Applied History
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers this 12-month English-taught master's in Arts & Humanities in Rotterdam, ranked #52 by FT — Global MBA.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: moderate. Driven by specific prior degree and above-baseline English bar.
- English tests
- IELTS 7 · TOEFL iBT 100
- English requirement
- You meet the English language requirement when: You hold a Dutch VWO diploma and have a grade of 7 or higher for English on your final grade list; You are a native speaker of English (i.e. a national of one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America) and you have received secondary education in English for at least two and a half years in one of the above countries; You have obtained or will obtain a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a programme taught entirely in English in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. We usually deem bachelor's degrees or equivalent qualifications from programmes taught entirely in English from Western European or Scandinavian universities sufficient to meet the English language requirement as well. If you do not meet one of the above requirements, then you need to demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following tests: IELTS Academic with a minimum overall band score of 7.0 and minimum subscores of 6.5; TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 100 and minimum subscores of 23; Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) with a minimum overall score of 185; LanguageCert with a minimum total score of 75 and minimum subscores of 70; Pearson PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 75 and minimum subscores of 66.
- Prior degree
- You have obtained or will obtain a bachelor's degree in history from a recognised Dutch research university or an equivalent qualification from an international higher education institution. Alternatively, you have obtained or will obtain a bachelor's degree in social sciences or in humanities from a recognised Dutch research university or an equivalent qualification from an international higher education institution or a bachelor's degree from a university college. It is imperative that you can demonstrate that you have undertaken coursework in history (e.g. through electives or a minor).
- Accepted degrees
- historysocial scienceshumanities
- Deadline
- 15 May 2027
What it costs
Plan for roughly €44k–€47k per year all-in as a Non-EU student — tuition plus a normal Rotterdam student life.
Living in Rotterdam →
What you'll study
60 ECTS over 12 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Do you want to discover how historical events have an influence on our daily lives? And are you looking for a more practical master, focused on the labour market, while applying historical methods? Then the master specialisation Applied History is the right programme for you.
Rankings
- FT — Global MBA 2026#52
- Times Higher Education 2026#107
- FT — Masters in Finance 2025#28
- THE — Arts And Humanities 2026#176
Visa & life in the Netherlands
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a residence permit (VVR), arranged by the university on your behalf. EU students only need to register with the local municipality.
- Post-study work
- Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa — 12 months to find skilled work after graduation. No employer sponsorship needed during this period.
- Tuition
- Statutory fee around €2,500/yr for EU students; institutional fees for non-EU students typically range €14,000–26,000/yr depending on the field.
- Scholarships
- Holland Scholarship (€5,000), university-specific funds such as the Amsterdam Excellence and Justus & Louise van Effen scholarships, plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam is a university in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with 31,652 students and 82 programs across its corridors. Its primary academic strengths lie in Business & Law, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences, with QS Subject rankings of #24 in Business and #51 in Medicine. The university placed #101 in the 2024 ARWU overall ranking.
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
Is Applied History at Erasmus University Rotterdam taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English. Non-native speakers need IELTS 7 or TOEFL iBT 100 (minimum).
How much does Applied History at Erasmus University Rotterdam cost?
International tuition is €19,950 per year. Over the full 12-month programme that's roughly €19,950 in tuition, before living costs.
What is the acceptance rate at Erasmus University Rotterdam?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota. Based on the published requirements (specific prior degree, above-baseline English bar), the entry bar here is moderate.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in the Netherlands after graduating?
Yes. The Netherlands offers a one-year Orientation Year (zoekjaar) residence permit to graduates of Dutch universities, letting you live and work in the country while looking for a job — no sponsor required during that year.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 15 May 2027. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
Is Erasmus University Rotterdam good for Arts & Humanities?
Erasmus University Rotterdam ranks #176 in Arts And Humanities (THE 2026).
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