Master Programme – History (Master of Arts)

The Master’s degree programme in History, which in Hannover is broadly based, gives students a thorough grounding in theory and methodology and offers courses from all historical ages, from Antiquity to contemporary history, in the compulsory elective area. Students may also specialise geographically: in the history of Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. In the compulsory elective module in Public History, students explore the transition of historical cultures and the related frameworks; they also learn various methods of imparting historical knowledge and the problems involved in preparing such knowledge for a wide audience.

The Master’s degree programme in History, which in Hannover is broadly based, gives students a thorough grounding in theory and methodology and offers courses from all historical ages, from Antiquity to contemporary history, in the compulsory elective area. Students may also specialise geographically: in the history of Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. In the compulsory elective module in Public History, students explore the transition of historical cultures and the related frameworks; they also learn various methods of imparting historical knowledge and the problems involved in preparing such knowledge for a wide audience.

The Master’s degree programme offers students the possibility to expand on the basic historical knowledge acquired at the Bachelor’s stage and to develop their knowledge by taking specialisations. Students’ decisions to undertake practical training or study abroad enable them to develop and hone their (professional) skills at an early stage, setting the path for an academic or non-academic career. Lecturers advise students on their choice of specialisations, enabling them to create a distinct profile that suits their interests and abilities, providing ideal conditions for transition to the world of work.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are qualified to pursue a wide range of – national and international – professional fields:

  • International organisations and NGOs
  • Parliaments, local authorities
  • University and non-university research institutions (including archive work at senior service level)
  • Diplomatic service
  • Museums, memorials and other facilities in the cultural sector
  • Print media, radio, TV and the digital media
  • Scientific publishers
  • Private sector (companies, banks and their archives)

Areas of Focus

  • a variety of paths towards a profession (semester abroad, practical training, public history)
  • exploration of the historiographic and theoretical foundations of the subject
  • four epochal specialisations (from Antiquity to contemporary history) or
  • geographical specialisations: the history of Africa, and the history of Latin America and the Caribbean
Further information such as admission requirements and subject combination options can be found on the central website.

Studying Master Programme – History (Master of Arts)

Consecutive research-oriented degree program: The standard period of study is 4 semesters. The program comprises 120 credit points (LP) Start: winter semester and summer semester Application deadline: July 15 (for winter semester) / January 15 (for summer semester) in each case.

New model examination regulation (= General Part of the Examination Regulations)

Leibniz Universität Hannover has adopted a new model examination regulation (= General Part of the Examination Regulations), to which all examination regulations (PO) must be adapted for winter semester 2022/23. In this context, we have made a small specification in the MA History (PO version 2020) for the elective modules, about which in advance I would like to inform you so that you can plan better:

  • Continuing, four elective modules Epoch / Region from a total of three subject areas must be taken.
  • New:
    • Specialization in an epoch / region is achieved through the combination of Module I + Module III (total 21 LP).
    • For the other two subject areas, Module II (12 LP each) must be completed in each case, which henceforth concludes with a term paper instead of an oral examination.

The new examination regulations will come into force on 01.10.2022:

  • Students enrolled in the program before this date will be transferred to the new PO. This will be done without any disadvantages for you.
  • All students who have not yet completed elective modules according to the above-mentioned new structure are asked to contact the study advisor Dr. Anton Weise during his office hours by 01.11.2022 at the latest in order to coordinate individual rebookings of your already completed work with you.
  • Services of students who will complete their Master's program in the 2022 summer semester or who plan to withdraw from the program by October 31 will not be rebooked.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the colleagues of the Department of History.

Module Catalog and Module Representatives

Module Catalog
PDF, 545 KB
Module Representatives
PDF, 92 KB