University of Bonn

Master in Slavery Studies

Bonn, Germany 1 year Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • No application fee

About Master in Slavery Studies

The application deadline is 15 Aug.

The Slavery Studies Master's programme at the University of Bonn is a one-year, research-oriented degree offering an interdisciplinary perspective on slavery and slavery-like phenomena across time and place. The programme covers text-based scholarship, material culture studies, and social sciences, and draws on the research conducted at the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS) and the Cluster of Excellence "Beyond Slavery and Freedom," including the concept of "strong asymmetrical dependency." The programme runs over 2 semesters and begins in the winter semester. Students complete four compulsory modules and one compulsory elective module. The first semester introduces the topic of slavery and forms of strong asymmetrical dependency, with theoretical and methodological grounding and courses on transcultural comparison and current research debates. Courses on academic writing in English and on research practice are integrated throughout. The second semester is centred on preparing the Master's thesis, including identifying a topic, developing research questions, conducting a literature search, and presenting the research project in a Master's colloquium. The programme is based at the University of Bonn in Bonn, Germany.

About University of Bonn

The University of Bonn, established in 1818 and located in the city of Bonn, Germany, is a major public research university known for its strong research profile and international reach. Enrolling over 41,000 students including about 6,400 international scholars, Bonn combines a long academic tradition with modern research infrastructure. The university is recognized for research excellence and is one of Germany's Universities of Excellence, distinguished by multiple Clusters of Excellence.

Students can choose from a broad portfolio of more than 50 programs spanning the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and professional fields. Teaching is research-led and interdisciplinary, enabling learners to engage with leading researchers and to participate in cutting-edge projects. A global network of partners facilitates study abroad and collaborative research, and the university's location in a city known for international institutions supports intercultural exchange and professional opportunities.

Campus life at Bonn blends rigorous academics with cultural vibrancy and a high quality of life in the Rhineland. The university provides robust student services, career support, and numerous student organizations that foster both academic growth and personal development. For international applicants seeking a top-tier, research-intensive German education with strong global connections, the University of Bonn offers a compelling combination of academic prestige and practical pathways to careers and further study.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

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