English 
Deutsch Who this BA fits and what you need to join in Berlin
This BA is a good match if you want a rigorous, discussion-based liberal arts education in Europe. It suits: (1) school-leavers aiming for a broad degree in the humanities with options in Art and Aesthetics, Ethics and Politics, or Literature and Rhetoric; (2) international students with some college experience looking to transfer into an English-taught programme in Berlin; (3) artistically engaged applicants who value reading- and writing-intensive study with room for a creative BA thesis component. You study on campus in Berlin, with small seminars and close faculty supervision in year 4.
Admission requirements
Formal entry is for first-degree undergraduates. Key points at a glance:
- University entrance qualification: a recognised secondary school-leaving certificate that qualifies you for undergraduate study (equivalent to the German Abitur or comparable international diplomas).
- Admission with foreign qualifications: international school certificates and transcripts are accepted; documents are reviewed for equivalence and eligibility for direct entry to a BA.
- Teaching language: English-taught programme. Proof of English proficiency is required for non-native speakers; accepted test formats and minimum scores are specified by the university.
- German language: German is not required for admission. However, all BA students must demonstrate intermediate German proficiency by the end of their second year. German language courses from beginner to advanced level are offered within the programme.
- Study mode and load: full-time, on-campus degree over 8 semesters (210 ECTS), culminating in a supervised BA thesis.
- Accreditation and recognition: programme accreditation by ACQUIN (valid 01/10/2025–30/09/2033), accredited without conditions under the German Accreditation Council framework.
If you have previous university coursework, potential credit recognition follows the study and examination regulations; submit syllabi and transcripts for assessment.
Personal requirements
Success in this BA depends on strong self-organisation and sustained reading and writing. Expect an average study load of about 35–40 hours per week during teaching periods, including seminar preparation, essays, and independent research. You should be comfortable with close reading of complex texts, class debate, and iterative drafting—core skills in the humanities. Reliable time planning is essential to balance core courses, your chosen major, and, if you opt for it, an internship or study abroad in year 3.
For international students arriving from abroad, solid academic English is crucial from day one, as seminars are discussion-heavy. Be prepared to invest steady effort in German each semester so you can meet the intermediate level by year 2; this will also support daily life in Berlin. Curiosity, perseverance, and the ability to seek feedback early—especially on essays and the BA thesis—are key to thriving in the programme’s seminar culture.
What will you study in the Humanities, the Arts, and Social Thought at Bard College Berlin?
You study a broad liberal arts curriculum taught entirely in English, combining the humanities with key debates in the social and natural sciences and the practicing arts. You complete a structured core on major texts and artifacts, select one of three majors, and progress to a supervised BA thesis in your fourth year.
Foundations of the humanities: You work through a core curriculum on formative works and ideas from Europe and beyond. Typical areas include history of ideas, philosophy, and cultural legacies read through primary texts and close analysis.
Art and aesthetics: In this major you explore art history and theory alongside practice-based options. Courses can span visual culture, aesthetics, and studio electives such as theatre, dance, painting, filmmaking, or art production.
Ethics and politics: This track focuses on political thought and social theory. You discuss concepts like justice, rights, power and governance, and connect theory to contemporary public life through readings and applied coursework.
Literature and rhetoric: Here the emphasis is on literary traditions, genres and methods of interpretation, together with argumentation and rhetorical practice. You read across periods and regions and develop strong writing and analytical skills.
Electives and options: Beyond your major, you can choose electives across philosophy, art history, literature, and social theory, and take studio arts. Study abroad in year three is possible via ERASMUS, within Bard’s global network, or through exchange agreements. An internship for academic credit is also supported, typically in year three.
Signature features: All students study German with classes from beginner to advanced; by the end of the second year you must demonstrate intermediate German proficiency. The programme culminates in a BA thesis, and you may add a creative component that is exhibited publicly.
How does studying in the Humanities, the Arts, and Social Thought work?
The BA runs full-time, on campus in Berlin over eight semesters (210 ECTS). Teaching is in English, with mandatory German language study to an intermediate level by the end of year two. The curriculum combines a shared core with your chosen major plus electives, with a thesis in year four.
