The Bachelor of Arts in History at METU is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to give students a deep and broad understanding of history from ancient times to the present. The program covers world, regional and national history, including civilizations of antiquity, classical Greece and Rome, Ottoman and modern Turkish history, and global historical developments. Students gain strong analytical, research, reading and writing skills, preparing them to interpret historical processes, examine sources, and understand socio-cultural and political transformations over time.
Located in Ankara, within METU’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the program combines academic rigor with a flexible curriculum in which nearly all courses (except for Ottoman-Turkish language classes) are taught in English. This enables students to read and use academic literature in both English and Turkish, giving them wide access to global historiographical resources and research opportunities.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters
- Location: Ankara
- Study Type: Undergraduate (full-time, English-medium)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: World History, Regional & National History, Historical Research, Cultural & Social History
- Admission modus: Regular undergraduate admissions
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Ancient & Classical Foundations
- Classical Civilization of Greece & Rome I
- Readings in History I
- History of Eastern and Western Civilizations I
- Ottoman-Turkish I
- English for Academic Purposes I
Semester 2 – Classical & Early Civilizations
- Classical Civilization of Greece & Rome II
- Readings in History II
- History of Eastern and Western Civilizations II
- Ottoman-Turkish II
- Supporting foundation courses (language/skills)
Semester 3 – Medieval and Early Modern History
- History of Turks I / General History of Turks
- Byzantine, Medieval or Regional History Courses
- Survey courses on early civilizations or global history trends
- Supporting courses / electives
Semester 4 – Early Modern & Ottoman History
- Ottoman-Turkish Studies / Ottoman History
- European History or Regional History elective
- Global or Regional Civilization Courses
- Supporting humanities / social science electives
Semester 5 – Modern History & Comparative Studies I
- Modern European / World History
- History of Modern Turkey / Middle East / Region
- Social & Cultural History Courses
- Elective Courses (topic-based or methodological)
Semester 6 – Modern History & Specialization II
- History of Contemporary Issues / Modern Global History
- Research Methods in History / Historical Methodology
- Elective Courses (e.g. social history, cultural history, historiography)
Semester 7 – Advanced Topics & Research Preparation
- Specialized History Seminars (e.g. Ottoman, European, World regions)
- Elective Courses
- Opportunity for independent reading / research / projects
Semester 8 – Graduation & Thesis/Capstone / Final Electives
- Senior Project or Capstone Thesis (if applicable)
- Advanced electives (methodology, historiography, specialized topics)
- Preparation for graduation, academic or professional pathways
Career Opportunities
Graduates of History at METU are prepared for careers in academia, research, education, cultural heritage institutions, media, publishing, diplomacy, public service, and areas requiring strong analytical, writing and critical thinking skills. They can also pursue graduate studies (M.A. / Ph.D.) in history or related social sciences. The broad historical and analytical training equips them for roles in cultural institutions, governmental or nongovernmental organizations, research centers, and international institutions.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing History at METU means enrolling in a program that offers a wide-ranging historical education, combining global and regional perspectives, and taught largely in English — giving access to international academic literature and research. The curriculum’s breadth across epochs and regions, and flexibility in electives, enables students to shape their own focus, whether world history, regional, social or cultural history.
The program builds strong research and writing capabilities, source analysis, and historical understanding — essential for careers in scholarship, public service, or any field valuing critical thought, cultural awareness, and interdisciplinarity.
Contact Information
Middle East Technical University – Faculty of Arts and Sciences / Department of History
Dumlupınar Boulevard No:1
06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 1234
Email: history@metu.edu.tr
Department of History – Student Affairs Office
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
06800 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 1235
Email: hist-undergrad@metu.edu.tr
International Office – Middle East Technical University
METU Campus
06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 1060
Email: ico@metu.edu.tr
