Job-relevant skills gained from 2-Fach Bachelor Geschichte

The study program 2-Fach Bachelor Geschichte conveys relevant skills for activities within the academic field and beyond. It provides you with the following strengths that are at the core of its mission:

Knowledge in historiography

In the lectures and seminars, you will gain a historical overview and, using examples, a more profound academic understanding of individual areas of human actions in the past. You will develop an understanding of the developments and structural problems of different historical eras.
This understanding of the past is especially valuable in situations that require the assessment and evaluation of human decisions and actions. Because referring to a past that has been thoroughly analyzed helps a lot when it comes to assessing present situations and putting them into perspective.

Research competence

Through the elaboration of seminar papers, presentations and the Bachelor’s thesis you learn how to gather information on different topics in a target-oriented way.
In today’s work environment, where the possibilities of information gathering are endless, such research abilities are essential for both autonomous and auxiliary activities as they help you prepare informed decisions. Moreover, this competence allows you to acquire further high-level knowledge within your own field or another.

Analytical skills and critique of sources

The historiographical instrument of source critique, which you acquire in the seminars and Übungen, equips you to classify statements according to the situation they resulted from as well as according to the interests of author and addressee. You will be able to apply your methodical skills to judge, evaluate, and assess the individual circumstances. Combined with the research competence you will develop the key ability to assess job-related information and, based on that information, make a decision and identify the consequences for the team, your superiors and yourself.

Knowledge in historical culture

In module 7 (Einführung in die Geschichtsdidaktik bzw. Geschichtskultur / Introduction to didactics of history and historical culture) you will be taught the basics of imparting historical knowledge in a non-academic and public environment. The knowledge and methods in the area of historical culture can help you start careers in typical fields that communicate history, e.g. museums, cultural institutions and publishers, but also agencies and institutions committed to the so-called “Histotainment” in exhibitions, TV, Internet and other media.

Presentation skills

Through presentations, seminar papers and the Bachelor’s thesis you learn to express yourself appropriately both orally and in writing by processing information and conveying it in a comprehensive way. These are important qualifications in almost every field of activity that involves catching and convincing others. Especially for jobs in communication, e.g. journalism and public relations, as well as in museums and in editing, these skills are crucial.

Time and organization management

You will learn to organize your own working time for the preparation and follow-up of courses and exams and to finish your seminar papers in time. For group presentations in seminars you will train yourself in the implementation of efficient team work. Last but not least, you will prove with your Bachelor’s thesis that you are capable of managing a small research project on your own. Independent work as well as efficient team coordination are very much appreciated characteristics in those fields of activity marked by a high level of autonomy, particularly for project work or entry-level leadership duties such as the supervision of trainees.

(Prepared with the support of the Career Service of the University of Münster | last updated on 29 April 2016)

How to apply

The application formalities are different for each course of study. As a rule, all Bachelor’s programs begin in the winter term. The programs Master of Arts and Master of Education may also be started in the summer term. Please read the respective study regulations for information on the application documents required. Here is an overview of all current courses of study within the subject of history.

The application process for all courses of study is run by the central University of Münster online application portal. Please make sure to have all necessary documents at hand in PDF format. Click here to find out about application deadlines.

Information on Transfer

Change of Universities

You are already studying history at another German university and you wish to change into a higher semester at the Department of History? Please note that the courses you took at other universities must be equivalent to the study requirements of the programs at Münster University. Furthermore, you should be aware that also your second subject might cause complications. For your application please turn to the Student Admissions Office (Studierendensekretariat).

Change of subjects

You are already studying (an)other subject(s) at Münster University or another German university and wish to transfer into the first semester of history at the Department of History? Please note that admission to a higher semester is only possible if the courses you took are equivalent to the study requirements of the history programs at Münster University. For your application please turn to the Student Admissions Office since your second subject might be affected by the transfer.

Change of Courses of Study

In this context, changing the course of study means that you are already studying history at Münster University and you intend to switch programs, e.g. from Zwei-Fach-Bachelor to Bachelor HRSGe (Secondary School Education). Please note that admission to a higher semester is only possible if the courses you took are equivalent to the study requirements of the history program you intend to transfer to. In this case it is sufficient to submit the placement certificate (Einstufungsbescheinigung) to the Student Admissions Office.