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History – Past and Present (Master of Arts)

Official titLE Geschichte - Vergangenheit und Gegenwart
Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
Program length 4 semesters / 2 years (120 ECTS points)
Start Winter and Summer Semesters
Language of instruction German

In the master’s program “History – Past and Present,” you will engage intensively and in a research-oriented manner with historical processes, structures, and interpretations—always starting from questions that shape our present. You will understand history not as a closed narrative, but as an open, scholarly process that opens up new perspectives on the past, present, and future. At the heart of your studies lies the methodologically sound analysis and interpretation of historical sources. You will work with edited, digitized, archival, and museum collections, conduct independent research in physical and digital archives, and critically engage with the current state of research. In this way, you will deepen and expand the skills you acquired during your bachelor’s degree and gradually develop your own research profile. You will choose a historical period as your specialization:

  • Ancient History
  • Medieval History
  • Early Modern History
  • Modern and Contemporary History

In addition, you will select one of two thematic focus areas:

  • Security – Order – Conflict
  • Migration – Mobility – Interconnectedness

In these areas of specialization, you will combine historical research with current social debates and acquire in-depth methodological skills in key research fields. A particular emphasis is placed on the reflective analysis of historical narratives. You will learn how history is told, interpreted, and utilized—and sometimes instrumentalized—in political, social, and cultural contexts. Therefore, you will develop the ability to present historical contexts in a theory-driven, conceptually reflective, and linguistically precise manner, both orally and in writing. Depending on your individual focus, you can deepen your expertise in museum and archival studies or in the field of digital humanities. Opportunities to further develop your language skills, study abroad, or gain initial project management experience round out your profile.

Objectives

With a master’s degree, you qualify for a doctoral program as well as for demanding positions in academic and science-related fields. A wide range of career paths opens up to you, including in:

  • Universities and research institutions
  • Museums, archives, and memorial sites
  • Science communication and public relations
  • Journalism and media
  • Cultural management and tourism
  • Political institutions and foundations

  • Admission requirements

    Required university degree Required university degree: We require proof of completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree program in the fields of history, social sciences, linguistics, cultural studies, law, economics, or theology, or proof of a comparable domestic or international university degree leading to professional qualification.

    In total, at least 30 credit points in historical disciplines and the associated basic or auxiliary sciences must have been completed as part of the first professional degree. The admissions committee may make admission conditional upon the completion of additional coursework and/or examinations totaling no more than 30 credit points. In this case, the duration of the program may be extended accordingly.

    The examination board may grant admission on condition that additional modules worth a maximum of 12 credits are completed. In such cases, the degree programme may be prolonged accordingly.
    Certifications of program-specific knowledge and skills to be submitted prior to admission We require proof of English proficiency at Level B2* of the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" of the Council of Europe. In addition, you must provide proof of proficiency in another modern foreign language at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or you must possess functional knowledge of Latin sufficient to access subject-specific sources. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the German language. The German Language Test for University Admission, level DSH-2, is required
    Admission Mode The program is open (no admission quota). Direct admission is granted upon full fulfillment of the admission requirements.

  • Who can answer questions?

    Technical questions about your application

    Uni-assist

    Content-related questions about the program

    Dr. Florian Krüpe
    Wilhelm-Röpke-Str. 6 C
    Room: 408
    35039 Marburg

    Tel.: 06421 28-24903
    E-mail:

    Office hours: Tue 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM or by appointment

    Formal questions about your application

    In case of formal questions about the application, please contact Master's Coordination with your application number (if available) at .

  • Application & Deadline

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