Master of Arts in Historical Studies (1 year)

As an international faculty and student body, we strive to think about the past not only within but also across historical periods, world regions, national boundaries, and academic disciplines to avoid academic insularity and to keep in mind both the distinctiveness and interconnectedness of historical trajectories. This research-oriented one-year MA program is tailored to students who have already identified a research area that they are passionate about. Since the program is short and intense, it is best suited for students who already have a clear idea for a thesis topic.

The program features two distinct tracks. Students can apply to:

History Track

The History track is characterized by breadth and variety. Students can choose courses from across the entire curriculum of the Department of Historical Studies, exploring the past from antiquity to the present, while focusing their studies in the field of their interests and completing a project of original research.

Late Antique and Medieval Track

This intensive, one-year track is ideal for candidates with a background in late antique, and medieval studies, defined broadly geographically and chronologically. The curriculum delves deeply into interdisciplinary explorations of this era, encompassing, for example, politics, economics, society, culture, archaeology, philosophy, and art history.

For many students, the one-year MA program serves as a stepping stone to doctoral studies. Both tracks not only allow specializing through an MA thesis but also provide research resources and equip students with essential skills, including source languages, digital humanities, publishing, etc.

Program Accreditation/Registration

• The program was approved and registered by the New York State Education Department.
• Program subject to accreditation by the Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria (AQ-Austria)