Skip to content
Universität Bielefeld
Bachelor German + English Social Sciences

Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)

Bachelor

About the Program

The Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) offers doctoral researchers an innovative research environment that fosters creativity through interdisciplinary exchange. The main characteristic of the graduate school is the integration of research from a variety of fields (sociology, history, political science, anthropology, and gender studies) into a joint organisational framework and a joint curriculum. Because innovative science emerges from and thrives in a creative atmosphere, the BGHS promotes small working groups with individualised guidance and supports the formation of a diverse and lively community among its doctoral researchers. Young researchers are also supported in their efforts to combine family life and an academic career. Diverse disciplines under one roof Under the umbrella of the graduate school, international doctoral programmes in sociology and history are offered. However, we accept not only historians and sociologists, but explicitly welcome doctoral researchers from other fields whose research contains a promising sociological and/or historical focus. The graduate school is founded on the bottom-up principle and places great value on the independent initiative of its doctoral researchers. Career development and employment prospects One of the explicit aims at the BGHS is to prepare our doctoral researchers for the academic or non-academic labour market in Germany and abroad. The graduate school collaborates with foreign researchers, promotes the participation of our doctoral researchers in international conferences, and helps build key skills so that our doctoral researchers can position themselves well in the international scientific community. As preparation for work in a non-academic context, the graduate school provides career service and programmes to enhance key qualifications. Interdisciplinarity and internationality The graduate school promotes intellectual and interdisciplinary exchange across national borders.
Show the original English text
The Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) offers doctoral researchers an innovative research environment that fosters creativity through interdisciplinary exchange. The main characteristic of the graduate school is the integration of research from a variety of fields (sociology, history, political science, anthropology, and gender studies) into a joint organisational framework and a joint curriculum. Because innovative science emerges from and thrives in a creative atmosphere, the BGHS promotes small working groups with individualised guidance and supports the formation of a diverse and lively community among its doctoral researchers. Young researchers are also supported in their efforts to combine family life and an academic career. Diverse disciplines under one roof Under the umbrella of the graduate school, international doctoral programmes in sociology and history are offered. However, we accept not only historians and sociologists, but explicitly welcome doctoral researchers from other fields whose research contains a promising sociological and/or historical focus. The graduate school is founded on the bottom-up principle and places great value on the independent initiative of its doctoral researchers. Career development and employment prospects One of the explicit aims at the BGHS is to prepare our doctoral researchers for the academic or non-academic labour market in Germany and abroad. The graduate school collaborates with foreign researchers, promotes the participation of our doctoral researchers in international conferences, and helps build key skills so that our doctoral researchers can position themselves well in the international scientific community. As preparation for work in a non-academic context, the graduate school provides career service and programmes to enhance key qualifications. Interdisciplinarity and internationality The graduate school promotes intellectual and interdisciplinary exchange across national borders.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Political Science

Similar Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) at Universität Bielefeld

Is Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) at Universität Bielefeld taught in German or English?

This Bachelor programme is taught in German + English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) programme cost?

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) at Universität Bielefeld?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)?

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Bielefeld — directly or via uni-assist?

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

📬 Get the weekly Germany guide in your inbox

New blog posts, application deadlines, scholarship announcements. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Weekly Germany guide — 1–2 emails/week, no spam.

📬 Weekly Germany guide delivered to your inbox

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.