Master of Arts in Slavery Studies
Interdisciplinary research-focused Master’s programme exploring slavery and asymmetrical dependencies across history and cultures.
Best for:Best for students with a Bachelor’s degree in humanities, social sciences, or related fields who are passionate about interdisciplinary research on slavery and asymmetrical dependencies.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Slavery Studies at the University of Bonn offers a unique, research-oriented programme focused on the interdisciplinary study of slavery and slavery-like phenomena. Students engage with historical, cultural, and social perspectives, developing specialised research skills under the guidance of internationally renowned scholars. The programme leverages the cutting-edge research of the Bonn Centre for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS) and the Cluster of Excellence 'Beyond Slavery and Freedom'. It is designed for students seeking to deepen their expertise in this field while benefiting from an international and collaborative academic environment. The curriculum combines theoretical, methodological, and practical training, culminating in a Master’s thesis under expert supervision.
What you'll do
- Engage in interdisciplinary research on slavery and slavery-like phenomena across time and space.
- Develop specialised research profiles through coursework and independent study.
- Participate in modules covering theoretical, methodological, and historical perspectives on slavery.
- Conduct research and write a Master’s thesis under the supervision of internationally renowned scholars.
- Present and discuss research projects in a Master’s colloquium.
- Practice academic writing in English and refine research skills through dedicated courses.
- Collaborate with international guest lecturers and foreign academic partners.
Requirements
Degree required: A four-year Bachelor’s degree (240 ECTS) or equivalent in Archaeologies, Asian or Islamic Art History, Comparative Religious Studies, Egyptology, English Studies, German Studies, History, History of the Islamicate World, History of Law, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, Latin American Studies, Slavic Studies, Social Sciences, Southeast Asian Studies, Theologies, Tibetan Studies, or a similar discipline.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; C1 proficiency (IELTS Academic: 7 or equivalent). No minimum German language requirement.
Instruction: English
- Strong academic writing skills in English (C1 level required)
- Ability to conduct independent research and develop research questions
- Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methods in humanities and social sciences
- Critical analysis and synthesis of historical and theoretical texts
- Applicants from all countries are eligible.
- Minimum grade of 2.5 (German grading system) for the first higher education degree.
- No residency or age restrictions.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-09-15
Applicants must submit their application through the official University of Bonn application portal. Required documents include a completed application form, proof of degree, transcripts, a CV, a letter of motivation, and proof of English proficiency (C1 level). Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.
- Completed application form
- Proof of Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Transcripts of academic records
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS Academic score of 7 or equivalent)
- Passport-sized photograph
Contact
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