The auxiliary sciences of history encompass medieval and modern paleography, diplomatics, archival studies, codicology, sigillography, heraldry, numismatics, epigraphy, chronology and – to a certain extent – genealogy. The University of Göttingen was the first to cultivate the study of these auxiliary sciences in Germany during the 18th century.

Students may take course in the auxiliary sciences as part of their programme (for a BA degree in history and especially for a MA degree in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Graduates with an appropriate degree may undertake a dissertation in these subjects.