History – Master of Arts
Historians draw attention to the similarities and differences between present-day and past ways of living and horizons in thought. They work mainly with research literature and historical source materials which form the foundations of their subject. In our master’s programme in history you will be able to select your own focus areas and pursue your preferred areas of interest. At the same time you will gain a comprehensive view and a broad perspective of historiography. The master's programme is based on our undergraduate bachelor's programme in history. Other degrees may be recognized as equivalent.
Why study History in Konstanz?
- Individual supervision: We will systematically support you on an individual basis. A professor will accompany you from the start of the first semester and advise you on your choice of courses. In addition to this, you will be in a group of students from start to finish, thus enabling you to join in regular exchanges about your studies with your fellow students.
- Innovative teaching methods: The historians at Konstanz are characterised by their original methodology, their cultural-theoretical approach and their lively exchanges amongst themselves. We encourage our students to visit lectures and seminars in other subjects, or classes in additional languages, and to import those credits into their master’s degree.
- Path to doctoral projects: We not only teach in close contact with research and support practical research. We are also here to help you as future historians to develop doctoral projects during the master’s phase, and we support you in the acquisition of external funding.
Study content
Prospects
Career prospects
The practical orientation of our Master's Programme in History will proficiently prepare you for your future career. As a professional historian you will have access to a great variety of openings, such as
- in archives, libraries or museums
- in organisations and companies (e.g. in corporate history and communications)
- in education and the cultural sector
- in politics
- in journalism and in creative professions (e.g. in marketing, management)
- in the field of research
In addition to this, you also have the option of following up your master’s degree with doctoral programme. This would then qualify you for a career at a university or other scientific institutions. The department supports prospective doctoral students already during their master's programme in developing their doctoral projects and helps them get funding.
You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob and in the film on career prospects in the subject.
Study structure
Start of study
Winter semester | Summer semester
Study structure
In Konstanz you will benefit from a broad spectrum taught by internationally recognised teaching staff. In addition to traditional epochs (classical antiquity, the Middle Ages, the early modern age, contemporary history) students can also choose thematic, epoch-spanning areas of concentration. For your focus area of study you can choose one of the following fields in the first semester:
- History of classical antiquity
- The Middle Ages
- History of the early modern age (16th - 18th century)
- Contemporary history (19th - 21th century)
- Archaeology/material culture
- Exhibitions
- Global history
- Eastern European history
- Economic history (Note: The professorship is currently vacant. This focus area is therefore currently not available).
You can find an exemplary course of study in this table.
These documents will support you in planning your studies:
Opportunities for additional training
At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.
Skills for successful studies- GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
- Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
- Language courses at the Language Institute
- Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
- Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
- Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
- qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz
- Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
- Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
- Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service
Internships and stays abroad
Internship
During your period of study you will be expected to complete an internship of at least 8 weeks. The Departmental Internship Office and the university Career Service will help you to find a suitable internship.
Stay abroad
Studying abroad is always highly recommendable. You can spend semesters abroad at numerous European and non-European partner universities. You will benefit from the great variety of international contacts maintained by the department staff. In addition to this, the university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes.
Impressions from students and lecturers
Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.
Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.
Study requirements
Admission requirements for studying
- Above-average degree in a history study programme or an equivalent programme
- Qualification in Latin (Latinum) (You can also complete your Latinum during the first 2 semesters)
- Documentation of your knowledge of another two foreign languages
- International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent.
Further information can be found in the admission regulations.
Fees
Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.
Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.
Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.
Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.
Required language skills
Foreign language skills
Qualification in Latin (Latinum) and two other foreign languages. You can catch up on missing language skills during your studies.
German language skills
International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4. Alternatively, other language tests or school certificates recognized as equivalent can be used as proof of the required German language skills.
Teaching and examination language
The language mainly used in class is German. Courses may also be held in English or another foreign language.
Interests and skills
- Solid foundations in the knowledge of history
- Curiosity and the desire to inquire into the most diverse topics, questions and problems
- Creativity
- An independent and conscientious approach to work
- Readiness to read extensively throughout your studies
Application
Application and application documents
Application documents
To submit your online application you are required to upload the following supporting documents as PDF-files:
- Documentation of your academic degree including details on course work. If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results so far.
- Documentation of your qualification in Latin (Latinum) (can be submitted within the first two semesters of the MA programme).
- Documentation of your knowledge of another two foreign languages
- Current certificate of enrolment or proof of exmatriculation (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’)
Important note: Please note the information provided under the tab "Admission requirements".
International applicants please also provide:
- If your documents are not available in German or English, you will need to have them translated. Please submit a German or English translation of your documents along with the original versions
- Documentation of German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent
- Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country
An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.07. | 29.11. - 15.01.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the
university website
.
Contact
Contact person
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services.
Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de
Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Dr. Agata Nörenberg, Tina Raddatz
Contact persons room E 318
Phone: +49 7531 88-3586
Email: studienberatung.geschichte@uni-konstanz.de
Studying at the University of Excellence Konstanz
With your university entrance qualification in your pocket, the sky is the limit. Get a top education at the University of Konstanz, benefit from outstanding teaching and interdisciplinary exchange on our international campus. Situated on a hilltop overlooking Konstanz with a great view of Lake Constance and the Alps, our nationally and internationally renowned research university has been recognized as a University of Excellence since 2007.
Top ratings in the CHE University Ranking regularly confirm the quality of our study programmes. Take your pick from more than 100 programmes! Our courses are close to research and will perfectly equip you for the future, especially in combination with practice-oriented, socially relevant transfer projects, opportunities for going abroad and qualification programmes that you can complete alongside your studies.
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Blick auf das Audimax der Universität -
Blick in die moderne Universitätsbibliothek -
Internationale Studierende auf dem grünen Campus -
Blick auf den Universitätsstrand am Bodensee
