Master of Education

History, Master of Education

  • How do we know anything about historical events?
  • How are historical events evaluated today?
  • To what extent can this reception reveal something about contemporary societies?
  • What is history in the first place? Who writes and relates history, and did the things we learn from sources and history books truly happen like that?
  • What is memory culture, what is collective memory? Do we need monuments and memorials?
  • Why is the First Crusade still relevant in the 21st century?In what way can it be problematic to name streets or places after historical figures?
Nikolaos Savvidis

What made you choose this degree programme?

I have always been fascinated by history. I took it as an advanced subject in my A-levels and spent a lot of my free time studying ancient Greece because I felt it brought me closer to my homeland. And since I was toying with the idea of becoming a teacher, it was very clear to me which path I would take.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

I didn't really have any expectations of the study programme, but was looking forward to certain things, such as historical work that is not tied to a specific curriculum. This means, basically, that one semester I might be learning about trade relations between medieval Bruges and Nuremberg, and the next semester about literature during the time of National Socialism. However, what I felt was a little lacking for me was the history of non-European cultures in the history programme, which did not have as much contact with European culture as, for example, South (East) Asian cultures.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

I find it fascinating to immerse myself in a world that seems completely unfamiliar to us, yet in some ways is similar, through a wide variety of sources, be they texts, images or even sculptures. I see looking back at the past and coming to terms with it as one of the most important tasks of our society, and even though many people find it difficult, I personally find it fascinating to reflect on what has happened before.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

The short answer: IPS! The long answer: Actually, reading older sources. I'm not talking about sources in Latin or Ancient Greek, but medieval, ‘German’ sources. Even native German speakers can break a sweat here.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

With my degree, I will actually do ‘something with media’. During my studies, I did various internships and jobs in social media and online editing, and my studies have also enabled me to critically question sources and then build on them in a successful manner.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

I would really recommend everyone to learn at least a little Latin. You don't have to be a high achiever, but it really helps tremendously in your studies. Especially when it comes to Roman antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Profile
Degree
Master of Education
Start
Winter- and summer semester
Duration
4 semesters
Classroom language
German
Admission
Not restricted, application at the faculty required
Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

Get information now
Application information for international applicants

Application information for international applicants

Get information now
What's it all about?
This degree programme is unique, because ...
the Master of Education degree programme in History integrates both discipline-related and didactic methods from the outset, thus preparing students for future workplace realities.
It provides the opportunity to specialise in the following fields ...
  • Three general historic eras Ancient, Medieval and Modern (subdivided into individual periods)
  • Didactic methodology
  • Focus on an individual region (e.g. Eastern Europe, North America, Turkey)
  • Systematic specialisation (e.g. gender, economy, environment, theory)
  • History of the Ruhrgebiet/Social movements (Institute for Social Movement, ISB)
  • Interdisciplinary and international specialisation (IDG, MMZ, CERES, Gender Studies etc.)
Course schedule
Module handbook
Who is suited?
Those who wish to enrol in this degree programme,
have:
  • a B.A. degree
  • considerable interest in didactic communication of specialist knowledge
  • readiness to look into different didactic methods in theory and practice
  • a fondness for reading, including reading of historical sources and technical texts
  • an interest in historical contexts
  • substantial skills of presenting specialist contents
  • an understanding of history as a whole rather than individual periods
  • language skills

enjoy:

  • teaching specialist contents in a target-specific manner
  • developing ideas and research theses
  • developing argumentation strategies
  • dedicated, in-depth discourses regarding various historical subject matters

struggle through:

  • a plethora of specialist literature and sources, initially also theoretical models of didactic methods
  • preparing numerous written papers and oral presentations
  • challenging research issues
This degree programme is suited for graduates in the following subjects
  • History, B.A.
Graduates from this degree programme frequently work
  • in the teaching profession
And else?
An internship ...

is mandatory. It is done during the degree course.

Studying abroad ... can be covered voluntarily.
Where do I find help?
Academic advisory office

Website academic advisory office

Contact students

Fachschaft: Geschichte

Building, Room: GA 5/37

Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-27896

E-mail: fr-geschichte@rub.de

Website Fachschaft

Internet

Degree programmes' website

André Heckmann

Working independently is what I enjoy most in my degree programme. Being able to delve into a subject you're interested in is great!

André Heckmann  – Bachelor's degree
Ganzes Interview
André Heckmann
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.

What made you choose this degree programme?

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

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

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.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

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.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

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

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

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

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

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.

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Master 1 subject
Master 2 subject