History and Politics of the 20th Century

Study information
Key facts
Degree
Master of Arts
Duration
4 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Arts
Institute of History
Institute of Political Science
Application & Deadlines

Programme summary

The interdisciplinary, two-year MA programme "History and Politics of the 20th Century" is designated for students with an interest for the trajectories and typical configurations of 20th century history and politics, including themes like the implosion of empires, colonization and de-colonization, the rise of global capitalism and the formation of modern welfare states, totalitarian dictatorships, (genocidal) wars, post-war reconstruction and transatlantic cooperation.

Special features

The programme's coursework offers a wide range of topical/methodological seminars in history and social sciences that will allow students to develop their own preferences and fields of study.

Career opportunities

Students will acquire skills for a variety of professional contexts (media, public history), while top graduates may also continue work at the PhD level at the Jena Centre for 20th Century History.

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent

    For this master's programme you need a Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent degree) in history, political science, or similar disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.

    ​The overall grade (CGPA) of the bachelor's degree must be GOOD or better (German and US systems).

  • Language requirements

    This master's programme requires the following language proficiency:  

    • proficiency in English at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
    • international applicants: German language proficiency at minimum level DSH-2 (or a recognised equivalent)

Application documents

  • CV

    Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

  • Letter of motivation

    The motivation letter (of no more than 6.000 characters) should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies and should describe your skills and abilities relevant to these master's programme.

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

  • Previous university degrees earned

    All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

  • Corresponding transcripts

    Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master's programme (minimum requirement is the transcript/mark sheet up to the semester before the last). This trancript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

    You need at least 140 credits (ECTS) by the time you apply.

  • Proof of relevant work experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of subject-specific practical experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of language proficiency

    You have to submit the following proof of language proficiency:

    • Language proficiency in English at level B2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

Additional application documents for international students

  • Proof of German language proficiency

    For German taught master's programmes, i.e. programmes with (predominantly) German as language of instruction, a sufficient German language proficiency proof is mandatory.

    The Friedrich Schiller University Jena accepts the following certificates as German language proficiency proof exclusively:

    • the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS),
    • the Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II),
    • the TestDaF, minimum TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination,
    • Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), min. level 2 (= DSH-2),
    • Certificate telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (min. level "befriedigend"),
    • a German language examination in the framework of an assessment test at a preparatory college.


    Please note: We strongly recommend that you provide the required German language proof at the time of applying.

    You have not yet taken the DSH exam, the TestDaF or another equivalent exam (see above) or have not yet received the test result? Then please do the following:

    • Upload a certificate attesting your German language skills at min. level B2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) AND
    • upload a confirmation that you have registered for a language exam (e.g. DSH examination, TestDaF or an equivalent examination) to your online application. Please make sure to register for the test well in advance. In case you receive an admission offer, you must provide the language certificate by the time of enrolment (by the end of March resp. the end of September)!

    The following applicants are exempted from providing proof of their German language skills:

    • Applicants, who have obtained a German taught bachelor's degree within one of the following countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This applies only to degrees that were awarded by a university in the relevant country (no satellite campuses or international branch campuses in other countries, no correspondence course degrees, no joint- or double-degrees with institutions in other countries);
    • Holders of a German, Austrian or Swiss (from school where the language of instruction is German) university entrance qualification.
  • Translation of foreign/external application documents

    Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted by officially acknowledged/ sworn translators or translation offices.

  • Proof of grading system

    External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) used at the respective University. 

  • Certificate APS

    Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.

  • University entrance exam

    Applicants from the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

    • Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")
Subject Advisor - apl. Prof. Dr. Annette Weinke

Office hours:
by arrangement via e-mail

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations

Office hours:
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Master Service Centre

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Telephone consultation:
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Personal consultation:
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Postal address:
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Master Service Centre (MSZ)
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07743 Jena

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