History, Bachelor 2 subject

André Heckmann is a first-year student of History. He is pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree, 2-subject programme. André's other discipline is Romance Studies Spanish.

Wieso haben Sie sich damals für Ihr Studienfach entschieden?

I developed a keen interest in history during my final school years and I knew instantly that this subject would suit me well.

An welchen Stellen haben sich die Erwartungen an Ihr Studienfach erfüllt, an welchen nicht?

My expectations, which are shared by many, namely that a lot of reading will be required, were confirmed within the first two weeks. But it is still quite manageable. What I found surprising was the excellent way in which the initial integration of new students was solved by proving Integrated Proseminars (IPS), where many activities take place in a classroom context. This approach resembles a schoolroom situation, whilst, at the same time, easing your way into university structures.

Was macht Ihnen in Ihrem Fach am meisten Spaß?

Being able to work in an independent manner, no doubt about that! Being able to delve into a subject you're interested in is great.

Was war bisher die größte Herausforderung?

Researching non-German language literature. Students who speak several languages do have a clear advantage in that regard.

Was wollen Sie einmal damit werden?

Postdoc researcher at a university, researching and passing on the topics I'm interested in.

Welche Tipps geben Sie den Leuten, die auch überlegen, Ihr Fach zu studieren?

You've got to be aware that there is a lot of reading to do; if you're not, this degree programme will be torture. Moreover, you will be doing yourself a favour by routinely preparing for and revising lectures.