International Programmes 2024/2025

Binational Master's in History (German-French) — Bielefeld-Paris Geschichte (BiPaG) MA Binational Master's in History (German-French)

Bielefeld University • Bielefeld

Degree
International double degree programme with two degrees conferred:

- German Master of Arts in History (Bielefeld University)
- French Master Histoire, civilisations, patrimoine (Université de Paris Cité)
In cooperation with

Université de Paris Cité (France)

Teaching language
  • German
  • French
Languages

Courses are held in German at Bielefeld University and in French at Université de Paris Cité.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

15 June for the following winter semester

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
Description/content

The international Master's programme in History aims to extend the knowledge and skills in history of graduate students mainly from Germany and France or French-speaking countries. Special emphasis lies on specific theoretical and methodological approaches of academic research in history in Germany and France. The fields of study comprise all central epochs of European and global history.

One central feature of the programme is the explicit intercultural dimension: German- and French-speaking participants complete the programme side by side. By working in pairs, they can assist each other with language problems as well as in practical matters.

The Master's programme is built upon the binational Bachelor's programme in History, which is jointly organised by Bielefeld University and Université de Paris Cité, but applicants holding a BA degree in history from other universities can also participate in the programme.

Course organisation

Students follow the general study programme of the Master's in History of both universities (see https://www.uni-bielefeld.de and https://www.u-paris.fr). This programme comprises lectures, seminars, and tutorials which deal with methods and theories in history, transnational approaches to historical matters, and intercultural questions. Students choose whether they start at Bielefeld University or at Université de Paris Cité, and in either case, they will switch universities after the first year.

Participating students will receive a Master of Arts in History from Bielefeld University and a Master Histoire, civilisations, patrimoine of Université de Paris Cité.

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Language training provided
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Integrated internships

Internships are not obligatory, but they are strongly recommended.

The "Deutsch-Französische Hochschule" (https://www.dfh-ufa.org/) regularly offers specific internships which aim to improve intercultural abilities and provide insight into European dimensions of various professional fields.

Further offers are announced via the internal communication network of the study programme.

Special promotion / funding of the programme
  • Franco-German University (FGU)
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

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 of living

Costs for studying in Germany are relatively high due to the living expenses.

  • Rent in a room in student halls of residence or a private student hall, in a room or flat comes to approx. 280 EUR per month.
  • The expected costs for student health insurance and other medical fees are about 80 EUR per month.
  • Depending on your lifestyle, you might spend about 150 EUR on food each month.
  • Altogether, monthly costs for food, clothes, leisure activities, social fees, travel expenses, telephone bills, and the other mentioned expenses add up to approx. 850 EUR.

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.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

As this Master's programme in history is binational and built upon the binational Bachelor's programme in History of both universities, any applicant should hold either a German BA in History or a French Licence in the same discipline. The programme is open though to applicants with a BA/degree from other universities than Bielefeld or Paris as well.

Language requirements

Applicants must be native speakers of either German or French. Oral and written proficiency in the other language (French or German) must be good.

Application deadline

15 June for the following winter semester

Submit application to

German applicants send the following documents via e-mail to bipag@uni-bielefeld.de:

  1. a short CV
  2. a PDF of their "Abiturzeugnis" and their BA diploma and (if available) proof of their level in French
  3. a motivation letter (two pages maximum)

French applicants proceed via Université de Paris Cité, Prof Patrick Farges at: patrick.farges@u-paris.fr

Possibility of finding part-time employment

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.

Accommodation

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 advisory service

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.

https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/themen/career-service

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Accompanying programme
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters
  • Help with finding accommodation
  • Support with registration procedures
  • Specialist counselling
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

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.

Bielefeld University

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