Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Programme in History of Science

The Master's programme in History of Science at the University of Jena is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of science and its impact on society. The programme is interdisciplinary, combining approaches from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to explore the complex relationships between science, technology, and society.

Key Facts

• Degree: Master of Science
• Duration: 4 Semesters
• Credits/ECTS: 120
• Teaching Language: German
• Tuition Fee: None
• Semester Contribution: 305.05
• Start of Studies: Winter semester, Summer semester
• Part-time Possible: Yes
• Institution: Faculty of Biological Sciences

Programme Summary

The Master's programme in History of Science focuses on the historical contexts of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, the cultural and political factors that shape our understanding of nature and human beings, and the consequences of scientific and technological innovations for society. It is designed for students from both STEM fields and the humanities and social sciences, offering a unique opportunity to acquire extensive knowledge of the history of various scientific fields from the early modern period to the present day.

Special Features

• Excellent Supervision: Small student numbers allow for individual supervision and an intensive exchange between students and teaching staff.
• Interdisciplinary and International Orientation: Students can take courses in a natural science discipline or a social science/humanities discipline, and the programme cooperates with various regional, national, and international teaching and research institutions.
• Research-oriented Learning: Students are encouraged to work on questions of interest to them and set individual research priorities from an early stage.
• Practical Relevance: Knowledge of archives, collections, and exhibitions can be expanded through internships in publishing houses, museums, libraries, or foundations.

Career Opportunities

The Master's degree qualifies graduates for an academic career as well as for jobs requiring interdisciplinary skills and reflection on knowledge and science. Areas of employment include:

• Science journalism & science communication
• Public relations, cultural & media work
• Museum & archives
• Libraries & publishing
• Consulting activities in companies & foundations
• Science management in universities & research institutions

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree or Equivalent: A subject-specific undergraduate degree or an equivalent degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) in Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Technology (MINT) or Humanities and Social Sciences with an above-average final grade.
• Language Requirements: Good proficiency in English; international applicants require German language proficiency at a minimum level of DSH-2 (or a recognized equivalent).

Application Documents

• CV: A tabular form containing key information on school records and academic careers.
• Motivation Letter: Not exceeding two DIN A4 pages, elaborating on motivation for the course, its main features, and why the applicant chose this course and the University of Jena.
• University Entrance Qualification Certificate: The school graduation diploma (e.g., German "Abitur") or equivalent.
• Previous University Degrees Earned: All previous university degrees, if available, or a note on the anticipated date of issue.
• Detailed Transcript of Records: Containing an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.
• Proof of Relevant Work Experience: Subject-specific work experience certificates, if applicable.
• Proof of Subject-specific Practical Experience: Certificates of internships or similar experiences, if applicable.
• Proof of Language Proficiency: Basic proficiency in Latin or another science language, to be demonstrated by the end of the 2nd programme semester.

Additional Application Documents for International Students

• Proof of German Language Proficiency: For German-taught Master's programmes, a sufficient German language proficiency proof is mandatory, with accepted certificates including the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS), Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II), TestDaF, and DSH.
• Translation of Foreign/External Application Documents: Mandatory application documents from foreign/external countries must also be available in English or German translation 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 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 certain countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination.