Global History

description:Szümanet a global történelmi folyamatokat, eseményeket és trendeket alaposan, interdiszciplináris megközelítésben. A program célja, hogy fejlessze a hallgatók képességeit az összetett globális kérdések elemzésében és értelmezésében, ideértve a politikai, gazdasági, társadalmi és kulturális aspektusokat. A kurzusok során a diákok megismerkednek a különböző időszakok és régiók főbb történéseivel, miközben hangsúlyt fektetnek a különböző források kritikus értékelésére és összehasonlítására. A tanulmányi program multidiszciplináris szemléletet alkalmaz, ötvözve a történettudományt, a nemzetközi kapcsolatok elemzését és a kulturális tanulmányokat, amely lehetővé teszi a hallgatók számára, hogy mély és sokoldalú megértést szerezzenek a világ történelmi folyamatairól. A diploma felkészíti a diákokat arra, hogy tudományos karrierbe lépjenek, vagy további tanulmányokat végezzenek nemzetközi ügyek, történelmi kutatások vagy kapcsolódó területeken. A program nyitott olyan érdeklődő hallgatók számára, akik elkötelezettek a globális kérdések iránt, és szeretnék bővíteni látókörüket a világ különböző kultúrái és történelmi eseményei iránt. Résztvevőink kihívást jelentő projekteken dolgoznak, amelyeket tapasztalt oktatók vezetik, és lehetőségük van nemzetközi konferenciákon való részvételre, ösztöndíjakra és kutatási lehetőségekre. A program világpolgárrá neveli a hallgatókat, akik képesek lesznek a globális összefüggések komplex megértésére és értékelésére, hozzájárulva a nemzetközi közösség fejlődéséhez és a globális kihívások kezeléséhez egyaránt.

The structure of our two-year program builds on the conviction that global history is best understood as a complex interplay on different spatial scales. Global historians, in our understanding, are not exclusively concerned with “the global,” however it be defined; rather, they think about ways to link larger processes and global structures to regional, national, and local contexts. Our course structure therefore helps students make connections between global perspectives and the specificities of the local and national. Students are encouraged to think globally, but at the same time to specialize in the history of a particular region. The close cooperation between global approaches and area studies is thus a particular emphasis of our program.  

Global history is one of the fastest-growing fields in the discipline of history today, and it has generated a variety of approaches. In our program, students will be introduced to these different approaches and invited to think about the global past from different angles and in different ways. While learning to think globally, they will also be encouraged to select a regional specialization. In fifteen seminars over two years, students will be exposed to themes and issues on both a global scale and within more confined regions and national settings. Depending on interest and language skills, students are encouraged to - and supported in - designing their own intellectual trajectory by drawing on a wide variety of courses offered at Freie Universität and Humboldt Universität. During the fourth semester of the course program, students are expected to complete a master’s thesis - a piece of original scholarly work based on their own research. Upon completion, students are awarded a double degree both from Freie Universität and from Humboldt Universität in Berlin.  

Course Structure  

The two-year program comprises four different parts.

1. The Core Courses (40 ECTS points, 6 seminars) specifically address issues on a global scale. Seminars include survey courses on global history from the early modern period onwards; courses on the theory and method of global history; and seminars devoted to specific topics (such as migration, nationalism, empire, dictatorship, violence, religion etc.) discussed on a global scale. The core courses are obligatory and are offered exclusively for the MA Global History. Language: English exclusively  

2. Students are encouraged to choose an area of regional specialization. This can be any world region (such as East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America). In four seminars (30 ECTS points), they will be able to deepen their knowledge of the country or region in question, and improve their language skills. Language: English; optional German and different languages, s. Languages    

3. In the comparative section (20 ECTS points, 4 seminars) students are free to choose seminars that focus on regions outside their regional specialization. This is an opportunity to learn in depth about the history of other regions of the world, or to pursue specific topics (e.g. nationalism, environmental history, colonialism etc.) in regions outside their area of expertise.Language: English; optional German and different languages, s. Languages  

4. The master’s thesis (30 ECTS points) is an empirically based, scholarly work on a specific topic. The thesis is written in close cooperation with a supervisor. The accompanying master’s colloquium gives students the chance to present and discuss their thesis topic with their peers and supervisor. Language: The master’s colloquium is in English, but in accordance with their supervisor students could opt for writing their thesis in another language.    

For admittance to the master’s program applicants need to fulfill the following admission requirements:

• An above average degree on par with a Bachelor in History, Regional Studies, or a related field that includes equivalent historical or regional topics (minimum of 60 credits), which can be proven with a transcript of records. In all cases, at least 60 credits must be accredited from historical or regional courses.
• The MA Global History is an English-language program. Therefore, all applicants to the program must prove that they have English skills at a C1 (CEFR) level or higher.

The admission is limited.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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The financing of the Global History program at the Free University of Berlin is primarily supported through a combination of federal and state funding, student tuition fees, and various scholarships and financial aid options. As a public university in Germany, the Free University of Berlin benefits from government funding aimed at promoting higher education accessibility and academic excellence. German students enrolled in the program pay standard semester fees, which cover administration, student services, and public transportation registration. International students may be required to pay additional tuition fees depending on their nationality and specific study regulations, although many international students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid programs to assist with costs.

The university offers a range of scholarships specifically targeted at students pursuing history and social sciences, including merit-based awards and need-based grants. These scholarships are often provided through the university’s own funding sources or in partnership with government and private organizations dedicated to supporting students in their academic pursuits. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for external funding opportunities such as DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarships, which provide financial support for international students studying in Germany.

Students may also have access to loans, although these are less common in the German university system compared to other countries. The university provides guidance and counseling to help students navigate financial planning and explore opportunities for sustainable funding throughout their studies. For research-focused or extended programs, additional funding may be available through research grants or project-specific funding streams. Overall, the financing structure of the Global History program is designed to make higher education accessible and affordable, emphasizing support systems to ensure that students can pursue their academic goals without undue financial burden.

The Global History Master's program at the Free University of Berlin is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical developments from a global perspective. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of different regions and cultures, encouraging students to think critically about historical processes that transcend national and regional boundaries. It combines interdisciplinary approaches, including cultural, political, social, and economic history, to offer a nuanced understanding of global phenomena. The curriculum typically includes core modules in global historiography, methods and theories in historical research, and specialized courses on various regions and themes such as imperialism, migration, colonialism, and transnational networks. Students are often encouraged to engage in comparative studies and to develop their own research projects, some of which may involve original fieldwork or archival research. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, international organizations, museums, cultural institutions, or media. It also provides a solid foundation for doctoral research in global or international history. The teaching methods involve lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision, fostering an interactive learning environment. Admission requirements generally include a relevant undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English and possibly German), and a motivation letter outlining the applicant’s interest and study objectives. The program can typically be completed within four semesters on a full-time basis, offering a rich academic environment with international faculty and diverse student cohorts. Students benefit from the university’s extensive library resources and activites fostering academic exchange and networking with experts in the field of global history.