Program Overview

---

University of Fribourg Master Programme

The University of Fribourg offers a Master of Arts in Historical Sciences with a focus on General and Swiss History of Modern Times. This programme delves into the early modern era, exploring the complex network of political, economic, and cultural exchanges that defined this period.

Abstract

This master programme examines the early modern times, a period when the foundation for modern Europe was laid, yet still characterized by old European patterns of social interaction. Students become acquainted with the intricate network of exchanges during this era, utilizing social, cultural, scientific, church, legal, music, and art history approaches.

Profile of the Study Programme

The programme deepens and expands the broad range of historic knowledge and methodological skills acquired through bachelor studies in an application-oriented manner. The focus lies in the history of early modern times, similar to master's programmes in Renaissance Studies at English-language universities, but also encompasses the time of confessional disputes and the Enlightenment.

Studies Organisation

Structure of Studies

The programme consists of 90 ECTS credits, with the option to choose a minor study programme freely, totaling 3 to 4 semesters.

Admission

Master's degree programmes are built on the knowledge and abilities acquired through obtaining a bachelor's degree. Holders of a bachelor's degree from a Swiss university are admitted without preconditions if they have earned 60 or 90 ECTS credits within the corresponding discipline. Holders of a bachelor's degree from a foreign university are admitted if the degree is recognized and considered equivalent by the University of Fribourg.

Minor Study Programmes to be Chosen

• Art History
• Business Informatics
• Chemistry
• Communication and Society
• Comparative Literature
• Computer Science
• Culture, Politics and Religion in Pluralist Societies
• Eastern European Studies
• Economics
• Education Sciences
• English Language and Literature
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Sciences and Humanities
• Ethics and Economics
• European Studies
• French as a Foreign Language / French as a Second Language
• French: Foundational Curriculum
• Gender, Society, Social Policy
• Geography
• German
• German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language
• German Literary Studies
• Greek Studies
• History
• Interreligious Studies
• Islam and Society
• Italian
• Latin Studies
• Management
• Mathematics
• Medieval Studies
• Multilingualism Studies
• Musicology and History of Opera
• Pedagogy / Psychology
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Politics and Society
• Psychology
• Rhaeto-Romance
• Slavic Studies
• Social Policy and Social Work
• Social Problems, Social Policy and Risk Prevention
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sport Sciences
• Theology

Key Points

Degree Conferred

Master of Arts in Historical Sciences: General and Swiss History of Modern Times

Languages of Study

Possibility to study in French, in German, or in French and German, with some courses offered in English.

Options

Information on the optional award of the distinction "Bilingual curriculum, French/German" is available through the relevant Department.

Commencement of Studies

Studies can commence in the Autumn Semester (September) or the Spring Semester (February).

Access to Further Studies

This master programme qualifies students for doctoral programmes in History and Contemporary History.