Program Overview

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University of Fribourg Master Programme in Contemporary History

Abstract

The master programme in Contemporary History at the University of Fribourg focuses on the political, social, and cultural history of the 19th and 20th centuries, with a particular emphasis on post-1945 European and Swiss contemporary history. This research-based programme combines multi-disciplinarity with bilingualism, incorporating approaches from neighbouring social and cultural disciplines such as European Studies, Social Anthropology, and Science of Religions.

Profile of the Study Programme

The master programme in Contemporary History deepens students' knowledge of Swiss and European contemporary history, analyzing topics from national and transnational perspectives. The programme allows students to conceptualize and write their master thesis under close supervision. Various exchange agreements with foreign European universities enable students to integrate courses abroad into the Fribourg master programme.

Fribourg Profile

Characterized by its bilingualism, the Fribourg master programme can be taken in German, French, or bilingually in both languages, earning the distinction "Bilingual curriculum, French/German" in the diploma. Bilingual seminars are taught in both languages, allowing participants to improve their language skills and experience different university cultures. The programme benefits from the BENEFRI network, enabling students to take courses in Bern and Neuchâtel and include them in their Fribourg master.

Learning Outcomes and Career Openings

The Fribourg master programme in Contemporary History provides a historical dimension to students' understanding of the present. The programme offers skills on various levels, including analyzing complex historical matters, presenting them properly, investigating autonomously and reproducibly, and developing a critical relationship to one's own work. The goal is the development of independent research skills. Graduates are qualified for careers in cantonal, federal, and international organizations, NGOs, media, cultural organizations, the diplomatic corps, and public administration. They are also qualified to teach in upper secondary schools and pursue doctoral studies in History and Contemporary History.

Studies Organisation

Structure of Studies

The programme consists of 90 ECTS credits, with an optional 30 ECTS credits in a minor study programme, and can be completed in 3 to 4 semesters.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in Contemporary History, with a focus on Swiss and European history.

Admission

Master's degree programmes are built on the knowledge and abilities acquired during the 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 in the corresponding discipline. Holders of a bachelor's degree from a foreign university may be admitted with preconditions and/or additional requirements.

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
• 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: Contemporary History

Languages of Study

The programme can be studied in French, German, or both, with some courses offered in English.

Options

The programme offers the optional award of the distinction "Bilingual curriculum, French/German".

Commencement of Studies

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

Access to Further Studies

Graduates are qualified to pursue a Ph.D. in History and Contemporary History.