The humanities are perhaps one of the oldest groups of subjects taught in universities across the world. This field studies many aspects of human society and culture, making it broad enough to offer something interesting for many prospective students. In this article, we will discuss some of Europe’s notable universities for the humanities.
Top Humanities Schools in Europe
1. University of Milano-Bicocca
- Study Program
- Location: Italy | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Located in Milan, the University of Milano-Bicocca is a strong option for students interested in humanities-related fields. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked 401–500 globally.
For students interested in studying at this humanities school in Europe, the university’s “Riccardo Massa” Department of Human Sciences for Education is worth exploring. The department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level study options, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Intercultural Communication and a Master’s Degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology, among others.
2. Durham University
Ranked 85th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, Durham University is one of the best humanities schools in Europe. Its Faculty of Arts and Humanities includes the departments of Classics and Ancient History, English Studies, History, Music, Philosophy, and Theology and Religion, as well as the School of Modern Languages and Cultures. For students interested in this field, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate study options across these departments and school.
International students make up 34% of Durham’s student body, according to data used for the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. For students interested in studying abroad, Durham has full-year exchange partners across the world, giving students opportunities to broaden their academic and cultural experience.
3. Sorbonne University
The Sorbonne name has roots in the 13th century, while the current Sorbonne University was officially established in 2018 after the merger of Paris-Sorbonne University and Pierre and Marie Curie University. Today, Sorbonne University is home to a broad Faculty of Arts and Humanities, with departments and schools covering areas such as arts, languages, literature, and human and social sciences. Students can choose from courses offered from the bachelor’s level to doctoral study.
More than 150 student associations are present at the university. Whether students are interested in sports, theater, or public life, the university campus offers many activities. Student associations can also seek support for projects through university funding mechanisms, helping improve student life on campus.
4. Leiden University
Founded in 1575 and recognized by the university as the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University is another excellent humanities institution in Europe. Its Faculty of Humanities offers education and research across languages, cultures, area studies, history, philosophy, arts, and religious studies. At the graduate level, the Graduate School of Humanities supports advanced and doctoral study across the humanities.
The city of Leiden is small and pleasant, with many excellent things to see. While the city is famous for its university, it is also known for its canals, more than 120 wall poems, and the Hortus botanicus Leiden, described as the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and Western Europe.
5. University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam is another one of the best humanities schools in Europe. The Faculty of Humanities offers several English-taught bachelor’s programs and master’s programs across the humanities. At the bachelor’s level, students can choose options such as Archaeology, European Studies, and Linguistics. Continuing to study at UvA gives students opportunities to build their skills through master’s programs and Ph.D. research.
Amsterdam itself is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. The Vondelpark, Heineken Experience, and Van Gogh Museum all add to the rich culture of the city, making it one of the best places in Europe to study.
6. University of Zurich
Humanities-related subjects are a major part of the University of Zurich. Offered through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the university’s study options include humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, and psychology. Students can pursue bachelor’s and master’s programs through the faculty, and doctoral study is available in subject areas such as film studies, art history, musicology, history, philosophy, education, and the social sciences.
This top humanities university in Europe is part of the wider academic life of Zurich. The university is also home to museums and collections covering areas such as anthropology, archaeology, paleontology, veterinary history, and natural history. These collections support teaching and research, and students should explore them when they get the chance.
7. Charles University in Prague
Located in Prague, historically one of Europe’s important cultural hubs, Charles University is one of the Czech Republic’s best-known universities. This quality is reflected in its international rankings: Charles University is ranked #=273 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
Study options are available at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels at Charles University’s Faculty of Humanities. The faculty’s Liberal Arts and Humanities bachelor’s program is centered on philosophy, history, and cultural and social anthropology, while its broader programs allow students to explore many areas of the humanities and social sciences.
As you can tell, Europe is home to many outstanding universities for students interested in the humanities. All of the colleges we have analyzed above give students the chance to explore ideas that excite them at respected institutions across the continent. In conclusion, we hope that this article will help you make an informed decision when choosing where to study in Europe.
We hope that you found this article on the best humanities schools in Europe informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
