Distance learning program History (M.A.) – FernUni Switzerland

👉 The Master's degree in History is aimed at professionals and interested individuals who wish to further their academic qualifications alongside their work and family commitments. The focus is on contemporary history from the 19th to the 21st century and digitisation in research (eHistory), including databases, visualisation, and digital knowledge transfer. No prior knowledge of computer science is required, as digital tools are taught in a practical and step-by-step manner. The part-time programme lasts six semesters with a workload of approximately 25 hours per week and allows assignments and examinations to be completed in German, French, or English. Graduates qualify for roles in academia, culture, media, and public institutions.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider FernUni Switzerland, University based in Brig (Schweiz)
The FernUni Switzerland is an accredited university of the HFKG, offering flexible and international distance learning programmes in law, business, computer science, history, and psychology. With around 2300 students and 420 employees, it combines high-quality teaching and research with international networking. Partnerships, memberships in global networks, and projects in areas such as virtual mobility and e-learning promote its international visibility.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Humanities
📜 Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 90 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Creating databases, using digital tools, data interpretation, fact-checking, data management, source analysis, basics of programming, collaborative tools, internships, master’s thesis
📚 Electives Introduction to digital press, Digital history and history of the digital, Opening history: introduction to open science and open tools for historians, Audiovisual sources from media archives for historical research and presentation, History and mapping
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 1500 € Semester fee
from 8400 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Master’s degree in History at FernUni Switzerland suitable for?

The Master’s programme in History is aimed at prospective students who already hold a university degree and wish to engage in an in-depth study of historical research questions, particularly regarding contemporary history and digitalisation. The programme is ideal for professionals seeking an academic career, positions in the cultural and media sectors, in archives, museums, or public service, or for those aiming to qualify for a doctorate. It specifically addresses individuals interested in digital methods in the humanities and multilingualism.

What requirements must you meet for the Master’s programme in History?

  • Completed university studies: A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a university or university of applied sciences in History or a closely related subject is required. A degree from a foreign university must be recognised as equivalent by FernUni Switzerland.
  • Proof of language skills: You need advanced German or French skills at level C1 as well as good passive skills in the other two languages (B2 level in German, French and English is recommended). Exams and written assignments can be completed in the language of your choice.

For successful participation in the Master’s degree in History, in addition to the formal criteria, you should have the following personal qualifications:

  • Interest in historical and societal issues, especially developments from the 19th to the 21st centuries and digital transformation processes.
  • Willingness for self-directed learning and time management: The part-time programme requires approximately 25–30 hours of work per week over six semesters.
  • Critical thinking skills, analytical abilities and structured working methods in order to evaluate sources, conduct own research projects, and convey knowledge.
  • Openness to interdisciplinary methods, especially digital tools and eHistory: IT prior knowledge is not required, but you should be willing to familiarize yourself with new digital methods.
  • Good communication skills as well as the ability to participate in discursive exchange formats, in multiple languages and digital environments.

Which historical and digital skills do you acquire in the Master’s programme in History?

In the Master’s programme in History at FernUni Switzerland, you engage intensively with the history from the 19th to the 21st century. Particular emphasis is placed on the digitalisation of historical scholarship (eHistory). You will learn how to use digital tools and methods – such as databases, visualisation techniques, and Digital Humanities programmes – for historical research.

  • Critical source analysis: Evaluation and processing of a wide range of source types, including digital and audiovisual materials.
  • Digital methods: Introduction to tools for processing digitised documents, building and using databases, basic knowledge of programming languages for historians.
  • Research competence: Independent conducting of research projects from formulating questions to publication.
  • Knowledge transfer: Communication of research findings through various media as well as skills in presenting and writing.
  • Multilingualism: You can complete all assessments in German, French, or English and benefit from modules offered in all three languages.
  • Practical orientation: Integration of internships with partner institutions and active participation in academic events.

Elective modules allow you to deepen individual areas of interest, such as digital media archives, Open Science, press archives, or digital mapping.

How is the Distance Learning programme in History structured?

The Master’s in History is a part-time course over six semesters (three years), corresponding to a total of 90 ECTS credits. The programme can be started on 1 August or 1 February. On average, you plan about 25 to 30 hours per week for your studies.

  • Three study blocks:
    • Introductory block on digitalisation and eHistory
    • Advanced block with elective modules, internships and event participation
    • Final section with the completion of the Master’s thesis
  • Online courses: Participation at fixed dates, supplemented by discussion forums, chats, and optional face-to-face events such as archive visits.
  • Flexible scheduling: You determine the order and pace of module completion within a clearly structured study model.
  • Practical phase: Internship with external partners (e.g. digital research projects), own reports are assessed and credited with ECTS points.
  • Linguistic integration: Model of passive trilingualism – choice of examination and working language is free, content is multilingual.

What career opportunities does the Master’s in History open up?

With the Master’s in History, you qualify for a wide range of roles in academic, cultural and media-related fields. Numerous areas of activity are open to you:

  • Science and teaching: Scientific work, coordination and project management at universities or research institutes. The degree is a prerequisite for doctoral studies.
  • Cultural sector and cultural heritage: Roles as cultural officers or curators in museums, cultural centres and foundations.
  • Information, documentation, media: Positions in libraries, archives, journalism or publishing as well as in public relations.
  • Public service: Administration, organisation of cultural events and projects at local or national level.
  • Interface positions in digitalisation: Development of digital mediation strategies in museums, archives or media companies.

Expanding your language skills and network facilitates integration into national and international organisations. Graduates are especially in demand when they combine digital skills with historical expertise.

What costs do you have to expect in the Master’s in History and how can the studies be financed?

The tuition fees amount to CHF 1,400 per semester – a total of CHF 8,400 for six semesters of study. The fee remains fixed regardless of the number of modules taken and is payable at the beginning of each semester.

Additional costs may arise for study materials (books, software), depending on the modules chosen. These vary individually and are to be calculated separately.

  • Instalment payment: The semester fees can be paid per semester.
  • Funding: In Switzerland and partly internationally, scholarships and educational loans are available for distance learning students. Certain costs may also be tax-deductible.

For more detailed information on individual financing options, a personal consultation is recommended.

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