History and Area Studies (HAS) is an interdisciplinary three-year bachelor’s degree programme that focuses on modern history, culture, and politics of Central Europe with respect to the Czech Republic. This programme combines academic study in history and area studies with intensive Czech language training, fostering critical thinking and intercultural competence. HAS develops students’ ability to analyse issues from an interdisciplinary perspective and to strengthen their research and academic communication skills.

The History and Area Studies programme is provided by the Institute of International Studies in cooperation with the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University. The curriculum focuses on both modern history and area studies education, as well as Czech language instruction. Czech language courses progress from basic grammar and vocabulary to the upperintermediate (B2) level, which students reach by the end of their studies. Courses in modern history and area studies provide a broad overview of major topics in contemporary Central European history, culture, politics, and economics. This equips students with a solid background for more in-depth study of selected topics in elective courses and for writing their bachelor’s thesis in line with their personal interests and career goals.

HAS students gain both deep regional insight and practical language skills, which enable them to grasp regional issues within their broader context and understand the historical and cultural underpinnings of Central Europe. The university’s location in the heart of Europe, in the beautiful city of Prague, allows students to study the Czech Republic and the wider Central European region not only through books and academic debates but also through lived experience, language immersion, and personal connections.

Graduates of the HAS programme will be well prepared for careers in the civil service or diplomacy, in NGOs or international institutions, and in private companies or the media. Possessing a broad range of knowledge and skills relevant to various fields within the social sciences, they will also be well qualified to pursue a Master’s degree, with the option to study in both English and Czech, opening up a range of new opportunities (including programmes taught in Czech, which are available free of charge).

The HAS programme offers:

• Engaging courses
• Small seminar groups and personalised academic guidance
• Supportive and friendly study environment
• Community of talented students from around the world
• Extracurricular activities and student-led initiatives

We welcome applicants with a good command of written and spoken English who have a keen interest in area studies, modern history, Central Europe, and the Czech language. The admissions committee assesses applications based on the submitted documents and awards points (1-100) in the following categories: academic background, motivation, and extracurricular activities. The threshold for admission is determined by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University.

Please visit the Faculty’s admissions website to find:

• A detailed overview of the HAS admission requirements
• Guidance for prospective students

The admission window for the study period 2026/2027 – 2028/2029 is now open.

Application submission deadlines:

• Early-bird deadline: 28 February 2026
• Regular deadline: 30 April 2026

For students from visa-seeking countries, we strongly recommend submitting the application by the early-bird deadline.

Apply now! You can access the ONLINE APPLICATION here.

We look forward to receiving your application.

For any questions regarding the History and Area Studies programme or the admissions process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to assist prospective students with academic enquiries, application procedures, or practical matters related to studying at Charles University.

HAS Programme Coordinator:
Dr Petra Baštová
E-mail: study.ims@fsv.cuni.cz 
The programme coordinator will be happy to answer your questions regarding the History and Area Studies programme, its curriculum and courses, the study and research environment at our Institute, international mobility opportunities, and other related matters. She also offers individual online consultations for prospective students.

HAS Programme Director:
Dr Jiří Vykoukal
E-mail: jiri.vykoukal@fsv.cuni.cz
The programme director is available to help with more specific matter s, especially those related to special educational needs or transfers from another programme or university.

Admission officer:
Ms Marcela Vrbatová
E-mail: admissions@fsv.cuni.cz
The admissions team will support you throughout the entire admissions and enrolment process. Feel free to contact them with any questions related to general administrative procedures, visa issues, confirmation letters, financial matters, scholarships, accommodation at university dormitories, and more.