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Master

Holocaust and Genocide Studies (History)

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The one-year Master's programme Holocaust and Genocide Studies explores 20th-century genocides from the vantage point of different disciplines.

Understanding the Unthinkable

Genocide and mass atrocities are often presented in a way that makes violence seem inexplicable, thus inexorable. Similarly perpetrators are portrayed as being actors motivated solely by an irrational hatred.  And yet, genocide is a recurrent and contemporary historical dilemma. How can we explain this discrepancy? In the Master's programme Holocaust and Genocide Studies, we seek to demystify genocide by taking an interdisciplinary, scholarly approach to understanding genocide and mass atrocities.

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What does this programme entail?

In this video the teacher and student of the programme explain in about 5 minutes how this programme is structured and what the unique aspects are.

Why study Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the UvA?

  • Contemporary cases
    The curriculum focuses on genocide and mass atrocities in the 20th century, encompassing the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, the Armenian Genocide, Cambodia and other contemporary cases.
  • Broad perspective
    Wide-ranging engagement with genocide, from the causes to representations in the arts and transitional justice following mass atrocities.
  • Ideal study environment
    The context of the Netherlands offers our students several advantages including the opportunity to visit genocide-related sites, as well as the international criminal tribunals in The Hague.
  • Collaboration with NIOD
    The programme is a collaboration between the University of Amsterdam and the Netherlands Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies. This integration of the programme with a well-established (more than 70 years old) research and archival centre makes the programme unique. You will have access to a specialised library of war, Holocaust, and genocide studies, as well as the potential draw the more than 2,500 metres of archival materials managed by the NIOD, and the expertise of NIOD researchers.
What are the entry requirements?
Maximum 25 students

International classroom

Work experience

Internship possible

Excursions

Visit genocide-related sites

Network

Partnership with NIOD

Degree certificate

Holocaust and Genocide Studies is an accredited degree programme of History. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in History and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Copyright: Catharine Aretakis
The programme thoroughly prepared me for the career in academia that I had always envisioned. Catharine Aretakis, alumnus Master’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies Read the interview with Catharine
Facts & Figures
Degree programme
MA History
Type
Regular study programme
Mode
Full-time, part-time
Credits
60 ECTS, 12 months
Language of instruction
English
Starts in
September
CROHO code
66034
Location
University Quarter