Table of contents

Study Model

Autumn 2025

Compulsory courses

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Spring 2026

Compulsory courses

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Autumn 2026

Compulsory courses

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Spring 2027

Compulsory courses

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Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course students will have acquired the following:

Knowledge

  • advanced knowledge of history as a scholarly discipline, and expert knowledge of the subject of their master's thesis.
  • comprehensive knowledge of the scientific basis of history as an academic discipline.
  • a high level of insight into the history, traditions and distinctive character of the discipline and the ability to analyse the usage of history in society.

Skills

  • the ability to analyse historical sources and use relevant theories and research methods within the discipline.
  • the ability to analyse and evaluate academic texts within the discipline critically and independently.
  • the ability to conduct an independent research project under guidance and in accordance with current standards of research ethics.

General Competence

  • skills in scholarly communication and discussion, and the ability to make complex subject matters understandable to a broader public.
  • the ability to analyse relevant issues concerning historical research and research ethics.
  • the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in new areas in the implementation of advanced tasks and projects.

Admission requirements

The general admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent education of a minimum of three years (180 ECTS credits). A major of at least 80 ECTS credits in history must be included. At least 20 credits must be at the supplementary level (Level 2). A weighted average grade of C or better is a requirement. The requirement is calculated on the basis of the bachelor’s degree as a whole.

General description and profile of the programme

The study programme consists of four courses and a master's thesis. Coursework is to last one year and thesis writing one year (total of two). The four courses are to include both general and thesis-related approaches to historical research, history and its use in society, theory, method and working forms. The master's thesis is to be an independent work comprising 80 -120 pages in addition to attachments and bibliography. This research work is to be completed in consultation with an appointed advisor and regularly reported upon at scholarly seminars. Students are appointed an advisor during their first semester of study, and develop a research question, project description and schedule in collaboration with one another.

The programme yields competences relevant for the following sustainable development goals:

  • Securing access to inclusive, just, and good education, and promoting possibilities for lifelong learning for all.
  • Peace, justice and well-functioning institutions: Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies to secure sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutional at all levels.
  • Equality: Achieve gender equality and strengthen the position of girls and women in society

Teaching and learning methods

The working form during the master's degree study programme prioritises working in seminars. Student activity during these seminars is emphasized. For more information please see individual course descriptions.

Assessment methods

Assessment forms vary among written examinations, oral examinations, lectures, presentations and term assignments. For more information please see individual course descriptions.

Internationalisation

Our master’s program in History is internationally oriented in many ways. The program is methodologically and theoretically oriented towards an international field of research. This becomes apparent by looking at the prescribed texts that are, to a large extent, in English. When choosing a subject for their thesis, the students are encouraged to explore international themes that allow them to search for and use source material from other countries. Students who show interest in studying abroad are encouraged to use our mobility programs, and they are also given guidance when looking for relevant courses at educational institutions abroad.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme

Students must receive passing marks in HI-409 in order to proceed to HI-411. Students must receive passing marks in the four first-year courses in order to proceed further in the study programme. Within a predetermined deadline during the first academic year, students must hand in and receive approval for their second-year academic schedule.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The study programme provides graduates with a basis for working with history in teaching and research as well as other arenas where history is disseminated, such as museums, archives, etc. The study programme can also in combination with other qualifications form a basis for working in the media, public administration and cultural enterprises. Degree acquisition can also form a basis for admission to doctoral study programmes in history.

Qualification awarded

Master's Degree in History

Student evaluations

Study programme evaluation is conducted annually in the programme committee in accordance with the Quality System, section 4.2. Before the meeting of the study programme committee, the student representative may obtain suggestions and ideas from fellow students.

Contact person

History Coordinator: Harald Rinde, Tel: (+47) 38 14 17 07, email: harald.rinde@uia.no

Other information

Five places (out of a total of twenty) are set aside for master-level students wishing to study part-time over a period of four years. Please contact History Coordinator Harald Rinde.

It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer (`laptop¿) for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:38:14 PM