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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:Apply via Columbia University
Department of International History

LSE-Columbia University Double MA Degree in International and World History

Explore our world by studying the forces reshaping it: migration, trade, technological revolutions, diseases, environmental change, wars, and diplomacy.

Overview

Introduction

Our world is more interconnected than ever. We call it globalisation, but without good histories to explain how we got here, we cannot begin to know where we are heading.

This master's programme at Columbia University and LSE asks you to explore our world by studying the forces that have been remaking it; migration, trade, technological revolutions, epidemic disease, environmental change, wars and diplomacy. Working with preeminent historians in the field, you will analyse large-scale historical processes, pursue empirical research and produce your own comparative and cross-cultural histories.

The further development of the study of international history in this broad sense depends on the internationalisation of the training and skills of the next generation of experts. This double degree draws on the faculties of two of the world's leading centres of international affairs, which have the expertise and commitment to provide the training and skills needed. It offers close contact in seminars and colloquia with mentors in different intellectual and cultural settings in two global cities. You'll spend the first year at Columbia University, New York, and the second year at LSE in London.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

At the heart of the programme is a two-year dissertation, a piece of original scholarly work based on detailed empirical research and analysis. The dissertation is supported by a sequence of three compulsory courses taken at Columbia and LSE, as well as a large range of electives that allow for specialisation. Rigorous language study is also an important component of the curriculum as it enables projects that are international in nature.

The programme begins with Approaches to International and Global History which introduces the conceptual possibilities of International and World History and the year-long MA/MSc Research Skills and Methods. The latter is a series of practical workshops that help you develop your dissertation topic and begin your research. At LSE, you'll enrol in your final compulsory course, a year-long Dissertation Workshop, designed to help you write your dissertation as well as think about where you would like to take your career after the programme has finished.

Year 1

First year, at Columbia University, New York

At Columbia University, students are required to complete 30 graduate credits, including the core components of the programme: Approaches to International and Global History (HIST GR8930) and Research Skills and Methods in International and Global History (HIST GR5000). The first course introduces the conceptual possibilities and problems of international and world history. The workshop includes training in the use of archives and other primary sources, the organisation and documentation of research, and the presentation and publication of findings.

At least 22 credits must be obtained through courses in the History Department. Students may also take courses outside of the History Department toward the history requirement if a course is historical in nature, provided that the MA/MSc academic advisor (Dr Line Lillevik) approves. Please note that the programme doesn't accept R credits toward degree completion.

Students have the option to take up to eight graduate elective points (typically two courses) from outside of the History Department. Students can take classes from other departments within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as well as in other schools at Columbia, including the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), the Journalism School, Teachers College and the School of the Arts (SOA). Please note that classes outside of the department or in other schools may require additional permissions or cross-registration procedures.

Students take courses up to the value of 30 credits from a range of options

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department below. and read our profiles of our alumni.

View more profiles of our students

Meet the department

History is a wide ranging and challenging subject to study. It seeks to understand the past and to make sense of the present, adding an important dimension to the understanding of many aspects of human society. The department is world renowned in its field, offering a unique perspective on the history of relations between states, peoples and cultures. We pride ourselves on giving students the benefit of ground-breaking research throughout our teaching programmes.

Our degrees will give you a broad international perspective on the past. We give attention both to domestic and international issues and many of the courses we offer deal with major events in the history of international relations.

Since the behaviour of countries in the international arena cannot be understood without a knowledge of their distinct social, political, economic and cultural characteristics, we provide courses covering major aspects of the history of ideas and mentalities.

LSE was founded in 1895 originally as an institute of higher education for graduate students. The department reflects this tradition and takes its responsibility for undergraduate teaching and supervision very seriously. We admit nearly as many undergraduate students as master's students. We have one of the most cosmopolitan undergraduate communities in London and one of the most vibrant and dynamic.

Learn more about our programmes, research, public events and people.

Who's who

Your application

Overview

We welcome applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds. Students are selected for admission based on their academic and professional pursuits, in addition to their unique interests and life experiences.

Students in our programme have backgrounds in history as well as a wide range of other academic fields including comparative literature, philosophy, anthropology, area studies, political science, journalism and business. Students with backgrounds outside of the humanities and social sciences are also welcome to apply, so long as their Statement of Academic Purpose explains why they wish to study history.

We accept students who are currently finishing their undergraduate studies, although work experience is considered a plus in the application process. Although most incoming students don't have a degree beyond the bachelor’s degree, students with a previous master’s degree are welcome to apply.

Applications are reviewed by both institutions.

Data sharing

Double degrees and certain other degrees and scholarships require that LSE shares personal data with another university or partner. In our agreements we will use the School’s standard data sharing template for universities and partners in the EU and EEA and in an adequate countryStandard contract clauses will be used for any other country. If you have any questions about this or how your personal data will be treated by LSE, please contact the Data Protection Officer, Rachael Maguire, via glpd.info.rights@lse.ac.uk or check our Student Privacy Notice.

Programme and admissions enquiries

For questions related to your application or the admissions process, please check our admissions frequently asked questions page.

If you have any queries which aren't answered on the website, please contact the department's Graduate Admissions Advisor.

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

Year 1 (at Columbia, 2025/26):

Home students: See Columbia fee

Year 2 (at LSE, 2026/27):

Home students: £30,400 (provisional)

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

The MA/MSc program provides graduates with the opportunity to develop lifelong contacts on both sides of the Atlantic, using Columbia and the LSE as launching pads for their professional careers. While approximately 25% of our alumni choose to pursue a PhD and a career in academia, some choose to apply the insights gained to a career outside of academia, including government, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, NGO's, education, consulting, journalism, business and academia.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Find out what our LSE-Columbia Double Degree students have been doing since graduating

Find out more

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