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Faculty of Humanities
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  1. UHH
  2. Faculty of Humanities
  3. Studies
  4. Prospective students

Information for prospective students

Studying humanities

UHH-Beutel an der Alster

Photo: UHH/Röttger

Would you like to start studying and are still searching for the right subject? Are you interested in literature and languages, history, philosophy or religions, media or cultural studies? Then you've found the ideal place!

The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Hamburg is one of the largest and most diverse teaching and research institutions of its kind in Europe - and it is located in the most beautiful city in the world. And yet you won't just be one of many people here!

Content

  • Why humanities?
  • Program structure
  • Why in Hamburg?
  • Degree programs from A to Z
  • Offers for academic orientation
  • Career paths for humanities graduates
  • Contact

Why should I study humanities?

Studierende in ESA West

Photo: UHH/Lux

Christina, Leonie, Johann und Leonie (B.A./M.A. Ethnologie)

Our humanities program deals with cultural diversity worldwide and therefore inspires students with a wide range of interests. It opens up new perspectives on the world for us. The diversity of the subject is reflected in a wide range of career opportunities, as the skills learned are highly transferable.

Aaron Butts

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Prof. Dr. Aaron Butts

We need a new generation of young people who can think critically, innovatively, and self-reflectively. Our research and teaching in the humanities essentially aim to impart this ability. In my courses, students are encouraged to develop their own thoughts and perspectives.

Portrait von Christoph Dartmann

Photo: UHH/Feuerböther

Prof. Dr. Christoph Dartmann, Vice Dean for Studies

You can study almost anything here—at least in the fields of language and literature, philosophy and religion, history and cultures, and all with a global perspective. Whether you want to become a teacher, are interested in a specific subject, or want to explore current issues: welcome to our faculty!

Program structure

Our Bachelor of Arts degree programs generally consist of a major academic subject, a freely selectable minor academic subject and an optional area for in-depth study and individual profile development.

Protestant theology can be studied with the degrees Diplom, Magister or ecclesiastical examination.

Bachelor's major

Choose a major from one of 37 degree programs ranging from A for "Afrikanische Sprachen und Kulturen" to V for "Vor- und Frühgeschichtliche Archäologie".

Lehrende und Studentin stehen vor Kurs am cTouch

Photo: UHH/von Wieding

Bachelor's minor

Combine your major subject with one of 40 minor subjects from which you can choose freely, including interdisciplinary courses such as “Latin American Studies” or “Eastern European Studies”.

Zwei Studentinnen unterhalten sich

Photo: UHH/Feuerböther

Studium Generale

Expand your combination of major and minor subjects and set your own focus. In the Studium Generale, you can choose from a wide variety of courses and interdisciplinary offerings.

Unibeutel auf dem Campus

Photo: UHH/vonWieding

Master's degree program

After completing your Bachelor's degree, you can enrol on one of our 37 Master's degree programs, which offer you a research-oriented specialization of your previous studies.

Wissenschaftlerin beim Lesen

Photo: UHH/Röttger

Teacher training degree

Would you prefer to become a teacher? We train future teachers in 13 subjects in all five types of teaching profession. The Faculty of Education teaches the educational science and didactic content.

Mädchen meldet sich

Photo: UHH/vonWieding

And why in Hamburg?

Shervin Farridnejad

Photo: H.Tehrany/Berlin

Prof. Dr. Shervin Farridnejad

What makes it special is the city's diversity and international atmosphere, its museums, theaters, opera house, and Elbphilharmonie concert hall, as well as its location near the water. I myself grew up surrounded by different cultures, and in this context, I experience Hamburg as a lively and colorful city where I feel at home.

Portrait von Alina

Photo: UHH/Röttger

Alina (B.A. Klassische Archäologie)

The two archaeological institutes of the Faculty of Humanities offer an exciting and varied range of courses; you can even gain practical experience on site through a variety of excursions and excavations. Whether you want to try your hand at something new or know exactly where you want to go, this is the place for you.

Portrait von Sophie Witt

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Prof. Dr. Sophie Witt

The University of Hamburg has the courage to try new things and not just stick to the old ways. The Excellence Strategy in particular is implementing great projects in this area. We are delighted when our visions are brought to life by our students.

Last but not least, the city's rich cultural life makes it an incredibly livable place.

