Welcome to study the history of media!

We offer one course in Media History for 30 credits - or the modules within as four different courses of 7.5 credits each - with a media history perspective. These four courses can be combined into a full autumn semester, which corresponds to a basic course in Media History of 30 credits. Courses can be chosen individually and combined with other courses. The Department of History also has a special postgraduate program in media history. Within the framework of the Master's program in Historical Studies, you can continue to study media history at an advanced level and obtain eligibility to do a doctorate in the subject of media history.

The courses in media history are given in English, so you will have classmates from many different parts of the world.

Why Media History?

We have an awareness of the importance of media in society. Communication has been key to human existence ever since the birth of human culture. Media – everything from rock carvings, hymns, coins, statues, newspapers, photography, radio, TV, film, advertisements and Twitter – all have histories of their own. That is why the power of different media is as relevant to ancient civilisations as it is to the digital age. By studying our courses in Media History, you will learn qualitative analyses and interpretation of media content, form and use in a historical perspective. You will gain knowledge about how media has changed from prehistoric times to the present day, how they have influenced society and you will be prepared to handle perceptions of new technologies and trends.

The one semester course:

Historia: Media History, 30 credits (HISB21)
Study period: 2025-09-01 – 2026-01-18
Language of instruction: engelska
Application code: LU-31010

The four courses are:

History: From Stone Tablets to Bookprint, Media History before 1600, 7.5 credits (HISB22)
Study period: 2025-09-01 – 2025-09-30
Language of instruction: English
Application code: LU-31004

History: Newspapers among other Media, 1600-1850, 7.5 credits (HISB23)
Study period: 2025-10-01 – 2025-11-02
Language of instruction: English
Application code: LU-31005

History: The Rise of the Modern Media Society, 1850-1940, 7.5 credits (HISB24)
Study period: 2025-11-03 – 2025-12-02
Language of instruction: English
Application code: LU-31006

History: Old and New Media after 1940, 7.5 credits (HISB25)
Study period: 2025-12-03 – 2026-01-18
Language of instruction: English
Application code: LU-31007

There is also another Media History course on offer during the autumn semesters. This course is offered part-time, during the day. It is primarily aimed at exchange students, but is open to all:

Media and Armed Conflicts - Past and Present 7.5 credits (SASH67)
Study period: 2025-10-15 – 2025-12-17
Language of instruction: English
Application code: LU-32700

Although there is a chance to become an academic media historian (researcher), a majority of students study media history as a complement to their other subjects, besides history, such as journalism, media and communication studies, information studies, art and film studies, sociology, political science or gender studies. Media history is useful in a variety of professions such as history or media teacher, journalist, communicator, museum curator, librarian, book publisher, archivist, investigator and more.

Welcome with your application(s) on www.antagning.se before April 15.
Entry requirements: General requirements.

For information and instructions on how to apply online in the Second Admission Round, using the national University Admissions in Sweden website in Swedish, see Apply online on our webpage:

• Courses in English