• Curiosity about how history is handled in academia
• An understanding of and interest in language
• The competence and willingness to carefully read and analyze complex texts
• Enjoyment in formulating texts and an appreciation of linguistic precision
• Analytical thinking and argumentation skills

Proof of a completed bachelor’s degree earning you at least 60 credit points in history-related topics or proof of an equivalent degree at a higher education institution. If the degree program qualifying you for for the master’s degree program did not cover all three eras which are studied in the History M.A. (ancient history, medieval period, modern period), you must fill the gaps in your knowledge before you can take an advanced module.

Proof of proficiency in a modern language aside from English (Romance, Slavic, Baltic, Finno-Ugric languages, Modern Greek or Arabic), if not already shown during the bachelor’s degree program, must be confirmed by showing the Abitur certificate, by providing proof of having actively participated in corresponding language courses, or by providing similar proof before you sign up for an advanced module. The Graecum qualification is accepted as an alternative to the modern language requirements.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

Applicants who have not obtained a university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution or a degree in a German-speaking course must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. These must correspond to the level DSH-2 of the “German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants” and must be proven by the time of enrollment at JGU.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

You can find more information in the examination regulations of the master’s program.

Program structure

• Three advanced modules on ancient, medieval, and/or modern history (consolidation of knowledge of content and methods related to each period; independent academic work based on individual research)
• Longitudinal Perspective of International History (historical content from an area that deliberately transcends the usual boundaries between eras or historical watershed moments, and/or extends beyond national or European history)
• Studium Generale (discussion and illustration of essential questions related to epistemology, philosophy, ethics, and cultural studies on the basis of current developments)
• Focus Area/Internship
• Related or Adjacent Historical Fields (insights into three different history-related or history-adjacent subjects – Music History, Book Studies, Geography, etc. – intended to result in an awareness of their specific work and research areas)
• Research Module (discussion of current topics in the field of history at an advanced level, examination of trends and issues in historical research)
• Final Module and master’s thesis (6 months)

In the master’s degree program, students can focus on the breadth of history ranging from antiquity to modernity. They also have the option to define specializations early on, termed diploma supplements (ancient, medieval, or modern history, East European history, Byzantine studies, regional history).

Within the degree program and the corresponding modules, students can choose courses offered on a variety of topics from the start.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

In the History master’s degree program, the earlier you go abroad, the better! The number of examinations you will need to take increase toward the end of the degree course.

Internships

We recommend completing the required internship from the “Focus Area/Internship” module in the first or second semester.

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

Typical professional paths for historians include the following:

• Archival work
• Museum work
• Research
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Media
• Foundation work

Yet our graduates work in many more fields than these. Since historians are trained to read texts analytically and to scrutinize their content and contexts, a degree in history provides our graduates with the ideal tools for career opportunities in our information society, especially in the following areas:

• Politics
• Public administration
• Human resources
• Press and public relations
• Marketing
• Corporate consulting
• Sales

In general, you will need specific work experience (earned in internships, for example) to get a good start in the job market, which you can gather while enrolled in the degree course!

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.