École des hautes études en sciences sociales Paris
Courses are held in German and French. Some classes are taught in English as well. According to the examination regulations in Heidelberg, participants can choose to write their Master's theses in either language.
Applicants with German nationality must apply by 15 July. Applications from international students with foreign nationality must be received by 15 June. Please check the programme website for further details.
The Franco-German Master's and Doctoral Programme is a joint programme of Heidelberg University and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris. It offers great freedom of choice to the participants. 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 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 "Franco-German research colloquium" in Heidelberg (like the "Séminaire franco-allemand" in Paris) brings together all participants of the programme 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. They get insights into theory and methodology of historiography, or attend guest lectures.
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 Master's course of study allows 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) in Heidelberg while writing their Master's theses. Under specific circumstances, they can also choose to structure their studies the other way around and thus join those students who "belong" to the EHESS as the "institution of origin". Thus, two slightly different curricula are possible, as the particular requirements of each year (M1 and M2) contain some particularities according to the rules of the country and the institution in question. The "Franco-German Seminar" has been designed specifically for this Master's course of study as a module existing at both institutions. The Master's thesis is designed in the same way at both institutions and – together with the oral examination/"soutenance" – amounts to the same number of credit points.
A subject-related internship of at least three weeks is to be completed as part of a practice-oriented module in the first year. Programme advisers will assist students with finding an appropriate internship.
Approx. 150 EUR
The Franco-German Master's programme is supported financially by the Franco-German University (DFH/UFA/FGU). As a result, students receive a mobility aid during their stay at the partner institution. This currently amounts to 350 EUR per month. The costs for an intensive language course can be reimbursed.
For admission requirements, please see the course website.
Candidates must have very good knowledge of German and French (B2–C1 according to the CEFR) plus one other modern language. (Since some classes are taught in English, basic English language skills are recommended.) If classes on medieval or ancient history are chosen by the student, knowledge of Latin or Ancient Greek may be required.
Applicants with German nationality must apply by 15 July. Applications from international students with foreign nationality must be received by 15 June. Please check the programme website for further details.
Prof Dr Thomas Maissen
(thomas.maissen@zegk.uni-heidelberg.de)
Participants can find part-time employment as research assistant at the various chairs and research groups of the history department in Heidelberg. There are also many job possibilities at the university for students, e.g. in the administration, libraries, or student restaurants.
Accommodation is available through the Student Services office in Heidelberg (Studierendenwerk Heidelberg), the Maison Heinrich Heine at Cité internationale universitaire de Paris, or on the private market. For further information, please see our course website.
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