Overview

Why study history?

Those who study history better understand constant change and can provide orientation in times of upheaval. The study of history provides a unique insight into past worlds. It can show how people in the past dealt with hunger, wars and scarcity, which festivals they celebrated, and which religions and ideologies shaped their view of the world.

The study of history deals with the historical roots of current phenomena such as migration, racism and global inequality and questions the relationship between humans and the environment or the change in gender roles. Furthermore, historical studies questions how the historical past is used as an argument in political disputes and, if necessary, even instrumentalised.

The History program is offered by the University of Bern.

Programme Structure

Studying history is more than just learning about the past. During their studies, students of history learn how to deal critically with historical sources and scientific literature. They are able to argue convincingly in discussions, structure texts or present research results in a generally understandable way.

Depending on the area of research students can also work with the statistical evaluation of quantitative data. These are valuable skills that are becoming increasingly important in today's world and open up diverse and attractive career prospects. Students of history are able to make neglected connections visible and counter popular conventions. They therefore possess competencies that are essential for a society to critically engage with itself.

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-15 00:00:00
- Apply before 2024-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2026-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-03-31 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

History View 3 other PhDs in History in Switzerland

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Bern and/or in Switzerland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

hold a master's degree or a licentiate from a Swiss university or Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, or an equivalent university degree and

you must also fulfill any other requirements set out by the relevant faculty or graduate school (e.g. specific average grades or a specific result in your master's degree, licentiate, diploma or state exams).

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

400 CHF/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 200 CHF per semester
National

400 CHF/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 200 CHF per semester

Living costs for Bern

1655 - 2130 CHF /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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