During a first phase of the degree program (semesters 1-4), overview lectures impart basic historical knowledge for all major epochs (Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, Modern and Contemporary History). At the same time, in proseminars students learn and practice the methodically correct approach to sources and modern scholarly literature on the basis of concrete historical case studies. Moreover, they acquire fundamental propaedeutical skills (bibliographic research, presentation, etc.) as well as profound  knowledge of theory and methodology in historical scholarship.

At an advanced stage of the degree program (semesters 5-6), individual epochal and/or regional focusses may be set. In lectures, advanced seminars and reading courses related to their respective fields of specialization, students systematically deepen and expand the competences acquired during the first study phase. They learn to independently identify relevant research questions and to develop methodologically correct answers from both historical sources and current scholarly discourse. A research-oriented Bachelor’s thesis concludes the degree program.

At FAU, history in the Bachelor’s degree program always combines with another humanities or social science subject. This intended interdisciplinarity leads to a valuable broadening of scholarly perspectives and methodological approaches. A further professional profiling results from individual acquisition of so-called “key qualifications”.

Over the first semesters, students systematically acquire a sound knowledge base for all historical epochs (Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, Modern and Contemporary History). However, it is already possible to set individual focal points in this phase of the degree programme, e.g., by giving priority to certain epochs and selecting specific seminar topics.

In an advanced phase, students independently choose two areas of intensification from the four main epochs and/or the two regional teaching areas, i.e. Bavarian and Franconian Regional History or Eastern European History. These focal points will be specified in the final degree certificate. Moreover, the teaching and research profiles of the individual chairs and professorships at the Department of History, allow for further thematic or geographical focuses, e.g., on Northern America, the Mediterranean or Western Europe.

• Interest in the (cultural) historical foundations of our society.
• Willingness to read with pleasure and a lot (scientific texts and sources), as well as to write own scientific texts
• Knowledge of foreign languages or a desire to learn new languages (ideally two modern foreign languages plus knowledge of Latin; however, all language skills can be acquired during the course of study)
• Confident speaking, writing and understanding of the German language
• Ability to work independently
• Interest in analytical and methodical working methods in historical contexts

The Bachelor’s degree program in History at FAU offers a broad and thematically multi-faceted range of courses in different areas of history. In addition to classic academic formats, various innovative forms of teaching and learning (e.g., project seminars, excursions, reading courses spanning different epochs) characterise the degree program. Manifold import options from a wide range of neighbouring subjects emphazise interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches from the very beginning. Comparatively small courses and seminar groups allow for a close contact between students and teachers. Flexible module plans allow to realize individual study plans that leave room, e.g., for a stay at one of the Department’s various partner universities in the Erasmus Exchange Program or perhaps for an internship in a regional cultural institution such as museums, archives, or libraries.

Students of history learn to analyze complex historical facts and to deal with sources and research literature. On the one hand, the methodical and subject-specific approaches prepare them for independent scientific work in the field of history. On the other hand, the study of history imparts and deepens important general core competencies and key qualifications, such as the ability to deal with large, unstructured amounts of data and information, the ability to think in a problem-solving, analytical and critical manner, as well as important research, presentation and communication skills.

The career fields presented here represent only a small sample of possible areas of work that historians may pursue. These include:

• Archives and libraries
• Collections and exhibitions, museums
• Publishing
• Adult education, cultural education
• Journalism, communication
• Service and administration
• Press and public relations in public and private institutions, foundations or companies
• History marketing in agencies and companies
• Research and teaching
• Management consulting (as a lateral entry)

• Languages are also very important in history. Not only English, partly also French, Spanish or Italian literature, but also Latin sources are foundations of historical research.
• Knowledge of Latin (small Latinum) is obligatory for the study of history at FAU and must be proven at the latest by the end of the BA. If you lack this knowledge at the beginning of your studies, you must have taken a Latin course at the university for at least one semester to enter the proseminars of Ancient and Medieval History (1st-4th semester).
• History, for example, is not about categorizations of “right” and “wrong,” but about the correct and critical use of sources, research literature, and hypotheses. Therefore, much of the course consists of reading texts in the form of sources and secondary literature.