Mediterranean History (Master of Arts) University of Konstanz

Explore the liquid continent!

The international MA in Mediterranean History is a consecutive programme that builds upon the three-year BA in History at the University of Konstanz as well as on a Bachelor's degree in a subject relevant to the Master's programme. As a research-oriented programme in English, it provides a cross-epochal understanding of Mediterranean societies.

As a contact zone between Africa, Asia, and Europe, the Mediterranean region was a laboratory of globalisation in which boundaries of trade, empires and settlement, religion, language, and culture were constantly shifting. Today, the region is in focus due to various crises and conflicts: war, migration, and climate change. At the same time, it remains a popular holiday destination and is also considered a role model in terms of nutrition. Many of these phenomena—from eating and travelling to violence, flight, and displacement — reach far back into the past and can, therefore, only be understood from a long-term perspective. The Middle East conflict, for example, does not only stem from the transformation of Palestine in the 20th century but also from the fact that Jerusalem is considered 'holy' to all three monotheistic religions. The phenomenon of tourism also originated in this region and can be traced back as a form of mobility to the early modern Grand Tour and the pilgrimages of the Middle Ages. At the same time, the Mediterranean region has been a hot spot and a crucial subject of innovative historiography and cultural theory, from environmental history and post-colonialism to global history and ocean studies. Against this background, the unique MA study programme examines trans-Mediterranean dynamics and entanglements over a period of 3,000 years: from antiquity to the 21st century. It provides Bachelor's graduates in history and cultural studies with a cross-period knowledge of the history, cultures, and languages of Mediterranean societies, which is equally important for academic careers and non-academic professions. You will acquire practical skills and regional expertise about a key region of the world, which are urgently needed not only in academia but also by institutions, organisations, and companies that are active in the Mediterranean and cooperate with partners in the region. In addition, it deepens knowledge about the countries of origin of Mediterranean immigrants and thus creates a basis for social cohesion: by understanding the Mediterranean region better, we also understand today's Europe better!

For detailed information regarding the study plan and examination regulations, please see https://www.geschichte.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/ma-mediterranean-history/prospective-student/prospective-students/.

The Master's programme consists of theoretical, methodological, and thematic seminars as well as our annual research colloquium covering specific aspects of individual eras of Mediterranean history, e.g. the Roman Empire, Arab-Islamic expansion, the Crusades and the Reconquista, colonialism and decolonisation, fascism, the Mafia, and tourism, etc. The research colloquium discusses new and ongoing research projects of Mediterranean studies across the ages and disciplines.

A Mediterranean History MA degree will pave the way for you to enter attractive professional fields in Germany and abroad.

Doctoral Programme
With its research orientation, the Master's programme also specially qualifies students for a doctoral programme in history (Dr phil). At the beginning of the programme, you will be familiarised with academic career paths and instruments of doctoral funding. Both in Konstanz and during your semester abroad, you will benefit from mentoring that will help you develop and sharpen your research interests and establish your contacts in the professional world. This academic network forms an excellent starting point for a successful scientific career after the Master's degree is conferred.

The six-month internship will greatly expand students' range of experience and increase their chances in the labour market. Students can complete the internship at a research institution, an organisation, or a company in Germany or abroad.

As an alternative to the semester abroad, you can complete an internship (duration: at least five months). The Departmental Internship Office maintains contact with renowned national and international organisations in the university and non-university sectors. It will support you in searching for and finding a suitable internship in Germany or abroad.

• Bachelor's degree in a subject relevant to the Master's programme, e.g. History, Arabic Studies, Archaeology Islamic Studies, Romance Studies, Ottoman Studies, Mediterranean Regional Studies (e.g. Mediterranean Studies or Middle Eastern Studies), Literature and Media Studies, Ethnology and Sociology, Political Science, or a comparable programme (grade 2.5 – "good" according to the German grading system or better)
• Adequate English language skills (see language requirements)

All students currently pay a 209 EUR fee per semester:

• administrative fee: 80 EUR
• student services fee: 115 EUR
• student body fee: 14 EUR

For more detailed information, please check our websites:

https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-office/study-in-konstanz/degree-studies/fees-and-scholarships/#c219152

http://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/study-essentials/finances/financing-your-studies

The good news is that studying at German public universities is not expensive. For your stay, you will require a budget for daily life and certain study expenses. The cost of living for students in Konstanz is approx. 934 EUR per month. Here is an example of the average monthly cost of living in Konstanz: https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-office/study-in-konstanz/preparation/costs-associated-with-studying/.

Students with great academic credentials and community service experience can apply for scholarships in Germany. In cases of unexpected financial hardship, the university will try to help with emergency financial support. For an overview of financial support options, check our website.

For example, you may apply for the Deutschlandstipendium.

The scholarship amounts to 300 EUR per month and is awarded without regard to income for a minimum of two semesters.

https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/advice-and-services/career-service/services-for-students-and-graduates/counselling-and-advice/

There are a number of possibilities for accommodation for students: in apartments, flat shares, or residence halls. Check out our website, where we provide an overview of the different options as well as general tips. You can also contact the team of our international office for advice on housing.