History: Global History and International Studies

The specialisation in Global History and International Studies focusses on how the circulation of people, goods and ideas across the globe has developed since the 15th century and has shaped the world as we know it today. The link between history and contemporary political debates on migration, nationalism and ethnicity is discussed throughout the specialisation.

This specialisation is unique in that it combines approaches from history and the social sciences. In addition to developing an understanding of archival sources, you will acquire a basic knowledge of field research and the use of online sources such as diasporic social media. You will also learn to work with digital databases in relation to economic and social history. 

Learn from the experts

You will learn about the latest methods and research from our experts in the field. The History department of VU Amsterdam has a long tradition in teaching and researching global relations and international history. Our focus areas include economic, colonial and postcolonial relations between Western countries and the postcolonial world—including Africa, East Asia and Southeast Asia. We also have a large amount of expertise in the relations between Europe and the US in the wider context of the Atlantic world and the global impact of changes in Asia and China.