GloC: Binational Master's in History and Global Cultures (Bielefeld-Bologna) Bielefeld University
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 15 July 2027 (winter semester)
- Language level required
- English: B2German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
It is possible to study the whole programme in English. Courses in German and Italian are also available, but they are not obligatory.
Programme description
Enrolled students will spend two semesters in Bologna and two semesters 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.
Programme structure
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 one year.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
In cooperation with
Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
- International guest lecturers
- Courses are led with foreign partners
- International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Integrated internships
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.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
Not specified
|
15 July 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in History (German Bachelor of Arts, Italian Laurea) with a grade of 3.0 or higher. Applications are evaluated after an obligatory interview.
Applications (consisting of résumé, copy of Bachelor's degree, cover letter / statement of purpose, Bachelor's thesis evaluation) can be submitted in Bielefeld or Bologna.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 5.5 / 9
|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 87 / 120
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
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.
Cost 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. 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.
Part-time employment
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.
Special promotion / funding of the programme
- ERASMUS+
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Accompanying programme
- Specialist counselling
- Cultural and linguistic preparation
- Visa matters
- Help with finding accommodation
- Support with registration procedures
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.
Career advisory services
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.
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:
- Studierendenwerk Bielefeld (dormitories)
- WG-gesucht.de (private shared accommodation)
The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.
Contact
Department of History (Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology)
- Name
- Prof Dr Vito Gironda
- Address
- Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld
- Phone
- +49 5211063231