German-French History

The German-French Master's and Doctoral Programme is a joint programme of Heidelberg University and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) Paris. It offers great freedom of choice to the participants. According to the concept of "flux croisés", students spend one year in Paris and one in Heidelberg studying and performing research in their particular field of interest. The cohesion of the group is guaranteed by the students' regular participation in joint workshops, which will take place twice a year in Paris and Heidelberg, respectively. In the framework of these workshops, the students introduce their research projects and discuss a specific aspect linking the two national scientific traditions in a comparative way.
The "German-French research colloquium" in Heidelberg (like the "Séminaire franco-allemand" in Paris) brings together all participants of the DFMDP as well as selected MA and PhD students interested in research at the intersection of both countries (in content and/or methods). Within the framework of the colloquium, participants present their research projects (leading to the Master's thesis) in a detailed manner, get insight into theory and methodology of historiography, or attend guest lectures.
At Heidelberg University, the "German-French study module" consists of a seminar (Übung) on "theory and methods", the "German-French research colloquium", as well as the presentation of a well-founded research outline for continuing their thesis. In addition, students will be involved in the preparation of a workshop in which they will participate. Workshops are held twice a year: one in Heidelberg in winter, the second in Paris in spring.
The Master's thesis, which testifies to the student's ability to conduct research on a specific historical topic, marks the end of a continuous process of discussion and development of the research project together with the supervising professors at both universities. This thesis (mémoire/Masterarbeit) may be understood as a preparation phase for a subsequent dissertation, the content of which can be discussed with the supervising professor from the beginning of the Master's studies. During the students' stay at the guest institution, the local advisers will stay in regular contact with those at their home university.
The requirements for doctoral students are naturally different and more exclusively research-focused. These are described in detail on the course website.

Educational organisation

The DFMG (Master's track) allows its students to choose between two different options of how to organise the programme. Students registered at Heidelberg University usually spend the first year (M1) in Paris and the second year (M2), when writing their Master's thesis, in Heidelberg. However, they can also choose the alternative model and write their Master's thesis in Paris after spending their first year in Heidelberg, which is the usual way for students of the programme registered at the EHESS. Thus, two varying curricula are possible as the particular requirements of each year (M1 and M2) are specific according to the rules of the country and the institution in question. The "German-French Seminar" has been designed specifically for this Master's study programme as a class taught at both institutions. The different ways of modularisation in force at Heidelberg and Paris naturally lead to two curricula differing in some respects. The individual units of study, however, are conceived in a similar manner. The Master's thesis, in particular, is designed in the same way at both institutions and - together with the oral examination/soutenance - amounts to the same number of credit points.
The requirements for doctoral students are described in detail on the course website.

Study abroad unit(s)

During the Master's programme, half of the time, i.e., two semesters, will be spent abroad at the partner institution: at EHESS in Paris for students of Historisches Seminar Heidelberg and two semesters in Heidelberg for students of EHESS.

Internships

A subject-related internship of at least three weeks is to be completed as part of a practice-oriented course module in the first year. Programme advisers will assist students with finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

As part of the seminars, oral presentations and written papers are required, which contribute to the final grade. The most important element however, is the student's Master's thesis. The defence of the thesis will be held as a short debate, similar to the French "soutenance", combined with an oral examination on two different historical topics.
The requirements for doctoral students are described in detail on the course website.

Course objectives

By providing the necessary basic skills, namely profound scientific knowledge in the field of history, as well as specific linguistic and intercultural competence acquired through a bi-national experience, the programme enables its graduates to pursue an international career in research and teaching.
Graduates' competences also open up numerous other fields of employment in which a scientific education such as this is beneficial (for example in the field of media, public relations, or cultural management).
Students who go on to do a PhD receive a full introduction to the academic systems of both countries.

Language requirements

Candidates must have very good knowledge of German and French (C1 according to the CEFR) plus one other modern language. If classes on medieval or ancient history are chosen by the student, knowledge of Latin or Ancient Greek may be required.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

For admission requirements, please see the course website.

Enrolment fees

The administration and social contribution fee at Heidelberg University amounts to approx. 150 EUR each semester. This includes the fees for the student service office, students' council, and university administration. Fees do not include a semester ticket.
Students will also have to be properly registered at Heidelberg University during their stay at the EHESS. Their registration at the EHESS will be free of charge.

Funding opportunities within the university

The German-French Master's programme in historical studies is supported financially by the German-French University (DFH). As a result, accepted students receive a mobility aid during their stay at the partner institution. This currently amounts to 270 EUR per month. The costs for an intensive language course can be reimbursed.
http://www.dfh-ufa.org

Services and support for international students

Foreign students have the opportunity to attend an intensive high-level language course at the Max Weber House in Heidelberg before the beginning of the semester or the beginning of the programme. Within the DFMG, they will receive intensive assistance from their supervisors and will be supported in their everyday studies by the tutors of the history department.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services office in Heidelberg, the Maison Heinrich Heine at Cité Universitaire Paris, or on the private market. For further information, please see our course website.