History of Science

Study information
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
Application & Deadlines

Programme summary

How and in what historical contexts did groundbreaking scientific discoveries take place? How do cultural and political developments shape our knowledge of nature and the human being? What consequences do scientific and technological innovations have for society?

The master’s programme teaches knowledge about science in the past and present. It addresses students from the STEM fields as well as from the humanities and social sciences. You will acquire extensive knowledge of the history of various scientific fields from the early modern period to the present day. You will also deal with scientific theory and ethical issues related to science and technology. In addition, you will learn a variety of historical, theoretical and methodological approaches that will enable you to investigate complex problems regarding the relationship between science, technology and society. You will gain insights into the global knowledge society. In times of profound ecological and socio-political upheaval these insights are more in demand than ever before!

Special features

  • Excellent supervision

The Chair of History and Philosophy of Natural Sciences is based in the 19th century old “Ernst-Haeckel-Haus”. Small student numbers allow for individual supervision of students and an intensive exchange between students and teaching staff.

  • Interdisciplinary and international orientation

Students of the humanities and social sciences can take courses in a natural science discipline in one module. Students of natural sciences can familiarize themselves with methods and topics of another social science or humanities discipline in one module. In addition, we cooperate with various regional, national and international teaching and research institutions in the field of history of science.

  • Research-oriented learning

We encourage students at an early stage to work on questions that are of interest for them and to set individual research priorities.

  • Practical relevance

Knowledge of archives, collections and exhibitions, which is taught on the course, can be expanded through internships (e. g. in publishing houses, museums, libraries or foundations).

Feel free to check the reviews of our students on StudyCHECKExternal link

Career opportunities

The Master’s degree qualifies for an academic career as well as for jobs that require interdisciplinary skills and reflection on knowledge and science.

Areas of employment for graduates 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

A variety of research projects of the Chair of History and Philosophy of Science and the university of Jena offer graduates opportunities to pursue doctoral research. Accompanying programs for doctoral candidates are provided by the Graduate Academy of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

  • Ernst-Haeckel-Haus
    Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
    A warm welcome! The Chair of History and Philosophy of Sciences is located in the centre of Jena (Berggasse 7), in the Ernst Haeckel House.
  • Mikroskope
    Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
    You are welcome to visit us! The Chair of History of Sciences welcomes you!

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent

    For this master's programme you need 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 above-average final grade (CGPA).  

     

  • language requirements

    • good proficiency in English
    • international applicants: German language proficiency at minimum level DSH-2 (or a recognised equivalent)

     

     

Application documents

  • CV

    Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

  • Motivation letter

    A motivation letter should not exceed the size of two DIN A4-pages and normally, it should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies. You should  elaborate on the following essential questions:

    • Why do you desire taking up this specific course of studies?
    • What are - in your opinion - the main features that this course of studies excels in?
    • Which features of this course have inspired your application? 
    • Why Jena?

     

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

  • Previous university degrees earned

    All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

  • Detailed transcript of records

    Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master's programme. This transcript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

  • Proof of relevant work experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of subject-specific practical experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of language proficiency

    For this master's programme the following language proficiencies are required:

    • basic proficiency in Latin or one of the other science languages (to be demonstrated at the latest upon the end of the 2nd programme semester)

    Respective language courses can be attended at the language centre of the Friedrich-Schiller University.

Additional application documents for international students

  • Proof of German language proficiency

    For German taught master's programmes, i.e. programmes with (predominantly) German as language of instruction, a sufficient German language proficiency proof is mandatory.

    The Friedrich Schiller University Jena accepts the following certificates as German language proficiency proof exclusively:

    • the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS),
    • the Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II),
    • the TestDaF, minimum TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination,
    • Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), min. level 2 (= DSH-2),
    • Certificate telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (min. level "befriedigend"),
    • a German language examination in the framework of an assessment test at a preparatory college.


    Please note: We strongly recommend that you provide the required German language proof at the time of applying.

    You have not yet taken the DSH exam, the TestDaF or another equivalent exam (see above) or have not yet received the test result? Then please do the following:

    • Upload a certificate attesting your German language skills at min. level B2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) AND
    • upload a confirmation that you have registered for a language exam (e.g. DSH examination, TestDaF or an equivalent examination) to your online application. Please make sure to register for the test well in advance. In case you receive an admission offer, you must provide the language certificate by the time of enrolment (by the end of March resp. the end of September)!

    The following applicants are exempted from providing proof of their German language skills:

    • Applicants, who have obtained a German taught bachelor's degree within one of the following countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This applies only to degrees that were awarded by a university in the relevant country (no satellite campuses or international branch campuses in other countries, no correspondence course degrees, no joint- or double-degrees with institutions in other countries);
    • Holders of a German, Austrian or Swiss (from school where the language of instruction is German) university entrance qualification.
  • Translation of foreign/external application documents

    Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted 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 (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) 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 the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

    • Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")
Subject Advisor - Dr. Thomas Bach

Opening hours:
by arrangement

Examinations Office of the Faculty of Biological Sciences
Master Service Centre

Office hours:
Telephone consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
10 am - 11 am

Personal consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
2 pm - 3 pm

Live chat:
mondays and fridays
10 am - 12 noon

Ticket enquiries via Service Desk at:
www.uni-jena.de/service-msz

Postal address:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master Service Centre (MSZ)
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenTuesday - Thursday
3:15 pm - 4 pm
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