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.

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.

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).