History
Overview
Degree:
Master of Arts
International focus:
Double-degree programmes
Duration:
4 semesters
Course Start:
Winter semester & summer semester
Restrictions:
Without NC
1
Apply now!
Contents of the subject History
Contact persons
Advantages of the subject History at Bielefeld University
Research focus
The degree programme is offered at a university with a strong research profile, which is internationally renowned for its history department. In the courses, historical topics are addressed in a problem-oriented manner, relating them to current research debates and exploring relevant questions using appropriate methods. Theoretical approaches that guide research work are developed and reflected upon.
Interdisciplinarity
Interaction with other academic disciplines is explicitly practised and reflected upon as part of an interdisciplinary theory module. In this way, students become aware of questions and methodologies specific to historical studies and learn to engage them in dialogue with approaches from other disciplines.
In-depth theoretical and methodological knowledge. The programme promotes the understanding and reflective application of appropriate theories and methods for historical research. This enables historical working methods and findings to be reflected upon, critiqued and justified.
Individual specialisation
The programme offers a broad range of options. In addition to modules on the pre-modern period (Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Early Modern period) and the modern period (19th–21st centuries), students complete one of several specialisation modules and one research module. This allows them to deepen their studies in line with their own interests. Specialisations can be indicated on the Master’s degree certificate.
Practical Applications
The programme equips students with skills that are relevant across various professional fields (academia, archives, museums, media, research management, etc.). These include skills in independent research, analysis and reflection, as well as in writing texts and presenting research findings. The ‘History as a Profession’ unit is available to provide career guidance and arrange work placements. Work placements can be credited towards the degree as part of the individual subsidiary subjects. There is also the opportunity to take part in a project seminar.
Strong links with research
Students benefit from research colloquia, where national and international researchers present their current projects for discussion. Current research projects being carried out in the department enrich teaching and give students an insight into the research practices of historians.
The degree programme is offered at a university with a strong research profile, which is internationally renowned for its history department. In the courses, historical topics are addressed in a problem-oriented manner, relating them to current research debates and exploring relevant questions using appropriate methods. Theoretical approaches that guide research work are developed and reflected upon.
Interdisciplinarity
Interaction with other academic disciplines is explicitly practised and reflected upon as part of an interdisciplinary theory module. In this way, students become aware of questions and methodologies specific to historical studies and learn to engage them in dialogue with approaches from other disciplines.
In-depth theoretical and methodological knowledge. The programme promotes the understanding and reflective application of appropriate theories and methods for historical research. This enables historical working methods and findings to be reflected upon, critiqued and justified.
Individual specialisation
The programme offers a broad range of options. In addition to modules on the pre-modern period (Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Early Modern period) and the modern period (19th–21st centuries), students complete one of several specialisation modules and one research module. This allows them to deepen their studies in line with their own interests. Specialisations can be indicated on the Master’s degree certificate.
Practical Applications
The programme equips students with skills that are relevant across various professional fields (academia, archives, museums, media, research management, etc.). These include skills in independent research, analysis and reflection, as well as in writing texts and presenting research findings. The ‘History as a Profession’ unit is available to provide career guidance and arrange work placements. Work placements can be credited towards the degree as part of the individual subsidiary subjects. There is also the opportunity to take part in a project seminar.
Strong links with research
Students benefit from research colloquia, where national and international researchers present their current projects for discussion. Current research projects being carried out in the department enrich teaching and give students an insight into the research practices of historians.
Career prospects
The degree programme opens up a wide range of career prospects in various fields, such as research and academia, public relations and communication, cultural management, science management, media and publishing, museums and archives, tourism, foundations and non-profit organisations.
International focus
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.
What are the 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 the application process for prospective international students and the language requirements.
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
What formalities are important?
Course start
Studies can be commenced in both winter and summer semesters.
Length and scope of studies
The standard period of studies is 4 semesters. Information on studying part time.
The studies History comprise 120 credit points.
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
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
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.
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The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2026/27 and summer semester 2027.
Information on NC values from previous years
Sidebar
Overview
Degree:
Master of Arts
International focus:
Double-degree programmes
Duration:
4 semesters
Course Start:
Winter semester & summer semester
Restrictions:
Without NC
1
Apply now!
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