Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam

Why this programme

Global History and International Relations
Global History and International Relations student

What does this study entail?

This master’s programme offers a unique interdisciplinary perspective on global history and international relations, preparing you to navigate complex global power dynamics. By integrating political theories with economic, cultural, and social perspectives, this programme provides a nuanced analysis of international relations and societal developments. The curriculum balances global history with international relations, offering critical perspectives on global order, including gender, subaltern, racial, and environmental critiques. 

You will explore the evolution of global order from 1500 to the present, challenging Eurocentric views and examining major shifts in global dominance, such as the transition from formal empires to sovereign states and the rise of US hegemony. Delve into how societies engage with their pasts for political purposes, studying the political nature of historical culture and the role of historical narratives in shaping ideologies and worldviews. 

Additionally, the program equips you with analytical tools to understand contemporary international politics, covering both traditional and critical international relations theories. The economic integration of Europe and its impact on global relations is analyzed, along with the emergence and challenges of global governance in the 19th and 20th centuries. This program prepares you for critical engagement with historical and contemporary global issues, fostering a deep understanding of the forces shaping our world. 

Is this the right programme for you?

When you choose to study Global History and International Relations at Erasmus University Rotterdam, you embark on a journey to deeply understand the complexities of global power dynamics and societal developments. This program is designed for those who seek to explore how and why people, regions, nations, and empires behave as they do. By studying the development of different global histories, you will learn to see history not just as a sequence of events but as cultural, religious, social, or political narratives crafted to legitimize nation-states, conflicts, cultural identities, or world domination. 

By the end of your master, you'll confidently tackle questions such as: 

  • How do revolutions such as the 2011 Arab Spring or the Haitian Revolution of 1791 shape global order, both directly and indirectly?
  • How and why did the global South challenge Western military, political and economic domination?
  • How do contemporary societies remember their global pasts?
  • How, where and when did imperial relations and post-colonial legacies shape global order?
  • When did economic globalization start, how did it develop over time?
Global History and International Relations by Pieter

Global History and International Relations by Pieter

A word from our students

Tara Lewis

Tara Lewis - Student Global History and International Relations

That is one of the beauties of studying History, things rarely turn out the way you thought they would.

Tara Lewis

Student Global History and International Relations

That is one of the beauties of studying History, things rarely turn out the way you thought they would.

"I did not exactly choose to study history after extensive contemplation. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in communications and I was looking for a programme that would further enrich my education. History proved the ideal choice.

 I loved studying History. Of course the programme was sometimes intensive, but the courses were also interesting and diverse. I wrote my thesis on the 1641 rebellion in Ireland; I love the country yet never expected to write my thesis on this particular subject. That is one of the beauties of studying History, things rarely turn out the way you thought they would.

 I started working as an editor for the local newspaper during my bachelor. A friend of mine learned that the newspaper was looking to recruit reporters and I happily applied for the position; the position would enable me to look into different subjects, and approach these from different angles." 

Julie Küpperfahrenberg

Julie Küpperfahrenberg - Student Global History and International Relations

Here I had the feeling that my knowledge about history could be transformed into actual contributions to solve political problems and crises.

Julie Küpperfahrenberg

Student Global History and International Relations

Here I had the feeling that my knowledge about history could be transformed into actual contributions to solve political problems and crises.

"I knew that I wanted to do a master at a university abroad. In my opinion, it contributes a lot to your personal and professional development when you place yourself outside your familiar context. As I had only vague ideas in which direction I wanted to go with my professional background (every history student is more than familiar with utterances such as ‘History? Oh! That’s interesting! But what are you going to do with this later?’), I gathered information about master degrees at manifold European universities. I had come to the conclusion that I did not want to commit myself to the mere study of events, processes and developments of the past, so no art for art’s sake, but that I wanted to draw lessons from the past in order to improve the future. In this respect I was really exited when I came across the master program ‘History of Society: Global History and International Relations’ offered by Erasmus University of Rotterdam. Here, for the first time, I had the feeling that my knowledge about history could in some way be transformed into actual contributions to solve political problems and crises. Thus I applied at Erasmus University Rotterdam and I got admitted.

Although I was also approved at other universities, when I received my admission for Rotterdam, I did not shed a thought about going somewhere else. Firstly, Erasmus University is highly regarded in Europe. Secondly, the program itself exactly met my interests and my professional background. Thirdly, although I had only been in Rotterdam once before, I remembered it to be an open-minded, multi-cultural city with a very special charm that makes it so different from other cities in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. I like the fact that Rotterdam is not one of the well-known touristic cities such as Amsterdam or Brussels, where everybody had already been - Rotterdam is in this way my city. The program fully meets my expectations. Although it is a lot of work, a lot to read and to write, I can clearly see the developments that I have made in the last six month, not only professionally or scientifically, but also and in particular personally.

When I will hold my Master degree in September, I seek to invest some time to concerns of my heart. I plan to do an internship at Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch. As I now approached political problems from an academic point of view, I feel that I need to add a humanitarian and practical perspective. Only then I will be equipped to find a work place, which is dedicated to solve international problems and thus to make the world a better place."

Five reasons to study Global History and International Relations at the EUR

  • Learn while being in the field, go to archives and museums to find journals or protest pamphlets that will help you to build your cases;
  • Study in an international environment! According to the Times Higher Education, the Erasmus University is one of the 125 most international universities worldwide;
  • You will benefit from the engaging tutorials and a dedicated team of lecturers;
  • A master in Global History and International Relations allows you to work in many types of working environments. Whether you want to become a journalist, pursue a career in politics, or as a scientist, this master will prepare you thoroughly;
  • Studying in Rotterdam offers the unique opportunity to experience a city rich in historical significance, yet vibrant and dynamic in its present-day context. 

 

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