Master of History

KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Shortlist

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

12 monthsProgramme duration

5,613 EURTuition Fee/year

01 Mar, 2026Application Deadline

Shortlist

Programme overview

Main Subject

History

Degree

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

History is the study of the events and forces that have shaped the intricacies of the world around us. This comprehensive one-year Master's programme will help you become the historical expert of your liking. Through our wide range of specialisations in different time periods, you will be trained to become part of the highly sought-after next generation of historians.

re you interested in analysing and understanding the complex developments of today in light of the past? Are you curious to learn more about the medieval urban socio-economic environment or the many surprising transfers and exchanges in the early modern globalised world? Or are you particularly eager to uncover many new voices of various historical actors?

Through the window of the past, our one-year research-intensive history programme aims to equip you with the skills and specialised knowledge needed to become a historian. Our programme will hone your ability to grasp, interpret and critically analyse complex issues and develop high-level research skills, while you get the freedom to specialize in your own topics of interest.

Our Master in History programme gives you the opportunity to study history in the historical town of Leuven and in one of Europe's oldest and most well-established universities. Leuven is only a fifteen minute train ride away from Brussels, and houses centuries-old scholarly tradition, well embedded in international and interdisciplinary circles alike.

The Master of History programme is structured around three pillars:

Your master thesis and the research seminar: The pinnacle of your Master's degree is your Master's thesis which stands at the core of your individually designed study programme. You will shape your study programme around the topic of your master thesis, in close cooperation with your supervisor and the support of the research seminar.
Specialization - electives: Together with your supervisor, you choose a series of elective modules catered to your own preferences and research plans. You can choose to specialise in a particular time period or a historical theme ranging from global, diplomatic history to urban history, or from the history of sciences to social and environmental history. Please consult a list of our specialisations below.
Professionalization: Students can choose an internship as part of the elective modules. The internship is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the labour market, and apply your academic skills in a working environment: in research, archives, media organizations, or in one of the many small or big museums and heritage organisations that Belgium has to offer.

Talented, motivated students in the humanities from across the world that have a strong appetite for studying, but also researching history are welcome to apply.

Programme overview

Main Subject

History

Degree

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The Master of History programme is structured around three pillars:

Your master thesis and the research seminar: The pinnacle of your Master's degree is your Master's thesis which stands at the core of your individually designed study programme. You will shape your study programme around the topic of your master thesis, in close cooperation with your supervisor and the support of the research seminar.
Specialization - electives: Together with your supervisor, you choose a series of elective modules catered to your own preferences and research plans. You can choose to specialise in a particular time period or a historical theme ranging from global, diplomatic history to urban history, or from the history of sciences to social and environmental history. Please consult a list of our specialisations below.
Professionalization: Students can choose an internship as part of the elective modules. The internship is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the labour market, and apply your academic skills in a working environment: in research, archives, media organizations, or in one of the many small or big museums and heritage organisations that Belgium has to offer.

Talented, motivated students in the humanities from across the world that have a strong appetite for studying, but also researching history are welcome to apply.

Brochures

Admission Requirements

TOEFL

100+

IELTS

7.5+

Cambridge CAE Advanced

190+

Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community: After admissions procedure On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community: Bachelor in de geschiedenis (Kortrijk, Leuven)
Additional information Students with one of the degrees listed above, obtained in the Flemish Community, are admitted directly to the programme if they can provide a proof of sufficient proficiency in English (see below Language Requirements).
Students with a degree obtained at an institution outside the Flemish Community: Diploma requirements Applicants are required to have obtained (or to obtain) a bachelor degree in History, or a closely related degree that includes History as a major or minor.
Other degrees that are closely related to history can in exceptional cases also be qualified for admission, however it is advisable to contact the programme first before applying. If you are unsure if your degree qualifies for admission, please contact us for further information.
Language requirements All applicants must prove their proficiency in English at C1 level of the CEFR. Applicants who hold a degree awarded by an English-speaking university from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement. Please note that students have to arrange a date for their language test well ahead of their application.

Application Deadline

01 Mar 2026

Program Duration

1 Year

Starting Month(s)

Sep

International

Starts from

5,613 EUR

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

12 monthsProgramme duration

5,613 EURTuition Fee/year

01 Mar, 2026Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Programme overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Brochures

Admission Requirements

Exam Scores

Important Dates

Tuition Fee

International

Scholarships

Scholarships

QS WUR Ranking By Subject

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