History
FsB vom 01.04.2021 mit Änderungen vom 15.11.2022 und 03.05.2023
Research orientation and optimal support in academic and professional qualification for an appointment as a historian characterise the Master's degree programme in History at Bielefeld University. The specialised Master's degree programme in History offers a broad and in-depth study of many historical topics and current research questions. Special emphasis is placed on teaching theoretical and methodological skills as well as transnational and comparative perspectives.
The Master's degree programme in History covers the full breadth of the subject of History, but also allows students to specialise by choosing a profile, which is shown as a major on their transcript of records. Profiles are offered for the Department of History's focus of research. There are currently profiles for the following areas:
- Ancient History
- Pre-modern history
- Culture/History: Politics - Image - Art
- Society - Knowledge - Environment
- Global history
- Historical Cultures
- Global Cultures (in cooperation with the University of Bologna, offered in English)
Bielefeld University is one of the internationally renowned locations for historical research. The 'Bielefeld School' is not only a hallmark of modern, theory-led historical research, but above all a place of lively academic discussion. Study groups organised jointly by students and teaching staff, weekly research colloquia, the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology funded as part of the Excellence Initiative and numerous international collaborations with universities in Europe and overseas create an inspiring and cooperative environment in which Master's students are actively integrated at an early stage.
The Master of Arts in History is intended to prepare students not only for the "traditional" professional fields of historians - museums, university archives and universities - but also for the fields of media, public relations, foundations, education and knowledge management in companies. The "History as a profession" working area offers all Master's students extensive counselling on possible appointments during their studies and also arranges contacts and internships in relevant institutions.
Double-degree programmes
Double-degree programmes
Università di Bologna
In this program, two different international double degrees are possible in cooperation with the Università di Bologna (Italy). In the "Global Cultures" profile, the double degree is offered with an English-language curriculum. In all other profiles, the double degree is offered with a German-Italian curriculum.
For more information and advice, please contact the Faculty of History and visit the information page on double degree programs of the International Office of Bielefeld University.
Université de Paris
In this program, an international double degree is possible in cooperation with the Université Paris Cité (France). For more information and advice, please contact the Faculty of History and visit the information page on double degree programs of the International Office of Bielefeld University.
The courses
The courses
You will find the programme of lectures for this course in the eKVV.
An overview of the introductory and information events is provided by the central student counselling services.
Formalities / Important information
Course start
Length and scope of studies
Length and scope of studies
The standard period of studies is 4 semesters. Information on studying part time can be found on the following webpage.
The studies History comprise 120 credit points.
Access requirements
Access requirements
Access to the Master programme is granted to those who can provide evidence that they have a first university degree which has a standard period of study of at least six semesters, qualifies for exercising a profession and is in accordance with the subject-specific regulations.
In any case, please read the specific Admission requirements for this Masters programme in the Subject-specific regulations (PDF).
Degrees from accredited Bachelor programmes at German ‘Berufsakademien’ are equivalent to Bachelor degrees from universities.
Applicants with a university degree obtained abroad are granted access provided that the degree they have acquired is deemed sufficient for this purpose and they can provide evidence of the required language skills.
Further information on required language skills
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Application, admission and enrolment 1
Application, admission and enrolment
The study places for this degree programme are not subject to any admission restrictions (numerus clausus). Nevertheless, you need to apply within the currently applicable application deadlines.
As soon as you receive a positive response in the application and status portal (notice of access from the faculty), you can submit your application for enrolment within the set deadline.
Step by step to a Master programme without NC
To the application portal
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Further links
Further links
Internet pages of the responsible institution(s):
Department of History with the courses offered
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The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2025/26 and summer semester 2026.
Information on NC values from previous years