Teaching language and German requirement
All degree coursework is delivered in English. German language study is built in: courses are available from beginner to advanced, and you need to reach intermediate proficiency by the end of your second year. This supports everyday life in Berlin, internships, and potential study abroad in German-speaking contexts.
Study model and where you will study
This is a full-time, on-campus programme in Berlin. You live and study in Germany’s cultural and political capital, with direct access to museums, galleries, theatres and organisations that connect to your coursework and optional internships and projects.
Learning format and academic support
You combine the common core with major-specific modules and open electives. Learning typically spans reading- and discussion-based classes and practice-oriented options in the arts. Faculty supervise your individual BA thesis in the final year, and internship advising is available if you opt for practical training in year three.
Assessment and the BA thesis
Assessment varies by module and may include coursework during the semester and capstone work in the fourth year. All students complete a supervised BA thesis; if you wish, you can include a creative component and present the artistic work publicly alongside your written research.
Mobility, internships and study abroad
In the third year you can study abroad: in Europe through the ERASMUS network, in the United States at Bard College or affiliated programmes, or elsewhere via Bard College Berlin’s exchange agreements. An internship option for credit is also supported, typically undertaken in year three.
What does the Humanities, the Arts, and Social Thought cost?
Tuition is charged per semester. At the regular rate of €15,958 per semester over the standard duration of eight semesters, the indicative total tuition amounts to €127,662. Plan for additional personal costs such as health insurance, housing, food, local transport, books and materials; these depend on your lifestyle and the Berlin rental market.
Payments are typically settled each semester. If you plan to study from abroad, check your bank’s international transfer conditions and currency conversion fees early. Bard College Berlin may offer institutional financial aid and scholarships; availability, criteria and application steps change over time and need to be checked directly with the university before you plan your financing.
Cost of living in Berlin: Berlin is one of Germany’s major cities and prices for housing near popular districts can be higher than in smaller university towns. Budget realistically for rent (including deposits), public transport, health insurance, and study materials to avoid surprises once you arrive.
What careers and recognition does the Humanities, the Arts, and Social Thought offer?
The programme awards a Bachelor of Arts with 210 ECTS over eight semesters under the Bologna framework. It is ACQUIN programme-accredited and officially accredited by the German Accreditation Council from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2033. ECTS credits and Bologna alignment make the degree comparable across Europe and support admission to relevant master’s programmes internationally.
Graduate pathways are broad and reflect the curriculum’s mix of humanities, arts, and social thought. Typical next steps include master’s study in the humanities or social sciences, as well as careers in:
- Journalism, cultural journalism and publishing
- Arts management, curating and cultural institutions
- Policy research, NGOs and foundations
- Education, academic administration and study-abroad coordination
- Communications, content strategy and public affairs in the private sector
Salaries vary by sector and country. In Germany and the EU, early-career roles in culture, NGOs and publishing often prioritise experience and portfolios; internships and the optional creative thesis component can help you build evidence of practice during your degree.
Who is the Humanities, the Arts, and Social Thought right for – and who not?
This BA suits students who want an English-taught liberal arts education in Berlin with the freedom to combine a strong humanities core, a focused major, and practice in the arts. It also fits if you are aiming at graduate study or internationally oriented careers in culture, media, or the civic sector.
- You want a fully English-taught degree in Germany with structured German language learning built in.
- You value reading primary texts and debating big ideas across philosophy, literature, art and social theory.
- You plan to study abroad or complete an internship during your degree to widen your network and experience.
- You want close supervision for a substantial BA thesis, with the option of a creative component.
- You aim for careers in culture, media, NGOs, or further study in the humanities or social sciences.
There are also cases where another programme may be a better fit. Consider the points below before you decide.
- You need a German-taught programme from the start; here, all academic coursework is in English.
- You are not able or willing to reach intermediate German by the end of year two, which is required.
- You want a low-tuition option comparable to German public universities; this is a private university with higher fees.
- You seek training for regulated professions (e.g. medicine, architecture) or a technical/engineering curriculum.
- You cannot relocate to Berlin for full-time on-campus study.
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