Archivwissenschaft (weiterführend)

This advanced study program (Studium) is offered at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning takes place in lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, and libraries at the university. Additionally, students work at home, preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

The standard duration of study is 2-4 semesters.

Study costs typically include tuition fees, enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student representation, and a public transport semester ticket). Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as books, copies, and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance may be required if the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits are exceeded.

Compulsory modules include archive management, archive law/freedom of information acts, archive technology, archival typology and history, digital archives, historical education and public relations, information and society, methods of archival science, records management, and administrative history. Elective modules may include database archiving, editing techniques, information and communication technologies, meta-description languages, organizational development, and management techniques. Practical study content may involve internships (e.g., in archives) and practical modules.

Universities (Hochschulen) may conduct selection interviews or require a letter of motivation.

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars are attended in person in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during attendance phases; participation in online courses from home may also be required. For part-time studies (berufsbegleitendes Studium), students work during the day on weekdays and attend university in the evenings or on weekends. Independent work involves preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (including during lecture-free periods). Scientific research requires deepening skills in academic work. Organization and planning involve independently planning studies, adhering to given study periods, and completing study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are necessary).

The following study fields can be alternatives for Archival Science (advanced): In the field of Archives, Libraries, and Documentation, Library and Information Science (advanced) allows students to acquire knowledge in researching, accessing, and conveying media and information, as well as in IT-supported provision and processing of information. In the field of Museums, Restoration, and Monument Preservation, Museology (advanced) provides knowledge in areas such as art history, history, and historical auxiliary sciences. It also covers accessing visual and archival collection items, and principles of storage, conservation, and restoration of cultural assets. In the field of Language and Literature Studies, Digital Humanities/Computational Philology (advanced) and Editorial Science (advanced) offer knowledge in areas such as accessing, documenting, and representing texts and information.

Universities typically require the following degrees for admission: Archival Science (undergraduate), Library and Information Science (undergraduate), Digital Humanities/Computational Philology (undergraduate), History (undergraduate).

This advanced study field deepens knowledge acquired from an undergraduate study field and potentially from professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, such as archive management or image archives. This study leads to a second university degree. Archival Science is also available as a distance learning and part-time program.

Examples: Archival Science (Master), Photography (Medium and Archive) (Master).

For Master's graduates in Archival Science, various fields of activity are available, such as information acquisition, access, and processing in public service and the private sector, or scientific research. Those aiming for an academic career at a university usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In 1930, the Institute for Archival Science and Historical Science Further Education (IfA) was founded in Berlin. It qualified archivists as part of preparatory services for civil servants or as postgraduate further education. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving student and faculty mobility. In 2007, the first Master's program in Archival Science was established at the Fachhochschule Potsdam (University of Applied Sciences Potsdam). In the 21st century, undergraduate study programs became established.

Upon graduation, you will receive a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree.

During your Studium (university studies), you generally do not receive remuneration. However, compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases or internships.

Studium in Archivwissenschaft (Archival Science) in Germany is regulated at the federal level by the Hochschulrahmengesetz (HRG) (Higher Education Framework Act) and at the Bundesland (state) level by relevant Hochschulgesetze (Higher Education Acts). Furthermore, inter-state Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) (Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) structural guidelines and the German qualifications framework for higher education degrees apply. Each university also has its own Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen (study and examination regulations).

Admission to this Studium typically requires a first berufsqualifizierender Hochschulabschluss (professionally qualifying higher education degree), often in Archivwissenschaft. Usually, at least one year of relevant Berufspraxis (professional experience) in an archival institution is required. Additionally, in some cases, proof of ongoing professional activity in archival science during the Studium may be necessary. Universities may conduct their own internal selection procedures, evaluating criteria such as performance in the first degree.