After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• analyse historical phenomena and processes and explain the significance of individual historical processes, events, and epochs and their influence on the subsequent development of society
• work with and interpret sources; be familiar with the basic methods of historical research and be able to work with a selected topic in a specialist historical text
• understand the basic methodological approaches to history and be familiar with academic literature

Graduates with this degree are qualified for positions as specialists in research institutions, libraries, museums, and information and documentation centres, and for work in the media and publishing. They are also qualified to work in managerial positions and in public relations in both the public and private sector, and in education.

The Master’s degree study programme has been devised as both a double-subject and single-subject degree programme. It is a specialized study programme, which means that students choose one of the specializations on offer with a view to focusing their dissertation or final work (Medieval History; History of the Early Modern Age; 19th and 20th Century History; International Relations and European Studies; Religious History; Modern History and the Multicultural Society); lectures and seminars on specific historical issues will help to expand on the basic knowledge acquired during the Bachelor’s degree course and provide a firm grasp of the basic principles of academic historical research. In addition to their chosen specialization, which includes writing a dissertation and which must be completed in its entirety, students from the single-subject programme also attend selected courses in other specialist subjects.

In order to complete the study programme, students must earn at least 120 credits as follows: a) 108 credits for type A/required and type B/selective courses, 8 credits for type C/elective courses or courses from other subjects – for the single-subject degree; b) 68 credits/48 credits for history modules for the double-subject dissertation/non-dissertation degree and 41 credits for a foreign language common to both subjects.

Throughout their studies, students will follow the course catalogue for the year of their matriculation – see the Faculty of Arts and Department of History websites.

The final exam consists of a viva or defence of the dissertation (for the single-subject degree). The submission and defence of the dissertation should demonstrate that, based on the literature and sources and with the expert guidance of the dissertation supervisor, the student is able to define, critically evaluate, and interpret a specific historical topic in writing at a high academic level.

Another part of the final examination is an oral exam in history that tests the students’ detailed knowledge of Czech and general history and modern historiography, emphasizing their command of issues linked to their specialization and the basic methods and techniques of historical research.

Graduates can apply for a doctoral degree study programme in Czech history, general history, and related subjects.