History

Program ambassador

Lea Strohfeldt und Simon Sagebiel stehen auf dem Ehrenhof vor dem Mannheimer Schloss

Hi, we are Lea and Simon and are studying History at the University of Mannheim. If you have questions about the program, the university, the campus, life in Mannheim or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have already been here for a few semesters and will share our personal experiences with you.

Lea Strohfeldt und Simon Sagebiel, Program Ambassadors for History / Credit: Nils Bappert

Why we chose this program

Students of the Bachelor of Arts program in History study cultural systems and historical developments in society. The program focuses on the cultures and societies in Europe and the USA, and on economic, legal, and social history. From ancient history to modern history—students gain an insight into all historical periods, but the focus of the program is on modern history.

History from ancient times to the present: this is what the master’s program in History is about. You will focus on researching specific topics or historical periods, but you will also learn how to analyze and present your findings to others. At the core of the program are the module on theories and methods as well as the two-semester project module giving you the opportunity to choose your own research area. In addition, you will take supplementary modules in related subjects, such as law, philosophy, or economics. You can choose these modules according to your specializations.

We are studying history because we think it’s important to find the roots of our present. Plus, history is related to many other academic disciplines, so you will explore interesting interdisciplinary fields of research.

Studying at the University of Mannheim

  • What’s special about the program?

    In the bachelor’s program, you will acquire basic knowledge of history. You will get an overview from ancient history to modern history, learn basic historical concepts, and gain an understanding of historical contexts. The different modules will help you get a better picture of relevant historical phenomena. You will challenge historical theories, and learn about methods and techniques used in the study of history. The seminar on economic and social history is also interesting. It focuses on cultural, political, social, and economic aspects of history. There are many other exciting modules—have a look at the module catalogue.

    The master’s program in History is research-oriented, but also focuses on public relations, which makes it stand out from similar programs at other universities. This means that you will learn how history is communicated and put yout knowledge into practice in the project seminar. This seminar extends over two semesters and you can, for example, curate a small exhibition. Since the program is more hands-on, it will help you transition from university to career.

    We like studying in Mannheim. The classes of the master's program are rather small, so you can work closely with the other students and teachers, and get to know each other better. In addition, the Department of History has close ties to non-university institutions, such as the Technoseum, the city archive, and the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen. You also have the opportunity to complete a placement semester or spend a semester abroad at one of the many partner universities. The staff members of the University of Mannheim will be happy to help you with that.

  • Extracurricular activities

    The facilities and libraries are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. In addition, the university boasts a beautiful campus and baroque palace that is located in the city center.

    The University of Mannheim also offers many extracurricular activities: We really like the work of the departmental student committee for History and Classical Studies. The committee members organize many interesting events, such as the orientation week, the film club, and the city trip. With regard to higher education policy, the committee also advocates for the interests of all History students of the University of Mannheim. You can find lots of useful information for first-year students on their website. In addition to the departmental student committee, you can participate in a variety of student organizations that organize events and presentations. If you are a sports fan, the University of Mannheim has got you covered as well: the Institute of Sports offers an extensive sports program. Most courses are free and you can try out almost every sport you can think of—from pilates and rowing on the Neckar to lacrosse. Mannheim also offers an exciting nightlife: there are clubs, bars, and pubs in the city center and the Jungbusch district, or you can attend the very popular Schneckenhof parties. They take place every Thursday and are organized by the different departmental student committees.

After graduation

  • Career opportunities

    History graduates can work in museums, archives, administration, media companies, or in business journalism. Students with a master's degree can also pursue a career in academia.

What you need to know

  • Clichés

    Myth no. 1:History classes are just about talking. This is not true. Bear in mind that the program requires certain skills: you should be interested in history, and like reading, writing, and discussing. In general, the following applies: every challenge is an opportunity to grow!

    Myth no. 2: The only thing historians do is memorize dates. This is probably the biggest misconception. Compared to subjects like business administration, you have to memorize much less. Dates and facts do play a role, but studying history is about much more than that. At the beginning of your studies, you will learn about the different historical periods. You will have to understand and apply this knowledge, rather than memorize it. For example, you should know when something occurred and what developments played a role at that time.

  • Language proficiency requirements

    It is highly recommended to have good command of English because you will often come across English literature.

    Depending on the region and historical period you are dealing with, other languages may also be useful. For example, Latin for ancient and medieval history, French for modern history, or Spanish for the history of Spanish-speaking countries. But these language skills are not necessarily required.

Further information

Would you like to learn more about the program in History at the University of Mannheim?
Have a look at the program descriptions:

Would you like to start your studies at the University of Mannheim?

Apply now!

Contact

Lea und Simon

Lea und Simon

Program ambassador for History