Mediterranean History (Master of Arts)

Program overview This international, research-oriented MA is a consecutive graduate programme taught in English that builds on a three-year BA in History from the University of Konstanz or on a Bachelor’s degree in a subject relevant to the master’s. It offers a cross-epochal, comparative approach to Mediterranean societies, covering roughly 3,000 years of history—from antiquity to the twenty-first century—and trains students to analyze long-term processes and connections across the region.

Why it matters The Mediterranean is presented as a dynamic contact zone between Africa, Asia and Europe where trade, empires, settlement, religion, languages and cultures have constantly shifted. Many contemporary issues—war, migration, climate change, tourism and food cultures—have deep historical roots in this region, so understanding them requires long-term perspectives. The programme also engages with cutting-edge historiography and cultural theory (for example environmental history, post‑colonial studies, global history and ocean studies), using the Mediterranean as a laboratory for broader historical questions.

Skills and career prospects You will develop practical research skills, regional expertise and cross-period knowledge of Mediterranean histories, cultures and languages—preparing you both for academic paths and for roles in public institutions, NGOs, cultural organisations or companies that work in or with the Mediterranean region. By deepening knowledge about the countries of origin of many Mediterranean immigrants, the programme also contributes to better-informed approaches to social cohesion and contemporary European affairs.

Entry requirements and key facts

• Consecutive MA degree, taught in English
• Research-oriented graduate programme
• Built on a three-year BA in History from the University of Konstanz or a Bachelor’s degree in a subject relevant to this Master’s programme
• Chronological scope: approx. 3,000 years (antiquity to the 21st century)
• Interdisciplinary engagement with fields such as environmental history, post-colonial studies, global history and ocean studies
• Location: Konstanz, Germany

Curriculum overview

This two-level Master's curriculum combines theoretical, methodological and thematic coursework with an annual research colloquium that examines focused topics across Mediterranean history. Seminars cover a broad chronological and thematic range — for example, the Roman Empire, Arab‑Islamic expansion, the Crusades and the Reconquista, colonialism and decolonisation, fascism, organized crime (the Mafia) and tourism — and bring together perspectives from different historical periods and related disciplines. The research colloquium showcases current projects in Mediterranean studies and fosters debate about new and ongoing scholarship across ages and fields.

The programme is research-oriented and designed to prepare students both for professional careers in Germany and internationally and for further academic study. Early in the course you are introduced to academic career paths and sources of doctoral funding. Students receive mentoring in Konstanz and while on a possible semester abroad, which helps refine research topics and build professional contacts. That academic network, together with the programme’s research training, provides a strong foundation for pursuing a doctoral degree (Dr. phil.) or other research-related careers after graduation.

For detailed study plans, examination regulations and downloadable PDFs, please consult the programme’s official study-plan and examination‑regulations webpage.

Core modules and learning outcomes (concise)

• Theoretical seminars: deepen understanding of historiographical debates and theoretical frameworks relevant to Mediterranean studies.
• Methodological seminars: acquire research methods (archival work, source criticism, comparative and interdisciplinary approaches) applicable across eras.
• Thematic seminars: investigate specialised topics (e.g., Roman Empire, Arab‑Islamic expansion, Crusades/Reconquista, colonialism/decolonisation, fascism, Mafia, tourism).
• Annual research colloquium: present and discuss new and ongoing research across disciplines and periods; build presentation and peer‑review skills.
• Research orientation and doctoral preparation: become familiar with doctoral pathways and funding instruments; develop a research profile suitable for PhD applications.
• Mentoring and networking: receive guidance in Konstanz and during study abroad to sharpen research interests and establish professional contacts.

These components aim to produce graduates who can design and carry out independent historical research, engage with interdisciplinary sources and debates, and pursue careers in research, higher education, cultural institutions, policy, or other international professions.

Graduates are prepared for academic careers (including doctoral studies) and for roles in policy institutions, cultural organisations, NGOs, research institutes and private-sector entities that work with or within the Mediterranean region. The programme’s combination of regional expertise, historical-methods training and practical experience (internship or study abroad) also suits careers in education, heritage and museum work, international cooperation, migration and integration services, and journalism.

The MA’s research orientation, mentoring and network-building opportunities support applications for competitive doctoral funding and help students establish professional contacts both in Germany and internationally.