History (German-French)

The international Master's programme in History aims at extending the knowledge and skills of graduate students in history from German-speaking countries and from France or French-speaking countries. Special emphasis lies on specific theoretical and methodological approaches of academic research in history in both Germany and France. The fields of study comprise all central epochs of European history.
One central feature of the programme is the explicit intercultural dimension: German- and French-speaking participants complete the programme side by side. By working in pairs, they can assist each other with language problems as well as in practical matters.
The Master's programme is built upon the binational Bachelor's programme in History, which is jointly organised by Bielefeld University and the University of Paris 7.

Educational organisation

Students follow the general study programme Master in History of both universities (see http://www.uni-bielefeld.de and http://www.univ-paris-diderot.fr). This programme comprises lectures, seminars, and tutorials which deal with methods and theories in history, transnational approaches to historical matters, and intercultural questions.
Participating students will receive a Master of Arts (MA) in History from Bielefeld University as well as from the University of Paris 7.

Study abroad unit(s)

At least two semesters are spent at the University of Paris 7.

Internships

Internships are not obligatory, but strongly recommended.
The "Deutsch-Französische Hochschule" (http://www.dfh-ufa.org) regularly offers specific internships which aim to improve intercultural abilities and provide insight into European dimensions of various professional fields.
Further offers are also announced via the internal communication network of the study programme.

Forms of assessment

• Seminar paper
• written exam
• oral exam
• independent study
• Master's thesis plus final oral exam

Course objectives

On the one hand, participants will acquire qualifications for an academic career in the field of history in both Germany and France.
On the other hand, they gain knowledge and skills which enable them to participate in other professional sectors dealing with international matters in a more general way, such as journalism or cultural politics. Very good knowledge of the foreign language (German or French) will be of particular value to graduates.

Language requirements

Applicants must be native speakers of either German or French. Oral and written proficiency in the other language (French or German) must be good.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

As the binational Master's programme in history is built upon the binational Bachelor's programme in History, which is organised by Bielefeld University and the University of Paris 7, this Bachelor's degree from Bielefeld University or the University of Paris 7 ("licence") is a requirement for admission to the Master's programme.

Enrolment fees

Currently approx. 270 EUR per semester, including a ticket for public transport in the city of Bielefeld and the whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Costs of living

The following monthly costs can be expected: the rent in a student hall of residence, in private halls, rooms, or flats amounts to about 300 EUR per month; health insurance is about 80 EUR per month; and a meal in the students' canteen (Mensa) costs less than 3 EUR. According to lifestyle, about 150 EUR per month can be expected to be spent on food. So the cost of living amounts to approx. 670 EUR monthly, i.e. some 8,000 EUR per year.

Job opportunities

Basically, international students are allowed to work parallel to their studies for 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit once they have successfully completed preparations for their studies and started a course.
A limited number of jobs are available at the university; however, jobs for students can also be found in companies in and around Bielefeld.

Funding opportunities within the university

The university society "Westfälisch-Lippische Universitätsgesellschaft" awards some partial stipends for excellent international Master's students.

Arrival support

Both universities participating in the binational programme have tutors available who are responsible for taking care of the new participants in the programme as well as the more advanced students. Thus, new students receive help with all practical problems such as enrolment, accommodation, etc. In addition, there is a close communication network between all participants of the programme, which helps in solving practical problems.
Additionally, a personal tutoring programme is offered by the International Office (please see: http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/International/Students/)

Services and support for international students

In addition to many services and facilities available to all students, the International Office offers a wide range of special services helping international students to adjust to their new surroundings and provides them with continuing support that will enhance their learning.
At the beginning of each semester, a leisure day programme with a variety of activities is published to which all international students are invited: day excursions, weekend trips, journeys taking several days, and evening meetings in the international contact centre.
The PunktUm project offers international students interdisciplinary assistance with acquiring basic academic skills. Project offers are composed of individual counselling, workshops, and courses on the following contents: academic writing, oral study achievements, and scientific language for subject related and interdisciplinary use. Bielefeld University's Brother-Sister Programme is a personal tutoring programme for all foreign freshmen and participants of the German language courses. Students of all semesters and fields of study support students new to Bielefeld in dealing with organisational difficulties and in other new situations that may arise during their first semester.
In 1985, the Society for the Support for International Students was founded with the purpose of supporting international students and scholars/scientists of the Bielefeld academies and encouraging new contacts and relationships with the people of the region.

Accommodation

In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices.
Housing options include 17 halls of residence, which are run by the public "Studentenwerk" and private organisations. Additionally, single apartments as well as rooms in shared flats with other students are available. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 EUR to 300 EUR per month. The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.