Charles University

Overview

The Master’s program in Oral History and Contemporary History at Charles University equips students with the essential skills to explore contemporary history through various methodologies, including in-depth interviews, narrative analysis, and fieldwork. This program emphasizes the connection between individual memories and broader historical narratives within Europe and beyond.

Students will gain proficiency in diverse historical methods that extend beyond oral history, incorporating archival research, media analysis, and quantitative techniques. The culmination of the program is a research-focused thesis or equivalent capstone project that showcases the student's academic development.

What you'll study

The curriculum is structured to enhance research capabilities progressively, integrating methodological training with specialized courses and culminating in a significant research output.

Core courses (indicative)

• Analysis and Interpretation of Narrative Sources
• Biographical Approach to Contemporary History Research
• Czechoslovak Contemporary History (1945–1968)
• Study of Contemporary History: Paradigms, Methods, and Historical Sources
• Oral History in Contemporary History Research
• Theory and Methodology of Historical Science
• World Contemporary History

Research and assessment

• Research-based assignments linked to oral history practice, including source analysis and interview-related tasks
• A thesis or equivalent capstone research project developed under academic supervision
• Continuous evaluation through coursework, seminars, and written academic outputs

Entry requirements

Detailed academic requirements for this program are not specified, but applicants are encouraged to check the latest guidelines from Charles University. There are no known specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA requirements for admission.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Oral History and Contemporary History program can pursue a variety of career paths in academia, research, cultural institutions, and public history. The skills developed through this program prepare students for roles in historical consultancy, education, archiving, and community engagement, among others.