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

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 Paris Cité, but applicants holding a BA degree in history from other universities can also participate in the programme.

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 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 Paris Cité.

Université Paris Cité (France)

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.

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.

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 Germany for the whole semester.

The current semester contribution is approximately 333 EUR.

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. 290 EUR per month.
• The expected costs for student health insurance and other medical fees are about 140 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. 992 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 250 EUR, and a meal at the student canteen (Mensa) costs only about 3 EUR.

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.

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

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:

• Studierendenwerk Bielefeld (dormitories)
• WG-gesucht.de (private shared accommodation)

The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.