Master History of Society - Specialisation Global History and International Relations
Honours Degree
Students with high grades can complete what is known as an Honours Degree programme of an additional 20 EC in preparation for a PhD. This programme is completed in addition to the standard programme of the selected Master’s specialisation. Altogether, this involves 60 EC + 20 EC. Although an Honours Degree programme is recommended, it is not a prerequisite for a PhD programme.
The Honours Degree programme (20 EC credits) comprises:
1. One or two extra seminars (total 10 EC credits) in the field of the chosen specialisation within a master's degree programme at a Dutch or foreign university or an activity comparable to a seminar, which results in a separately recognisable, testable product.
2. An expansion of the master's thesis by 10 EC credits in the form of a separately recognisable, testable product:
- A critical treatise on existing research in the area concerned and an exploration of the opportunities for new research.
- A research proposal for a PhD thesis
Students who want to be eligible for an Honours Degree must submit a proposal halfway through the second term, indicating which additional courses will be taken and how the scope of the Master’s thesis will be expanded and extended as a research proposal for a PhD programme. This proposal will be assessed by the Master coordinator and Examination Board. If approved, arrangements will also be made as to the period within which the additional programme must be completed.
The Honours Degree will only be awarded to students who:
• have completed the expanded Master’s programme within the specified period
• have earned at least a grade of 8 for their Master’s thesis
