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Primary Source AccessEuropean archives, libraries, and museums hold primary sources spanning millennia of recorded human history
Living ContextHistorical events studied in class come alive when you can visit the actual sites throughout your studies
Research SpecializationEuropean history faculties maintain deep expertise across diplomatic, social, economic, and cultural history
Career VersatilityHistory graduates enter law, policy, journalism, heritage, and business — analytical skills travel widely
To study history in Europe is to study it at the source. The events, archives, monuments, and primary documents that historians elsewhere read about are, on this continent, often a short walk or train ride away — ancient, medieval, and modern all layered into the same cities and landscapes. European universities offer unmatched access to archives, libraries, and historic sites, and the continent's diversity means a student can specialize in almost any period or region in the very place that shaped it. The teaching tends to be source-driven and methodologically serious, training students to work with evidence, languages, and competing interpretations rather than to memorize narratives. English-taught master's programs are increasingly available, and the discipline now reaches well beyond traditional political history into cultural studies, public history, heritage management, and archaeology. Specializations span European, medieval, and modern history, art history, cultural studies, and heritage and museum work. History graduates are unusually versatile: they move into museums, archives, and heritage organizations, into education and academia, and — because the degree builds rigorous research, analysis, and writing — into publishing and media, policy and the civil service, law, and the wider knowledge economy.
Featured History & Cultural Studies Programs in Europe
A selection of programs available across Europe — explore details, fees, and requirements.
European Studies
KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
Bachelor's English 3 years
EU: €2,225 Per year Non-EU: €7,370
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European Studies KU Leuven
This bachelor's program focuses on European affairs through an interdisciplinary approach that combines politics, law, history, economics, philosophy, and culture. Students begin with foundational courses in international relations, EU integration, law, and political science, and develop language skills in one of several European languages. They then specialize in one of several tracks such as Law, Political Science, Economics, Philosophy, Communication Studies, or History, with study options across multiple partner universities in Europe. These tracks explore topics like EU policies, governance, societal change, economic integration, and cultural history. Research skills and international perspectives are emphasized through courses and optional internships.
To apply for this bachelor's program as an international student, applicants must hold a secondary education diploma that provides access to university studies in their home country and is recognized as equivalent within the European Economic Area or Switzerland. Students from outside these regions may also apply if their diploma is considered comparable and officially validated. Applicants who earned their diploma in a country outside the EU/EEA must submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT must have a minimum score of 580 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, while the ACT requires a combined minimum of 46 in English and Reading. Those with an International Baccalaureate are exempt. English proficiency must be proven via tests such as TOEFL (min. 90), IELTS (min. 6.5), Cambridge (min. 176), or PTE (min. 59), unless the applicant completed secondary or higher education entirely in English in the USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or English-speaking Canada. Required documents include a reading and writing assignment, two video pitches, and completed university and mobility forms. Only complete applications that meet the minimum criteria are considered.
This master's program explores the dynamics of contemporary culture through academic research, policy, and creative practice. It includes a master's thesis, an internship (short or long), and core courses in cultural theory, cultural policy, and research methods. Students specialize by selecting courses from one or both available tracks. The Creative Practices track focuses on topics like film, photography, online publishing, music, curatorial practice, and European cultural diversity. The Cultural Memory and Identity track covers themes such as cultural heritage, European literature, religion, theater, and cinema. The program also offers short-term mobility options within the arts faculty.
To apply for this master's program, candidates must hold an academic bachelor's degree in arts, literature, cultural studies, or history. Applicants should demonstrate strong familiarity with areas of contemporary Western culture, including literature, cultural theory, and art history, either through prior coursework or relevant professional experience. English proficiency is required, with a minimum IELTS Academic score of 7.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 102, or a Cambridge CAE/CPE certificate with an overall score of at least 190. An ITACE C1 certificate is also accepted. Applicants with a degree from a university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States are exempt. A brief description of relevant undergraduate courses must also be submitted.
This master's program offers a comprehensive education in historical research, theory, and methodology, allowing students to explore both medieval and modern periods. The core curriculum includes a history thesis, a course on the theory of history, and a research seminar selected based on the student’s historical interest—either medieval and early modern history or modern and contemporary history. Students choose from a broad range of optional courses on themes such as religion, colonialism, political history, global history, gender, science, and cultural heritage. The program emphasizes critical analysis, archival research, and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding historical developments.
To apply for this master's program, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in history or a closely related field that includes history as a major or minor. In exceptional cases, other degrees may be considered, but applicants should contact the program beforehand. English language proficiency at the C1 level of the CEFR is required and can be proven through TOEFL iBT (minimum 100, with at least 27 in writing), IELTS (minimum 7.5 overall, with at least 7.0 in writing), Cambridge C1/C2 (minimum 190 overall, 185 in writing), or ITACE at C1 level. Exemptions apply to graduates from universities in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA. Applicants must also submit a CV, transcripts, and a detailed cover letter (750–1000 words) explaining their academic motivation, relevant experience in historical or archival research, and a preliminary thesis proposal including a suggested supervisor. Additionally, applicants must provide a sample of previous historical or archival research, such as a bachelor’s thesis or academic paper. If the original is not in English, the introduction, conclusion, and a representative paragraph showing research methods must be translated.
This program in Global Cultures explores historical, social, and political processes shaping global interactions, with strong emphasis on entangled histories, postcolonial perspectives, and transnational movements. Students can specialize through electives in areas such as global health, climate geographies, feminist critique, diasporas, and religion. The curriculum integrates themes across cultural spheres, connected worldviews, and global issues, encouraging critical perspectives on globalization and identity. It includes a seminar in global humanities and offers flexible final examination options, including preparation abroad or internship-based projects.
Admission requires a degree in history or a related field with at least 30 credits in subjects such as modern or contemporary history, anthropology, political science, sociology, or regional history of areas like Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. Applicants must demonstrate historical knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to contextualize sources across time periods. A strong command of English at B2 level is essential, and can be proven via certification, native proficiency, or a prior degree taught in English. Students who have not yet graduated may apply if only the final exam is pending, with graduation required by year-end. EU students typically pay around €1,200/year based on family income. Non-EU students usually pay a fixed fee of about €1,400/year. Check with the university for your exact fee.
