History and Civilisation

Embark on an intellectual journey with the European University Institute (EUI), home to the distinguished Doctoral Programme in History and Civilisation.

The Department of History and Civilisation offers a distinctive four-year PhD programme of transnational and comparative European history supported by a uniquely international and multicultural faculty.

We encourage PhD researchers to think beyond boundaries, offering them exceptional opportunities to study global connections within early modern and modern European history.

Our Department encourages a culture of conversation among researchers and faculty. Professors and researchers work together to develop ideas, and each year, we invite experts from around the world in numerous fields to visit our department to discuss their research.

In the first and second years, doctoral researchers study historiographical and methodological issues and focus on an in-depth exploration of selected central themes of European history. In the third and fourth years, researchers focus on their individual research and are invited to present the results of their work at seminars and workshops.

Key Features

• A community of peers and support: With top-tier faculty, structured and close supervision, and an inspiring environment, the EUI is dedicated to your success.  

• Critical thinking and multidisciplinary approaches: EUI offers a unique environment where multidisciplinary collaboration is central. 

• Social impact beyond academia: At the EUI, your research extends far beyond academic circles. We prepare scholars to engage with the world, engaging politics and society. Research at EUI is relevant, outward-looking, and designed to shape sustainable futures.

• Intellectual freedom and academic integrity: The EUI upholds high standards of academic freedom and ethical research. Here, scholars explore and defend their work confidently, contributing responsibly to European and global debates. 
• Research opportunities across Europe and beyond: Rooted in Europe, the EUI’s vision is global.   

Research areas include:

• Europe in the world
• Cultural History

• Medieval History
• Early Modern History
• Modern and Contemporary History
• Global History