Course: Area studies: romance cultures M.A.
- Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
The Master's programme is an advanced course of study in which scientific content and methods can be deepened and specialisations can be set. Requirements for this are the degree of an undergraduate Bachelor's programme or a comparable first professionally qualifying university degree. In addition, certain content is often specified as an aptitude requirement. The detailed provisions are set out in the respective Examination Regulations. Completion of a Master's degree programme entitles the holder to a doctorate.
The Master's degree programme in area studies: romance cultures combines research and practice and opens up exciting perspectives in science, culture and media. You will deepen your knowledge of the Romance language areas and cultures and familiarise yourself with central approaches to cultural, linguistic and literary studies. This will provide you with a solid foundation for a later doctorate - or for direct entry into a wide range of professional fields. You will also perfect your knowledge of two Romance languages.
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
Is this the right program for me?
- You are interested in the languages and cultures of the Romance language area: French, Italian, Spanish (and perhaps also Catalan or Romanian).
- You would like to deepen your knowledge: You already have a Bachelor's degree in Romance Studies or a related subject and want to expand your knowledge of cultural, linguistic and literary studies.
- You value multilingualism: You would like to have a high level of proficiency in at least two romance languages (C2 for the first language, C1 for the second language).
- You are curious about international experiences: You may be planning a semester abroad and would like to benefit from close collaborations with universities in France, Spain and Italy.
- You are looking for practical relevance: you not only want to do research, but also realise projects in culture, media or interculturality.
- You are thinking about a doctorate or a career in culture and media: The degree program is research-oriented and offers a solid foundation for academic careers, but also for careers in publishing, libraries, cultural management, international organisations and the media.
What makes this program special?
- Internationally orientated: Benefit from close co-operation with universities in France, Spain and Italy (including Clermont-Ferrand, Nice, Madrid, Trieste, Ferrara). Stays abroad are supported and recognised.
- Optimum study conditions: Small groups, intensive supervision.
- Practical project module: Work on cultural, media or intercultural projects and gain valuable professional experience.
Languages and multilingualism
- You will acquire knowledge of two romance languages:
- First language: French, Italian or Spanish (up to competence level C2 CEFR)
- Second language: at least up to C1 CEFR
- Alternatively, you can choose Portuguese, Catalan or Romanian as a second language - even without prior knowledge. Latin is also possible (final level A2).
What can I do with this degree?
Degree in M.A. Area studies: romance cultures qualifies you for work in:
- Publishing houses (editing)
- Adult education
- Libraries and information management
- Media and public relations
- Research and teaching
- Science management
- International organisations (e.g. embassies, authorities)
- Art and culture management (museums, archives, tourism)
Structure of the Program
Program Structure
The Master's degree programme in areas: romance cultures lasts four semesters and requires a completed Bachelor's or teacher training program in Romance studies. Unlike a Bachelor's or teaching degree, you will study a single subject here - with full concentration on your specialisation.
The Master's degree programme is research- and practice-oriented. It provides in-depth knowledge of the chosen Romance language areas and cultures and familiarises you with relevant research approaches and theories of cultural studies, linguistics and literary studies. As such, it also provides excellent requirements for a later doctorate.
Two profile modules on the topics of "Culture and Language", "Culture and Literature" and "Culture and Media" allow students to set their own specialisations. There are also courses on French, Italian and Spanish with a cultural studies focus.
In the project module, you will work on a project from the fields of culture, media or interculturality and thus gain valuable insights into professional fields beyond research.
Additional modules, such as multilingualism research or oral communication, round off our programme.
Overall, the degree program combines academic specialisation with practical experience and opens up the path to research (doctorate) as well as to cultural and media-related professional fields.
Student Life & Services
Foto: UR / Julia Dragan Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | no |
| Pre-registration procedure | no |
| Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test | yes |
| Placement Test | no |
| Subject-Specific Language Requirements | yes |
| German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification | yes |
| Other Requirements | no |
Binding information and current information can be found in the brief overview (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) of the Registrar's Office or in the examination regulations applicable to you Examination Regulations.
Details Requirements
Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test
Average grade of good (2.50) or better in the first professionally qualifying university degree; at least 60 credit points in a Romance studies subject.
Subject-Specific Language Requirements
Knowledge of French, Italian or Spanish at CEFR C 1.1 level as a first language.
Admission, Application and Enrollment
Foto ©iStock.com/mixetto Academic Advising
Course-related information and advice
If you have any questions about the programme content, the subject-specific requirements and the application procedure, as well as the specific structure of the programme, please contact the
General Student Advisory Service
The General Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports you with all questions relating to your studies - from the decision to study, to the course of studies, right through to successful graduation.
If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.