Master Programme Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Genocide and mass atrocities are often presented in a way that makes violence seem inexplicable, thus inexorable. Similarly perpetrators are portrayed as being actors motivated solely by an irrational hatred. And yet, genocide is a recurrent and contemporary historical dilemma. How can we explain this discrepancy? In the Master's programme Holocaust and Genocide Studies, we seek to demystify genocide by taking an interdisciplinary, scholarly approach to understanding genocide and mass atrocities.

Key features of the Master's programme Holocaust and Genocide Studies:

• ​The programme is a collaboration between the NIOD and the University of Amsterdam. 

• ​The curriculum focuses on genocide and mass atrocities in the 20th century, encompassing the Holocaust, and mass violence in Namibia, Armenia, the USSR, Indonesia, Cambodia, Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia, and contemporary cases (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Syria).

• ​Wide-ranging engagement with genocide, from the causes, courses and consequences, to representations in the arts and transitional justice following mass atrocities.

• ​An international student body.

• ​The context of the Netherlands offers our students several advantages including the opportunity to visit genocide-related sites, as well as the international criminal tribunals in The Hague.

• ​The programme is a collaboration between the NIOD and the University of Amsterdam. 

Als student aan de masteropleiding Holocaust- en Genocidestudies word je geacht over de volgende kennis, inzichten en vaardigheden te beschikken:

• ​You are interested in mass violence, genocide, Holocaust, war, conflict, atrocities, global affairs, human rights and transitional justice from a scholarly perspective;
• ​You are interested in historical, comparative and contemporary research;
• ​You are interested in multidisciplinary research (i.e. history, sociology, anthropology, political sciences, psychology, law, journalism);
• ​You have an interest in actively engaging in in-class discussions and debates;
• ​Je bent in staat complexe historische, sociologische en juridische teksten in het Engels te lezen en te begrijpen;
• ​You are self-motivated, critical and can work independently; and you know how to critically engage with primary sources, secondary literature and theory;
• ​You have a strong engagement in current politics and contemporary society;
• ​You wish to learn advanced research and writing skills leading to a research-oriented career or doctoral study.

Please see all the practical information about the Master’s Programme and how and when to apply via this link.

For substantive questions about the Programme, please contact prof. dr. Ugur Ungor, dr. Thijs Bouwknegt, or dr. Laurien Vastenhout at ma.hgs@niod.knaw.nl