MA Global History
Our Program
The interconnectedness of today’s world is not a new phenomenon, but one that is tied to a long history of exchange and interaction. The history of migration and trade, of empires and nation-states, of religion and the environment, and of ideas, of communication and war have all contributed to linking different parts of the world, albeit unevenly.
The Master of Arts in Global History is dedicated to exploring the various trajectories of cross-border entanglements around the globe. Unlike programs that treat global history as an extension of imperial or economic history, our approach emphasizes the entanglements between specific regions and global structures. By focusing on comparisons, connections, and processes of global integration, the program helps students to understand the forces that have continuously shaped and restructured the world.
Global history is one of the most innovative and productive fields of scholarly inquiry today, and challenges us to think about history and its methodologies in new ways. It acknowledges a broad variety of different perspectives and aims to arrive at a non-Eurocentric reading of the global past.
What makes MA Global History special?
The MA Global History offers dedicated modules with a genuine global perspective that examines historical connections, ruptures, exchanges and (dis)entanglements rather than privileging a nation-focused approach. Our classes draw from various fields and approaches of historical scholarship and regional expertise. The program is a cooperative joint degree between both the Freie Universität and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin. Students can therefore access resources and seminar offers from more than ten institutes at not only one but two excellent universities in the vibrant city of Berlin. As as an English-language program, the MA also brings together students with backgrounds in specific regional histories, creating an international, diverse community.
Is the MA Global History right for you?
Have you studied History or Area Studies in your BA program? Are you proficient in English? Are you interested in critically examining the past to understand how the present came to be? Are you interested in understanding history in a way that moves beyond traditional approaches? Do you love reading historical scholarship that sheds new light on overlooked aspects? Would you be excited to study in a learning environment that encourages you to find your own voice and form your own opinion. Would you like to have the option to learn other languages as part of your studies? Then you are right for this program.
Just admitted?
Welcome! You'll receive information about registration and orientation here on the website and via email from the Global History Team.
Here are some resources:
- Newly Admitted – updated key information and links
- Support Resources – general resources and information
- Matriculation and University Affiliation
- FAQ
- Pre-program German course information (if interested)
Some more reasons to study here
Study at two excellent universities
As a MA Global History student you get to choose from classes and ressources from both the Freie Universität (FU) and the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (HU). Both universitites are part of the excellence cluster Berlin University Alliance (BUA). The program is accredited until 2030, which means it is continuously evaluated. Furthermore, it holds a BUA excellence certificate.
Connect across institutions
MA Global History students benefit from our cooperation with not only the history departments at both universities but also serveral of the FU and HU’s regional institutes such as Friedrich-Meinecke-Institut (FU), Institut of Islamic Studies (FU), Institut for Chinese Studies (FU), Institut for Korean Studies (FU), Institute for Latin American Studies (FU), John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies (FU), Institute of History (HU), Institut for Asian and African Studies (HU)
Furthermore, MA Global History students are eligible to apply for both universities’ exchange programs and profit from a broader range of international partners.
Tailor your program
MA Global History students can choose from a wide selection of classes with diverse foci to fit their interests. Furthermore, the program also offers flexibility through a compulsory optional module, a possible professional 8-week internship and the interdisciplinary elective area, allowing students to further tailor the program for their personal interests and career aspirations.
FAQ
Dates
