Doctorate in History

Line of research that seeks to analyse the ways in which societies have conceived, practised and disputed political power, as well as the conceptual and ideological frameworks that have underpinned these practices. Its purpose is to understand historical processes based on the intertwining of institutions, actors, discourses and political cultures, from both a national and transnational perspective. From a historiographical point of view, this line of research is part of the renewal of political history that has taken place since the end of the 20th century, which has moved beyond the traditional view focused exclusively on the state and the elites, incorporating approaches from cultural history, historical sociology and political theory. In the Chilean and American context, this line of research offers a privileged space to examine the formation and transformation of political cultures from Independence to the present. This includes the study of political languages, ideological traditions (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, social Catholicism, among others), constitutional experiences, intellectual networks, as well as the tensions between memory, power and legitimacy.

Line of research that proposes to study the historical processes of interconnection, circulation, and exchange that have shaped societies at the local, regional, and global levels. In recent decades, historiography has undergone a significant shift towards approaches that seek to overcome the methodological boundaries of the nation-state. The perspectives of global history, connected history, transnational history and comparative history have made it possible to rethink historical dynamics from the interaction between different spaces, agents and scales. Its approach promotes a plural and relational view of the past, where borders are understood as spaces of contact and negotiation rather than separation. This historiographical renewal has shown that local processes cannot be fully understood without considering the flows of people, goods, ideas, and institutions that traverse them. It is particularly interested in the processes of circulation of political, scientific, and religious ideas; migrations and mobilities; commercial and cultural exchanges; empires, colonies, and republics; and transfers of knowledge and institutional practices. This line of research allows us to rethink history from the perspective of interdependence and connection. From colonial exchanges in the Pacific to intellectual networks in the 20th century, including Atlantic circulations and trans-Andean relations, Chile’s history is revealed as part of an intercontinental fabric that has helped shape its political, economic and cultural identity.

In line with the mission and vision of the University of San Sebastián, which is focused on strengthening a humanistic, critical education committed to a comprehensive understanding of human beings and their environment, these guidelines promote research that links historical reflection with the contemporary challenges of democracy, citizenship and human rights, intertwining national processes within the broader context of global history.

To be accepted into the Doctorate in History at Universidad San Sabastian, the applicant must undergo a selection process and be admitted by the Doctoral Committee of the program. The selection process consists of the following stages:

• Analysis of the applicant’s background
• Personal interview and knowledge test
• Pre-selection process

To apply for the Doctorate in History programme, applicants must submit their degree certificates, transcripts, and other academic records in original or notarised copy. In the case of degrees awarded by foreign universities, the accompanying documents must be duly legalised in accordance with Articles 345 and 345 BIS of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Applicants must submit their academic records through the digital platform of the Doctorate Programme in History at the University of San Sebastián. The documentation must certify the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in History or a discipline in the humanities, social sciences or related areas that demonstrates the skills to carry out research work in the historical discipline, awarded by a Chilean or foreign university. In the case of degrees awarded by the latter, they must be equivalent to those mentioned above.
• Submit transcripts from undergraduate and, where applicable, postgraduate studies, as well as other higher education studies completed. In the case of studies abroad, clearly specify the grading scales used and the minimum passing grade.
• Undergraduate degree/graduation ranking certificate, explicitly stating the applicant’s graduation position and indicating the total number of students in the applicant’s graduating class or degree programme. If the university does not issue a certificate for undergraduate studies, a letter from the institution certifying this will be required. Where applicable, supplement with a postgraduate studies ranking certificate.
• Updated curriculum vitae, covering the following aspects: publications, research experience, university teaching, heritage management, and any other academic or professional activity related to history, the humanities and social sciences.
• Photocopy of identity card or passport.
• A letter stating your reasons for pursuing doctoral studies, your reasons for applying to this programme, and your commitment to participating.
• Two letters of recommendation from academic professionals, sent confidentially via email to the Doctoral Programme address.
• A research proposal of no more than 4,000 words setting out objectives and hypotheses, together with methodology and the state of the art of the subject to be developed during doctoral studies, justifying the feasibility of the project.
• Language certificate attesting to proficiency in English (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent). This certificate is not required for those who can prove to the Academic Committee that they have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an English-speaking country.
• Provide any other background information that may be of interest to the Programme’s Academic Committee.

2026 values

• Annual tuition: $386.000
• Annual fee: $3.598.400