Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, USA
All courses are taught in English. Language study in German from beginner to advanced level is available throughout the programme. In addition, the college offers a handful of courses each year that are taught in German and cover topics related to contemporary German culture and society. All BA candidates must demonstrate intermediate proficiency in German (B1 level) by the end of their second year.
Students in their first year at Bard College Berlin complete an introductory course, called Language and Thinking, during the three weeks prior to the official start of the fall semester. The course provides students with tools to write well at the university level, and to use writing as a resource throughout every stage of the learning process.
Spring transfer: 15 October
Early action international students: 1 November
Regular admission international students: 15 January
Fall transfer: 15 February
Late admission EU citizens/residents: 1 May
The on-campus comprehensive fee for the 2023/2024 academic year is 33,420.60 EUR per year (two semesters). The fee includes tuition as well as room and board in Bard College Berlin's student residences.
What is the relationship between art and human rights? How does literature affect our world view? Why has there always been a tension between ethics and politics?
The BA in Humanities, the Arts, and Social Thought provides the opportunity to specialise in the fields of Literature and Rhetoric, Ethics and Politics, or Art and Aesthetics alongside a core programme in intellectual history from ancient societies to the present day. Each concentration combines fundamental knowledge with critical reflection and practical experience. Literature and Rhetoric encompasses literary tradition and innovation, creative writing, and study of the discourses of the public sphere. Art and Aesthetics unites studio production with philosophical aesthetics and art history. Ethics and Politics aligns foundational and advanced study of political science with ethics, moral philosophy, and global citizenship. The programme includes courses in civic and social engagement, and a progression toward the capacity to produce and present independent research. In addition, students have the chance to pursue elective study in a wide range of areas. The overarching aims of the BA programme are to cultivate reflective, historically-informed specialist knowledge, an appreciation and understanding of art, literature and thought, a spirit of inquiry and social conscientiousness, and fluency in writing and communication.
Courses at Bard College Berlin take place in person and attendance is required.
Students take at least four courses per semester during their first three years of studies, and at least three courses per semester during the final year, in addition to writing their final thesis. Students may study abroad for up to two semesters in addition to completing an internship for academic credit as part of their studies. During the fourth year, students write a BA thesis under the close supervision of a faculty adviser.
Each student shapes their specialised academic profile through their chosen area of concentration, and is guided by faculty members who help the student to select relevant courses according to the student's interests and future plans. Within the elective component of the degree, students may choose from a wide variety of courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. German language courses at all levels are offered at the college, and enable students to acquire working knowledge of the language, as well as attain advanced proficiency. All BA candidates must demonstrate intermediate proficiency in German (B1 level) by the end of their second year.
A detailed overview of the degree structure is available below.
Students may opt to spend up to two semesters abroad at one of our partner universities: https://berlin.bard.edu/academics/study-abroad/outgoing-exchange-students/.
Students have the option to complete an internship for academic credit: https://berlin.bard.edu/academics/internships/.
The on-campus comprehensive fee for the 2023/2024 academic year is 33,420.60 EUR per year (two semesters). The fee includes tuition as well as room and board in Bard College Berlin's student residences.
210.30 EUR per semester
The Berlin semester ticket is included in the cost of the semester contribution. This ticket provides unlimited access to public transport in the full BVG network.
Bard College Berlin seeks to assist qualified students who might otherwise not be able to afford an education at a private liberal arts college. Financial aid from the college and/or federal, state, or private programmes is currently received by 79% of all Bard College Berlin students. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, the candidate's contribution to the diversity of the student body, civic engagement, and financial need, in addition to the criteria listed for the individual scholarships.
https://berlin.bard.edu/admissions/finances/
Students must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) by the time they enrol.
Required application materials include a completed online application form, a motivation statement, a writing sample, two academic letters of recommendation from teachers, official transcripts, and proof of advanced English proficiency for non-native English speakers (see below). Students who wish to share their creative work are encouraged to upload a creative portfolio as supplementary material.
Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. We accept the following tests:
Spring transfer: 15 October
Early action international students: 1 November
Regular admission international students: 15 January
Fall transfer: 15 February
Late admission EU citizens/residents: 1 May
Bard College Berlin offers a number of on-campus jobs for students: https://berlin.bard.edu/student-life/services-and-resources/student-jobs-and-opportunities/.
Students live on campus during their first two years of study in shared apartments. Each fully furnished apartment features single or double rooms, as well as a completely outfitted kitchen, shared living/dining area, and shared bathrooms. Wireless internet and laundry facilities are included.
Further information on campus housing is available at the link below:
https://berlin.bard.edu/student-life/campus-experience/housing/
Bard College Berlin offers one-on-one sessions in order to provide individualised support to students. From CVs to cover letters and application materials for jobs and/or graduate schools, to interview preparation and beyond, Bard College Berlin works with its students to help them achieve their career goals.
Furthermore, throughout the year, the Career Services team hosts various events, such as career-preparation workshops and seminars, as well as information sessions, which regularly feature guest speakers. Previous guest speakers include alumni/ae, graduate school representatives, and scholarship or study programme spokespersons (e.g. Fulbright).
Bard College Berlin was founded to bring the ideals and practices of liberal arts education to the centre of the European higher education system: undergraduate teaching by professors and artists; small-group seminar and workshop formats; academic advising; interdisciplinary study; a core curriculum. The college and its programmes are accredited at state level in Berlin and at federal level in Germany, and accredited in the United States through affiliation since 2012 with Bard College Annandale, which is the leading institution in a global network of universities and colleges committed to an open society and democratic values.
Students come to Bard College Berlin from all over the world. They pursue interdisciplinary degree programmes in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and link their education with projects of civic and social engagement, as well as opportunities for practical training and professional development. Working with faculty and their peers, students become part of a vibrant international community and a centre of learning and creativity connected to the city of Berlin. Qualifying graduates earn a German as well as an American BA degree.
As a European capital with a population of 3.6 million, Berlin is an exciting and cosmopolitan urban setting. BCB's campus—nestled in a residential neighbourhood on the northeastern edge of the city—offers a quiet, green environment for focused studies. Students are well-connected to the centre of the city with a direct public transport line. Berlin's vast resources for cultural enrichment, professional development, and intellectual inspiration lie just a short tram ride away.
Steeped in history and always reinventing itself, Berlin is a fascinating place to study politics, economics, literature, art, and culture. History is kept alive in its streets, which teem with art and architecture, monuments, museums, and performance venues. International artists, writers, and scholars are drawn to its vibrant art, theatre, and music scenes. As the only liberal arts college in Berlin, BCB brings a unique perspective to Berlin's educational landscape, which features large public universities and research institutes, attracting students from all over the world.
Berlin offers a unique constellation of employment opportunities for students of the humanities and social sciences during and after their studies. As the seat of the German government and a key actor in European and international politics, many influential public sector and foreign policy institutions are based in Berlin. The thriving cultural scene hosts state-supported museums and theatres, as well as small independent theatres, galleries, and private art collections. As the city in Germany with the largest number of start-ups, Berlin has an impressive network of support services for entrepreneurs and innovators.