Our degree programs from A to Z

Which combination of subjects is right for me? There is a wide range of subjects to choose from. Personal interests and your own knowledge and skills are important when making a decision. Click through the range of courses, the student advisors will also be happy to help!

  • Bachelor's degree programs (major and minor)
  • Master's degree programs
  • Teacher training degree programs
Studierende im HörsaalStudierende im Hörsaal

Photo: UHH/vonWieding

This is what our students say

The variety of subjects is huge – especially in the humanities. In the video, our students explain why they chose their degree course and what they find particularly exciting about it.

Étienne

Studying history in Hamburg

XXX

Nisa-Nur

Studying Islamic Religion in Hamburg

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And afterwards?

A degree in the humanities opens up a variety of possible career fields and activities. This is both an opportunity and a challenge. Take the opportunity to develop a profile during your studies that matches your desired field of work.

Studies and Careers Center (AStuB)

The AStuB organizes numerous courses on important key skills, introduces professional fields and offers practical workshops. You can also get advice on how to organize your studies, internships and career guidance.

Studierende beraten sich

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Variety of career fields

The career opportunities for humanities graduates are particularly rich because they acquire interdisciplinary skills during their studies, which are particularly important in today's world.

Mann geht Steg entlang

Photo: UHH/Esfandari

Training certificate programs

The AStuB participates in various certificate programs, including teaching practice, intercultural competence, gender competence and diversity. Students with a major in the Faculty of Humanities can take advantage of these courses.

Fist Bump

Photo: UHH/vonWieding

Gaining practical experience

In addition to internships, project seminars can also offer exciting insights into practice – whether on excursions, in exhibitions or media productions from text, sound and film. Such courses are offered in the Public History department, for example.

Ausstellung im Unimuseum

Photo: UHH/Röttger

Portrait im Studio

Photo: Isaac Hoffmann, Radio Hamburg

Christin Schardt, Radio editor

During a mandatory internship while studying, I got to know Radio Hamburg and continued to work there afterwards. Then I was asked if I was interested in a traineeship. You should definitely take advantage of opportunities like this to gain practical insight, because they can help you figure out where your journey might take you.

Bachelor's degree in Media and Communication Studies, minor in Education

Portrait von Sinah Swyter

Photo: Florian Reick

Sinah Swyter, Film producer

I was always open to jobs that weren't necessarily related to the humanities. But in my work with concepts, exposés, screenplays, and literary texts, as well as in analyzing characters and story arcs and conducting research, I realize how well my studies prepared me for my current job.

Bachelor's degree in French with a specialization in linguistics, minor in English/American studies

Portrait von Silke Segler-Messner

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Prof. Dr. Silke Segler-Meßner, Dean of the Faculty

In view of the challenges we face today, humanities scholars with their specific scientific, foreign language, and communication skills are needed more than ever—in schools, cultural institutions, and publishing houses, as well as in NGOs and the EU. In this way, they are making a substantial contribution to the future.

Offers for academic orientation

Deciding on a degree program is not easy. At the University of Hamburg there are numerous information and advisory services to help you decide on the ‘right’ course. Want to experience the university live? No problem, come to the next unit day for students and get to know the diversity of our subjects and study programs on site.

  • Roadmap to university study

    Still not sure whether a degree course is right for you? The roadmap will guide you to the degree course of your choice.

  • Fees and funding

    How much does it cost to study at UHH? Here you will find an overview of the options for financing your studies.

  • Studying with disabilities?

    The Coordination of the interests of students with health impairments will be happy to advise and support you.

  • Living in Hamburg

    The most beautiful city in the world: Here you will find information about campus life and living in Hamburg.

  • From abroad to Hamburg

    Have you obtained your secondary school leaving certificate abroad?

  • Studying as a parent?

    The Family Office is happy to advise you on the various options for organizing your studies in a family-friendly way.

  • Open day

    Every February, the University of Hamburg offers students the opportunity to attend exciting lectures and ask questions.

  • What to study and for what?

    In the video and podcast series, scientists from different disciplines present their field of study.

  • Center for Academic Advising

    Have you decided to study, but still have a lot of questions? The Campus Center can help you!

Are you interested?

Studierende im Audimax

Photo: UHH

Then we look forward to welcoming you to the Faculty of Humanities in the coming winter semester. If you have any questions about individual degree programs, please contact the academic advisors, the lecturers of the subjects or send us an e-mail!

Contact

Last update: 10 April 2025

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