International History and Politics

I spent some of the best years of my life completing the International History and Politics masters and Ph.D programmes at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

I was able to pursue my passion for history and politics at a world class institution in Geneva – a hub of international affairs – with leading scholars and smart and diverse fellow students.

The programmes expanded my horizons beyond narrow conceptions of historical and social science ideas. Coursework, papers, and dissertations as well as debates with professors and fellow students were templates for my work today as a researcher at the juncture of history, international politics, and the United Nations.

And, as I advance in life, the International History and Politics and Geneva Graduate Institute networks continue to pay dividends by enriching my professional, social, and intellectual lives.

I came to the Institute to follow the MA program in International History and then stayed on for the PhD program as well. During my time at the Institute, I came to appreciate the education I received at the International History and Politics Department for its emphasis on discussion and critical thinking.

Classes at the History department are usually small – I once even had a seminar with only two students! – and they encourage the active exchange among students, as well as with the teaching staff. Moreover, the department’s curriculum is flexible and slightly changes every year to adjust to students’ interests and the development of current affairs. For example, in response to the Russian war against Ukraine, the department will offer two new courses next year that will dive deeper into the history of the post-Soviet space and Russian foreign relations.

Professors at the department stand out for their approachability, be it for a quick informal chat in the department’s kitchen or a longer session discussing research interests and career paths. Most importantly, the History department is a unique space for students who want to shape their own educational experience. The department’s small size and collegiality allow for students’ active input, for example with regards to organizing new event formats or inviting guest speakers and lecturers. As a motivated, creative, and proactive student, you will find the History department to be a space for exponential growth, academically and personally.  

There are many things that make studying at the Geneva Graduate Institute an enriching and engaging experience, personally I have found the curriculum, the professors, and the countryside to be the most fulfilling elements of my time here with the International History and Politics Department.

The curriculum is one of the most relevant you will find when reading for an MA in history and politics. The modules constantly evolve to reflect the shifting landscape of international politics, ensuring students have a historical perspective on contemporary geopolitics. By focussing on the continuities between the past and the present, the IHP Department feels connected to global developments which I really appreciate in an academic setting. The professors are excellent not just for their expertise on their own subject matter, but also for their ability to advise you in courses beyond their own. I have gone to many professors’ office hours to discuss papers from courses they do not teach and have always received relevant reading recommendations and feedback. The readiness of professors to discuss issues with students in the classroom and in their office hours makes the department a really welcoming and stimulating place.

The department’s emphasis on teaching thematically instead of isolating their modules to specific regions forces a more analytical perspective on history. Tracing how ideas and patterns interlink across different spaces and become reflected in the present ensures you gain a comprehensive understanding for how the complexities of the past clarify the puzzles of the present. On a final note, the accessibility of Swiss nature with the efficient public transport system means that you are provided with many opportunities for walks, runs, hikes, swims, and cycle rides, making the institute a unique place to study.

I found out about the International History and Politics department through a friend in the Development Studies programme when I was looking for a two-year master’s programme that could provide me with a strong formal training in the discipline. After initial research, this seemed to be the perfect springboard for my career. The department, apart from being historic, boasts of a group of professors who present expertise in a gamut of sub-fields within the discipline.

With the addition of new faculty members in the last two years, the selection of courses offered by the department has only gotten richer. This allowed me to not only diversify my interests but also pursue them meaningfully over a course of time – I was able to plan my semesters with complementary courses for a comprehensive understanding of a topic of my choosing. The possibility of a semester exchange makes the experience of being a part of this department even more interesting. I conducted fieldwork for my thesis in India, which added another dimension of learning during my time at the department.

At the end of two years, my rigorous training makes me feel confident to contribute meaningfully not only to the field of academia but also to policy making, research, and a host of other industries. The possibility of being awarded a full scholarship enriches the entire experience of engaging with the department – my studies at the department was fully-funded and that made a world of difference.