The innovative curriculum is taught by leading historians who are experts in their fields through small seminars, colloquia, and one-on-one advising. The program is organized around a two-year sequence of core courses, which culminates in a master’s thesis written under the joint supervision of Columbia and LSE faculty. In addition, students choose from a rich offering of electives according to individual research interests. Language training is a critical component of the program, preparing students for multi-archival research.

DUAL DEGREE

A dual degree provides students with the opportunity to work in distinct but complementary intellectual environments. Such an expansion of perspective is invaluable, even indispensable, for students of international and world history. The relatively close cultural relationship between Britain and the U.S. – and their common language - allows students to make the necessary adjustments quickly and maximize the advantages of a two-year program.

Students earn graduate degrees from both institutions. The first year of the program takes place at Columbia University, the second year at the London School of Economics.

RESOURCES AND ARCHIVES

In addition to a wide range of courses in the history departments at Columbia and LSE, students have access to electives in several other distinguished departments - anthropology, economics, international affairs, political science and sociology, among others. Also, students may attend lectures and participate in events at multiple research programs and institutes. Students have access to an extensive network of libraries.

New York and London have tremendous advantages for archival research in international and world history. The British Library and National Archives in Kew are unmatched for colonial and diplomatic history, and rapid rail links mean that the national archives of France and the European Union in Paris and Brussels are just two to three hours away. New York, for its part, offers the archives of the United Nations as well as the largest international foundations - Ford and Rockefeller. The U.S. National Archives are also a half-day’s journey away.

Research can extend beyond the libraries and archives. As capitals of government and industry, New York and London offer unparalleled opportunities to meet and interview individuals who have literally made history.

CAREERS

Immersed in the vibrant intellectual communities of two of the world’s great cities, the program will provide graduates with the opportunity to develop life-long contacts on both sides of the Atlantic, using Columbia and LSE as launching pads for careers in government, journalism, NGOs, international organizations and further academic pursuits.

ADMISSION

Students apply through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University. The Joint Steering Committee, including members from both Columbia and LSE, evaluates the applications and makes the final decisions jointly.

APPLY: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/pages/pstudents/admissions/apply/index.html

Specific Requirements:

1. A CV along with official transcripts showing courses and grades from all post-secondary schools attended.

2. A Statement of Purpose not to exceed 500 words together with a writing sample.

3. A writing sample (can be an excerpt, 10-20pp.)

4. Two letters of recommendation. Those who have not been enrolled in an academic program for some time may be permitted to submit letters from supervisors or colleagues in positions of responsibility.

5. TOEFL. Required for all international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English.

6. GRE general exam. Suggested but not required.