.

In addition to classroom learning, students benefit from the university’s extensive library resources, digital archives, and partnerships with museums and cultural institutions. This rich academic environment fosters a deeper understanding of historical processes and encourages academic curiosity. Graduates of the General History program are well-equipped to pursue further studies or to embark on careers that require a deep understanding of historical context and critical analysis. Whether aspiring to become educators, researchers, writers, or cultural professionals, students will find that this program provides a solid foundation for a variety of professional paths related to history and cultural heritage.

The Bachelor of Arts in General History at the University of Geneva requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum that provides a solid foundation in historical theories, methods, and diverse chronological and geographical areas. Students must undertake core courses that introduce essential historical concepts, alongside specialised courses that focus on specific periods, regions, or thematic issues such as social history, political history, cultural history, and economic history. To ensure a well-rounded understanding, students are encouraged to select electives that complement their main area of study, which may include courses in related disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology, and philosophy.

A key component of the program involves developing critical analysis and research skills through assignments, seminars, and research projects. Students are expected to engage with primary and secondary sources, enhance their abilities in historiography, and learn to present their findings clearly and convincingly. Language proficiency requirements may include coursework in relevant foreign languages to facilitate access to original sources and broaden historical perspective, particularly in European and non-European contexts.

The program typically includes a mandatory internship or practical experience component, designed to give students insight into professional environments where historical knowledge is applicable, such as museums, archives, cultural institutions, or research institutes. Throughout their studies, students are guided by faculty members who are experts in various historical domains, providing mentorship and opportunities for scholarly development.

Assessment methods include written examinations, research papers, presentations, and oral exams, all aimed at evaluating students' understanding of historical content and their analytical capabilities. To graduate, students must complete a certain number of ECTS credits designated for coursework, research, and internships, adhering to the university’s academic standards.

Moreover, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in historical research, preparing graduates for further academic study or careers in education, cultural management, journalism, and other fields where historical knowledge is valuable. Overall, the General History program at the University of Geneva aims to cultivate skilled historians with a broad, nuanced understanding of the past, capable of contributing to scholarly and public discourses.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

The General History program at the University of Geneva offers students a comprehensive overview of world history, focusing on the development of societies, cultures, and civilizations from ancient times to the modern era. This program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills, allowing them to interpret historical phenomena and understand the interconnectedness of global events. The curriculum includes a diverse range of subjects, such as political history, social movements, economic developments, cultural transformations, and historical theories. Students have the opportunity to study various regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, enabling a broad understanding of world history. The program emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical research skills, encouraging students to engage critically with primary and secondary sources. Besides traditional lectures and seminars, the program often incorporates workshops, interdisciplinary projects, and digital humanities tools to enrich the learning experience. The faculty comprises renowned historians and researchers who provide mentorship and expertise across different historical periods and themes. Graduates of the General History program can pursue careers in academia, education, museums, cultural heritage management, journalism, public history, or international organizations. The program also prepares students for further graduate studies, including master's and doctoral degrees in history or related fields. The University of Geneva's location in a multilingual, multicultural city enhances students' linguistic and intercultural competencies, which are valuable in the field of history. Overall, the program aims to develop well-rounded, critically-minded historians capable of analyzing complex historical issues and contributing to society through research and dissemination of knowledge.