Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna
The courses of the "History in Cross-Epochal Perspective" profile are held in German (at Bielefeld University) and in Italian (at University of Bologna).
The curriculum of the "Global Cultures" profile is held in English.
For both profiles ("History in Cross-Epochal Perspective" and "Global Cultures"):
Application to programme coordinator: 10 September
Enrolment to department: 30 September
Since its inception in the academic year 2012/13 (October 2012), Bielefeld University and the University of Bologna have joined forces in offering this joint two-year Master's degree programme in History. Enrolled students will spend one academic year in Bologna and another academic year in Bielefeld, and graduates will receive MA degrees from both universities. The wide range of themes explored in Bologna and the theory-based approach pursued by Bielefeld University complement one another exceptionally well, allowing the programme to combine the strengths of two of Europe's outstanding teaching and research institutions, resulting in a unique and attractive curriculum.
Two profiles are offered: "History in Cross-Epochal Perspective" (curriculum in German and Italian) and (since 2018) "Global Cultures" (curriculum in English).
German students will spend the first and fourth semesters in Bielefeld and the second and third semesters in Bologna. Italian students will spend the first and second semesters in Bologna before transferring to Bielefeld for the third and fourth semesters.
Students can improve their language skills through classes offered at both universities. Participants will also be offered classes on the cultural and academic characteristics of the country where they will study abroad for a year.
Students have the opportunity to pursue various internships. Both Bielefeld and Bologna have established partnerships with many local and national enterprises, institutions, foundations, etc., in the area of potential future career opportunities. A list of these cooperation partners is available for participating students.
Since Bielefeld University does not charge tuition fees, every student only has to pay a social fee. The social fee includes the contribution to the social ticket for free public transport in the city and area of Bielefeld and on regional trains and buses in North-Rhine Westphalia for the whole semester.
The current semester contribution is approximately 300 EUR.
Costs for studying in Germany are relatively high due to the living expenses.
There are several ways of cutting expenses in Bielefeld. For example, it is possible to rent a room in a student residence for about 230 EUR, and a meal at the student canteen (Mensa) costs only about 2.60 EUR.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in History (German Bachelor of Arts, Italian Laurea) with a grade of 3.0 or higher. Applications are evaluated after an obligatory interview.
Applications (consisting of résumé, copy of Bachelor's degree, cover letter / statement of purpose, Bachelor's thesis evaluation) can be submitted in Bielefeld or Bologna.
For Bielefeld, applications must be sent via e-mail to bibog@uni-bielefeld.de.
Applicants must provide proof of their German and Italian language skills (for the "History in Cross-Epochal Perspective" profile) and their English language skills (for the "Global Cultures" profile). They have to demonstrate necessary skills in order to be able to follow the different classes taught in the respective languages. The specific language needed for the stay abroad (Italian or English for German students, German or English for Italian students) can be further developed by language classes offered at both universities (in Bielefeld and Bologna) throughout the student's stay at his or her home university.
For both profiles ("History in Cross-Epochal Perspective" and "Global Cultures"):
Application to programme coordinator: 10 September
Enrolment to department: 30 September
Bielefeld University
Faculty of History
Prof Dr Vito Francesco Gironda (X A2-218)
Universitätsstraße 25
33615 Bielefeld
Germany
Basically, with your residence permit (stamp in your passport), you will receive a work permit for 120 work days per year. This allows you to work 120 full days (eight hours per day) or 240 half days (up to four hours per day). This condition must be noted expressly in the passport by the authorities.
Please try to secure accommodation in Bielefeld as early as possible. In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices. Students residences are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations, and shared flats are very common.
Offers of accommodation can be found online by following the links below:
The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.
Career planning is a step-by-step development and clarification process that requires individual strategies. Based on a strengths- and resource-oriented approach, we support you in developing your own career prospects.
Depending on your needs, our Career Service at Bielefeld University will accompany you throughout the entire process or in individual steps.
At PunktUm, our German Learning Centre, we offer a comprehensive range of academic support programmes that are designed to meet the needs of international members of the Bielefeld University. These include the Academic Mentoring Programme for Master's students, the Peer Mentoring Programme for Bachelor's students, and semester-long workshops designed to help all students and researchers with academic writing. We also offer individual consultations on academic writing in German as a Foreign Language (DaF) or German as a Second Language (DaZ).
The International Office provides an orientation programme for all international members of Bielefeld University, including degree seekers (BA and MA), double degree students, Erasmus/cooperation students, doctoral students, scholars, interns, and refugees/preparing applicants. Example of activities include Café International, campus tour, introductions to digital services and administrative procedures.
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