Mediterranean History – Master of Arts
The international MA in Mediterranean History is a consecutive program that builds on the three-year BA in History. As a research-oriented program in English, it provides a cross-epochal understanding of Mediterranean societies.
Explore the liquid continent! As the contact zone of Africa, Asia and Europe, the Mediterranean is a 'liquid continent' (Gabriel Audisio) where boundaries of domination and settlement, culture, religion and language have repeatedly shifted in different directions. The region is today of outstanding importance for migration and tourism, ecology and cultural heritage, conflict and dialogue between cultures and religions. Many current problems of the Mediterranean region reach far back into the past and can therefore only be understood in a perspective of long duration. Against this background, the international master’s program reconstructs the profound changes and global interdependencies of the Mediterranean region across epochs.
The globally unique study program provides BA graduates in history and cultural studies with in-depth knowledge of the history, cultures and languages of Mediterranean societies. At the same time, they acquire practical skills and regional expertise that are urgently needed not only in academia, but also by the numerous institutions, organizations and companies that are active in and cooperate with the region.
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Overview
| Degree | Master of Arts |
|---|---|
| Programme start | Winter semester |
| Period of study | 4 semesters |
| Application period | 15.3- 30.4. |
| Admission restrictions | no |
| ECTS | 120 |
Why study Mediterranean History in the University of Konstanz?
- Expertise: The Konstanz Mediterranean Platform is an international center of Mediterranean studies. The Department of History covers all periods of Mediterranean history, which allows for a uniquely diverse study program.
- Network: Konstanz has a great network of partnerships with prestigious universities and research institutions where you can study Mediterranean languages and history and conduct archive and library research during your semester abroad: e.g., Bologna, Cairo, Cyprus, Florence, Haifa, Istanbul, Lesbos, Montpellier, Padua, Rome, Sofia. You can also use these international contacts and intercultural experiences after your studies.
- Mentoring: During your studies, you will receive individual support at home and abroad and competent advice on all important decisions, e.g., on your major and research topic, semester abroad or internship.
- Orientation: Foreign students can attend a four-week orientation program at the International Office before starting their studies, which includes an intensive German language course and practical help with arriving.
- Culture: As the heart of the Bodensee (Lake Constance) region, Konstanz combines diverse cultural influences from southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland - explore the rich offerings of a vibrant city.
- Nature: Konstanz is in a fantastic location: the Alps, Lake Constance and the Rhine offer diverse opportunities for sports, leisure activities and relaxation.
Content
Prospects and opportunities
Career prospects
A degree in MA Mediterranean History paves the way for you to enter attractive professional fields at home and abroad:
- Cultural promotion (Kulturförderung), intercultural dialogue, academic exchange
- Policy advice and knowledge transfer
- Peace policy, development cooperation, humanitarian aid
- Cultural management, exhibitions, museums
- Journalism and publishing
- Marketing for tourism and food
Doctoral Program
With its research orientation, the master's program also qualifies students in a special way for a doctoral program in history (Dr. phil.). Already at the beginning of the program you will be familiarized 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.
Programme structure
Programme start
Winter semester
Academic structure
The following illustration is an example of how students might structure the programme. The programme structure provides an overview of the ECTS credits for each semester.
Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.
Internship and study abroad
Internships
As an alternative to the semester abroad, you can complete an internship (duration: at least 5 months). The Departmental Internship Office maintains contacts with renowned national and international organisations in the university and non-university sector and supports you in searching and finding a suitable internship in Germany or abroad.
Study abroad
You can spend your semester abroad with an ERASMUS+ partner of the University of Konstanz. The International Exchange Student Advisor and your Konstanz mentor will advise you on your choice of place of study and on establishing contact with the partner university. On site, you will be supervised by local researchers who will support you in researching sources for your master’s thesis.
Requirements
What interests and skills should I have?
Interests
- Mediterranean region
- Historical perspectives and contexts
- Foreign cultures and languages
Skills
- Communication, creativity, curiosity, independence
- Basic knowledge of history or cultural studies (B.A.)
- Very good English skills
Language skills
- Adequate English language skills (active and passive) of at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages proved by one of the following language tests (or equivalent):
- Five years of continuous English lessons in secondary education with a minimum grade of 9 points or "befriedigend" (satisfactory) or better (usually certified by the higher education entrance qualification)
- Successful completion of four or more courses taught in English in a previous study programme Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), at least grade C
- IELTS test result (International English Language Testing System), score 5.5 or better
- TOEFL test result (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of at least 87 points (internet-based), 227 points (computer-based) or 567 points (paper-based).
In justified exceptional cases, knowledge of English can be demonstrated in an interview. The selection committee decides on exceptional cases. The proof of the language test must not be older than three years at the time of application.
Exempt from proof of English language proficiency are applicants with proven secondary school degrees, bachelor's degrees, or at least one semester abroad at English-speaking educational institutions from the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States.
NOTE: German language skills do not need to be demonstrated for the Master's program.
Language(s) of instruction
The language of instruction is English.
Admission requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a subject relevant for the Master's Programme, e.g. History majors, 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" in the German grading system or better)
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Adequate English language skills (active and passive) of at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages proved by one of the following language tests (or equivalent):
- Five years of continuous English lessons in secondary education with a minimum grade of 9 points or "befriedigend" (satisfactory) or better (usually certified by the higher education entrance qualification)
- Successful completion of four or more courses taught in English in a previous study programme Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), at least grade C
- IELTS test result (International English Language Testing System), score 5.5 or better
- TOEFL test result (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of at least 87 points (internet-based), 227 points (computer-based) or 567 points (paper-based).
In justified exceptional cases, knowledge of English can be demonstrated in an interview. The selection committee decides on exceptional cases. The proof of the language test must not be older than three years at the time of application.
Exempt from proof of English language proficiency are applicants with proven secondary school degrees, bachelor's degrees, or at least one semester abroad at English-speaking educational institutions from the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States.
NOTE: German language skills do not need to be demonstrated for the Master's program.
Fees
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.
Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.
Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.
Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.
Application and application documents
This study programme has no admission restrictions.
An application is possible during the following period: 15.3- 30.4. (winter semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.
Application documents
To submit your online application you are required to upload the following supporting documents as PDF-files:
- Documentation of your academic degree including a detailed description of your coursework and performance assessments. If you have not received your examination certificate by the application deadline, please attach documentation of all completed performance assessments that will be used to calculate your final grade.
- Current curriculum vitae in English.
- Documentation of advanced skills in English.
- A letter of motivation (two pages) exhibiting your strong interest in mediterranean history inquiries
- If applicable, current certificate of enrolment or proof of exmatriculation – if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your “Fachsemester” and “Hochschulsemester”.
Important note: Please note the information provided under the tab "Admission requirements" and "language skills".
International applicants:
- If your documents are not available in German or English, you will need to have them translated. Please submit a German or English translation of your documents along with the original versions.
- Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country
