Cambodia today continues to be shaped by its long and sometimes turbulent history. Under the name Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), the Royal University of Phnom Penh developed its history degree course in 1980 to promote the specialized knowledge and understanding of Cambodia’s national history and identity, as well as of broader international events. In doing so, RUPP has continued its commitment to raising the human resources necessary for building Cambodia’s capacity.

With the help of the Italian group New Humanity, the Toyota Foundation and California State University, Long Beach, RUPP’s history degree course has developed alongside similar courses in neighboring ASEAN nations. It is hoped that graduates of the department of history will use their understanding of past events to advance present practice in Cambodia and the world, leading to an improved future.