History

Overview

Degree: Master of Arts
Duration: 4 semesters
Restrictions: Without NC 1
Apply now!

Contents of the subject History

Display more details about the subject

Contact persons

Student Counselling Service
Beratung durch Studierende der jeweiligen Fachrichtung
Academic Student Counselling Service
Beratung durch Lehrende zu Studienangebot und Inhalten des jeweiligen Studienfachs
General Student Advisory Service
First point of contact for general academic advice, personalised study guidance, and psychological counselling

Interdisciplinary research
The master course offers a wide range of topics through close collaboration with various fields of research. Students can benefit from interdisciplinary approaches that examine historical issues from different perspectives.


In-depth theoretical and methodological knowledge
The degree programme fosters an understanding of theoretical and methodological concepts in historical studies. This enables students to analyse complex historical phenomena in a well-founded manner and to reflect on them critically, which is essential for an academic career.


Individual specialisation
Students have the opportunity to set their own areas of specialisation by choosing profiles that match their interests. This promotes a personalised education and enables specialisation in areas such as ancient history, global history or the culture of history.


Practical relevance
The degree programme emphasises links to current research and equips students with skills that are valuable in various professional fields. These include skills in analysis, academic writing and the presentation of research findings.


Strong links with research
Bielefeld University enjoys an excellent reputation within the international research community. These links offer students opportunities to participate in current research projects and engage with experts in the field.

The program opens up a wide range of career opportunities in various fields, such as:

Research and Development: Graduates often find employment at research institutes or universities, where they can engage in historical research. In these roles, they are frequently involved in analyzing and publishing new research findings.

Cultural and Historical Institutions: Positions in museums, archives, or cultural institutions offer further career prospects. Here, graduates can apply their knowledge in the curation and presentation of historical content.

Public Administration: A career in public administration opens up opportunities to work in cultural departments or in the field of historic preservation, where legal and historical knowledge is in demand.

Non-Profit Organizations: Working in non-profit organizations that address social issues and historical questions is another career path where graduates can put their knowledge to good use.

Media and Journalism: There are also numerous opportunities in the fields of media and journalism. Graduates can work as journalists or editors to analyze and communicate social issues and historical contexts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Application deadline reminder

To the application portal

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.

Legend

1

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
<< back to all courses offered