Archivwissenschaft (grundständig)

The Studium (university studies) takes place at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences). Learning locations at the Fachhochschule include lecture halls, seminar rooms, and libraries. Students also study at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

This is a foundational Studium (university studies) program. It is offered at Fachhochschulen and leads to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The standard study period is 3-4 years. The foundational Archivwissenschaft (Archival Science) program provides basic scientific knowledge in information science, data and archive management, as well as practical skills in evaluating and preparing media. Archival Science is also available as a dualen Studiengang (dual study program). Admission to Fachhochschulen requires at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification). Some institutions may require passing an internal selection process. The curriculum includes compulsory modules such as Archive Management, Digital Presentation of Archival Material, Foundations of Historical Science, and Records Management.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. This information is based on the Statistisches Bundesamt's (Federal Statistical Office) examination statistics for German higher education institutions in 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student body, semester ticket). Additional Studiengebühren (tuition fees) may apply for 'long-term students,' those pursuing a second Studium (university studies), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study necessities, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required if exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds. Information on funding opportunities can be found from the Deutsches Studierendenwerk (German Student Union) and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) (Federal Education Assistance Act).

Duale Studiengänge (dual study programs) combine Studium (university studies) with a Berufsausbildung (vocational training) or practical phases in a company. In the foundational Archival Science program, practice-integrating study programs are available. Further information and searches for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include, for example: Archive Management, Digital Presentation of Archival Material, Foundations of Historical Science, Records Management and E-Government, Digital Archiving, Administrative History and Archival Law, Web Technology and Information Systems. Elective modules may include: Archival Materials and Their Preservation, Digital Long-Term Archiving, Manuscripts, and Auxiliary Historical Sciences. Practical study content may include internships (e.g., in libraries).

Students should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: Attending lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; possibly participating in online courses from home. Independent work includes preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Organization involves independently planning studies within the given structure, adhering to deadlines and study periods, and timely completion of academic and examination requirements (self-discipline and organizational talent are necessary). Career preparation may also include completing internships (e.g., in information and knowledge management) and preparing for entry into the profession.

The following study fields can be alternatives for Archival Science (grundständig - undergraduate): Area of Archives, Libraries, and Documentation: Library and Information Science (grundständig - undergraduate) shares the commonality of acquiring knowledge in the research, indexing, and dissemination of media and information, as well as in IT-supported provision and processing of information. Area of Museums, Restoration, and Monument Preservation: Museology (grundständig - undergraduate) shares commonalities in acquiring knowledge in fields such as history and art history, historical science, and auxiliary historical sciences; acquiring knowledge in the indexing of visual and archival collections, and about the principles of storage, conservation, and restoration of cultural assets. Area of Hardware and Software Development: Digital Humanities/Computer Philology (grundständig - undergraduate) shares the commonality of gaining knowledge about the digital indexing of archival materials and the archiving of digital data.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects provides a good foundation for successful studies: Computer Science: for example, to facilitate access to databases and content management programs. History: for example, for study content such as diplomatics, heraldry and sigillography, and dating. English: for example, to read and understand foreign-language specialized literature.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Topics such as presentation techniques and rhetoric are relevant. Elective modules like chronology or document management can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in archives, libraries, or documentation centers, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university: Universities in Germany - Hochschulkompass University Search).

The undergraduate study program in Archival Science (grundständig) imparts fundamental scientific knowledge in information science, data and archive management, as well as practical knowledge in the assessment and preparation of media. It leads to a first higher education degree. Archival Science is also available as a dual study program (duales Studiengang).

For Bachelor's graduates in Archival Science, potential fields of activity include information acquisition, indexing, and processing in public service and the private sector.

The development of Archival Science began in 1930 with the founding of the Institute for Archival Science and Historical Science Further Education (IfA) in Berlin. This involved the qualification of archivists through preparatory services for civil servants or as postgraduate further education. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, bringing reforms to the European higher education landscape with goals such as creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers. In 2007, the first Master's program in Archival Science was established at the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences. The 21st century saw the establishment of undergraduate (grundständig) study programs.

The degree awarded upon completion of this program is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

If you discontinue your university studies (Studium), certain vocational trainings (Ausbildung) in the field of archives, libraries, and documentation can be alternatives. These include becoming a Specialist for Media and Information Services (Fachangestellter/Fachangestellte für Medien- und Informationsdienste) with a specialization in archives, libraries, or information and documentation. Common to these professions is the acquisition, provision, indexing, processing, storage, and preservation of media, information, and data. Alternatively, a civil service career in the higher non-technical service (gehobener nichttechnischer Dienst) as an archivist or librarian may also be considered. Further alternatives can be found by searching through professional fields. For more information on prospects after dropping out of university, please refer to 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and 'studienwahl.de'.

During university studies (Studium), no remuneration is typically received. However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases, such as during an internship in a company. The remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Legal regulations for university studies (Studium) are determined at the federal level (Bundesebene) by the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG). Additionally, there are joint structural guidelines from the federal states (Ländergemeinsame Strukturvorgaben) for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs, and a qualifications framework for German higher education degrees (Qualifikationsrahmen). At the state level (Landesebene), higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, for example, on the accreditation of study programs, and qualification or higher education entrance ordinances apply. At the university level (Hochschulebene), the university's own statutes and the study and examination regulations for the specific study programs are applicable.

The prerequisite for studying at Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) is at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective federal state (Bundesland) (e.g., the Ministry of Culture). Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be found under 'Zugang zur Hochschule in den einzelnen Bundesländern'. Depending on the university, an internal university selection process may take place. For dual study programs (duale Studiengänge), a practical training contract with a suitable company (known as a practical partner) is usually required.

Bachelor graduates in Archival Science (grundständig) can continue their studies in a more advanced field, such as Library and Information Science, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. They can pursue further studies in areas like Archival Science (weiterführend) or Library and Information Science (weiterführend).