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.
The special feature of the study programme is its binational orientation: Students complete part of their studies, which usually last four semesters (two years), at each of the two universities. A further decisive feature of the German-Italian study programme is that Germans and Italians at both universities complete parts of their studies together.
As a rule, German students begin their Master's studies in the first semester at Bielefeld University. The joint curriculum is supplemented by intensive courses in the language of the partner country and practical preparatory courses. After the first semester, the students then transfer to Bologna University for one academic year (two semesters) and finally return to Bielefeld for the fourth semester, where they complete their studies and obtain a Master's degree. Italian students spend the first year in Bologna and complete the second year at Bielefeld University.
A tabular course of studies can be found here:
https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/geschichtswissenschaft/studium/studiengaenge/de-it-history/bibog/verlauf-des-studiums/
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.
Approx. 320 EUR
There are no tuition fees for both domestic and international students at Bielefeld University. All you have to pay is a social services fee, which is currently about 300 EUR per semester. In return, you’ll receive your “semester ticket” which entitles you to use public transport (excluding high-speed trains) free of charge throughout North Rhine-Westphalia (trips to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn, etc.). Besides this social services fee, remaining costs include accommodation, personal expenses and health insurance which is mandatory for all temporary and permanent residents in Germany. These costs are usually about 700 to 800 EUR per month.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in history (German Bachelor of Arts, Italian Laurea). Applications (resume, Bachelor's certificate, 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
International students are basically 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.
In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices.
Halls of residence are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations. Additionally, single apartments and rooms in shared flats with other students are available. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 to 300 EUR per month. The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.
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