Western History

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: Korean
Foreign:$ 1.79 k / Semester(s) Deadline: Feb 1, 2026
60 place StudyQA ranking:8217 Duration:8 semestrs

Photos of university / #seoul.national.university

The Department of Western History at Seoul National University offers an in-depth and comprehensive undergraduate program designed to foster a thorough understanding of the historical developments and cultural transformations of the Western world. This program aims to cultivate students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and historical awareness through a rigorous curriculum that spans ancient civilizations, medieval times, early modern periods, and contemporary history. Students will explore significant historical events, movements, and figures that have shaped Western society, politics, philosophy, and arts. The program emphasizes comparative and interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to examine historical phenomena from various perspectives and methodological frameworks. Through engaging lectures, seminars, and research projects, students gain proficiency in historical research methods, primary source analysis, and academic writing. The curriculum also highlights the impact of Western history on global developments and promotes understanding of the interconnectedness of historical processes across different regions and eras. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, education, public history, cultural heritage management, international relations, and media. They develop not only deep historical knowledge but also essential skills in communication, critical thinking, and research, preparing them for diverse professional paths. The department is committed to fostering a vibrant academic community, supporting student initiatives, and encouraging participation in international exchanges and internships. By completing the program, students will acquire a nuanced understanding of Western history's complexities and its influence on the modern world, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to scholarly discourse and societal development.

  • American History
  • History of England
  • Modern Western History 1: From the Renaissance to the French Revolution
  • Modern Western History 2: The Long 19th Century
  • English Readings in Historical Literature
  • European Historiography
  • History of Germany
  • History of France
  • Women in History
  • Ancient Greece and Rome
  • Ancient Greece and Rome
  • Contemporary Western History 1
  • Contemporary European History 2
  • German Readings in Historical Literature
  • French Readings in Historical Literature
  • History of Russia
  • Topics in Western Regional Studies
  • Topics in Western History
  • Seminar in Western History
  • Maritime Expansion and Modern Times
  1. Online application
  2. Proof of Korean  proficiency is required;     1) Korean Proficiency: TOPIK level 3 or higher     2) Other official documents indicating proof of language proficiency (ie. SNU Korean Language Center Level 4 or higher)
  3. Personal Statement and Study Plan
  4. Letter of Recommendation
  5. Counselor Reference
  6. Official High School Transcript and Graduation Certificate
  7. A Copy of the Applicant’s Passport
  8. Certificate of Facts concerning the Entry and Exit
  9. Portfolio, Records of Achievement, etc.
  10. Agreement for Verification of Academic Record

If you wish to apply for the scholarship program, please fill out the scholarship application form every semester. Application period:

  • During November(1st semester)
  • During May(2nd semester)

New  Student (Merit scholarship)

  • Funding: Fully funded or partially funded (admission fee + tuition 10%)
  • Eligibility: New undergraduate student (Full fund – 2 by college (excluding science and engineering);

Partial fund – selected within the 30% of the registered students)

Current Student (Merit scholarship)

  • GPA requirement: Completed more than one semester; 3.6 GPA or higher (average of all semesters)
  • Funding: Fully funded
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate student (selected from the allotted pool)

International Student Scholarship:

  • GPA requirement: 2.4 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
  • Funding: Tuition and fees (partial or fully funded)
  • Eligibility: International student in the government-funded (government-invited) scholarship, international

    student (self-funded), Korean student living overseas and studying in Korea (undergraduate and graduate course)

SNU Foundation Scholarship:

  • GPA requirement: 2.7 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
  • Funding: Tuition and fees (partial or fully funded)
  • Feature: Scholarship funded by some 200 funds created by Seoul National University Foundation

The following is the scholarship programs offered for undergraduate applicants. Students may apply for the programs before or during the admission application period. Applicants may find program details via this website http://en.snu.ac.kr/apply/info or supporting organizations.

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

Eligibility

  • International applicants who wish to apply for 4-year undergraduate programs of SNU.
  • * Those who wish to study in the programs longer than 4 years – such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and architecture – cannot apply for this scholarship.

Number of Recipients

  • Approximately 20~40 every year

Subsidies

  • Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 8 semesters
  • Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month
  • Airfare: one economy round trip
  • Korean language training fee: one year
    * Korean language training is mandatory and when the student does not achieve TOPIK grade 3 within a year, she/he is not eligible to enter the degree program.
  • Others: medical insurance, settlement and returning expenses

Application Period

  • September

Selection Procedure

  • Applicants submit applications for this program to Korean embassies in their countries ⇒ the embassies make the first selection ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the final selection

Contact

  • SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-6971, sck590@snu.ac.kr

Reference

  • NIIED: http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr (English version) ⇒ GKS ⇒ Introduction to the projects ⇒ Korean Government Scholarship Program
  • 2016 KGSP Guideline Download

Overseas Koreans Scholarship

Eligibility

  • Overseas Korean students who wish to take undergraduate degrees at SNU

Number of Recipients

  • Approximately 5 students

Subsidies

  • Full tuition exemption for a maximum of 8 semesters
  • Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month
  • Airfare for one economy round trip
  • Korean language training fee: fee exemption at the Language Education Institute for 8 months
  • Medical insurance fees

Application Period

  • March

Selection Procedure

  • Applicants submit applications to Korean embassies in their countries ⇒ the embassies make the first selection ⇒ the Overseas Koreans Foundation make the second selection

Contacts

  • SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr
  • Overseas Koreans Foundation: 82-2-3415-0174, ljh@okf.or.kr
    * The latest announcement on this scholarship can be found only via the foundation’s website.

Reference

  • Overseas Koreans Foundation: http://scholarship.korean.net (Korean)

The Bachelor of Arts in Western History at Seoul National University offers students a comprehensive curriculum designed to explore the rich and diverse history of Western civilizations. This program aims to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and deep understanding of historical events, cultural developments, and societal changes that have shaped the Western world from ancient times to the modern era. The curriculum includes a variety of courses covering ancient Greece and Rome, medieval Europe, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and contemporary Western societies. Students are encouraged to engage in detailed historical research, interpret primary and secondary sources, and participate in debates and discussions to enhance their interpretative skills.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from archaeology, literature, political science, philosophy, and anthropology to foster a well-rounded understanding of Western history. Students are also provided with opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in academic seminars to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The department emphasizes the development of a global perspective, encouraging students to analyze Western history in relation to other world civilizations and current global issues.

Graduates of the Western History program at Seoul National University are well-equipped for careers in academia, education, public history, cultural preservation, international organizations, and media. The program prepares students for advanced studies and research, offering pathways into master's and doctoral programs worldwide. The faculty members are distinguished scholars with extensive research experience, actively contributing to the field of Western history. Overall, the program aims to cultivate informed global citizens capable of thoughtful analysis and respectful dialogue regarding Western historical narratives and their global impact.

Similar programs:
Study mode:On campus Languages: Korean
Foreign:$ 1.79 k / Semester(s)
Deadline: Feb 1, 2026 60 place StudyQA ranking: 9771
Study mode:On campus Languages: Korean English
Foreign:$ 1.79 k / Semester(s)
Deadline: Feb 1, 2026 60 place StudyQA ranking: 13801
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 12 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jan 15, 2026 301–350 place StudyQA ranking: 10922
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 12 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Oct 1, 2026 301–350 place StudyQA ranking: 10119
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 12 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jan 15, 2026 301–350 place StudyQA ranking: 10073
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 10.6 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 14.4 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jan 15, 2026 200 place StudyQA ranking: 11041
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 10.6 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 14.4 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Jan 15, 2026 200 place StudyQA ranking: 10639