Course: German language and literature 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. A completed Master's degree programme entitles the holder to a doctorate.
The Master's degree programme covers all areas of German language and literature, whereby a specialisation is expected. The programme is clearly research- and theory-oriented and therefore also includes participation in research projects.
- In linguistics, students acquire specialised knowledge in various areas of grammar and deepen their knowledge of the language system and language use through independent work and analyses.
- In Older German Literature, students acquire the ability to analyse medieval texts in a theoretically reflective way and to situate them in cultural history (if necessary, also from an interdisciplinary perspective).
- In Modern German Literature, students acquire specialised knowledge of literary theory and methods and deepen their knowledge of literary history and its methods of analysis.
By carrying out their own project, students deepen their knowledge of possible fields of application in German language and literature.
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
Is this the right program for me?
- Are you interested in well-told histories, whether in book form or other media formats?
- Are you fascinated by the German language and at the same time have many unanswered questions about its use and its significance for human communication in general?
- Can you imagine transferring your interest in language and literature into an academic context?
- Are you not averse to deepening your basic skills in information procurement, research, data processing and dissemination?
- Do you want to continue your studies after a Bachelor's degree in German language and literature (or a related subject) in order to broaden your knowledge and deepen your skills?
Then a Master's degree programme in German language and literature is the right choice for you.
What makes this program special?
The Master's degree program in German language and literature is a single-subject programme; you do not choose another subject. The Master's degree program deepens and expands the knowledge and skills of the previous degree program; however, it can also be taken up after a phase of professional activity. It is also possible to study the Master's in German language and literature alongside another Master's programme in a dual enrolment.
What can I do with this degree?
Master's graduates have deepened their ability to work independently according to academic principles and to deal with subject-specific questions and problems.
Thanks to their trained linguistic, communicative and cultural competence and the ability to effectively obtain and process information acquired during their studies, German language and literature graduates often find senior positions in publishing houses and media companies.
- Publishing houses and media organisations,
- in public relations,
- in cultural institutions such as libraries, museums and archives as well as in theatre, film and documentation (copywriters, dramaturges) or
- in educational institutions.
The fields of
- Information or event management,
- PR,
- Advertising,
- Corporate communications
have also opened up to German language and literature graduates.
The language, communication and information literacy skills from the degree programme can also be used as key qualifications in areas that are not immediately related to German language and literature studies. This refers to areas of
- public Administration or
- consulting firms and companies organised in the private sector.
Structure of the Program
Program Structure
Internship
An Internship (of at least 5 weeks or 200 hours) can be included in module GER-M 42 Project/Practical Module.
Internationalization
German language and literature is part of the Erasmus+ exchange programme and offers the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at various European universities. Further information can be found on the website of the Institute of German Language and Literature.
Student Life & Services
Foto: UR / Julia Dragan Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | yes |
| 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 | yes |
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
Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure
Selection Procedure: Bachelor's degree grade at least 2.3
Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test
- Examination of the documents
- Master's test
You can find more detailed information on the website of the Institute of German Language and Literature.
Subject-Specific Language Requirements
Applicants who have not obtained their higher education entrance qualification or their first degree at a German-speaking institution must provide proof of sufficient German language skills at the level of the German Language Test for University Entrance Qualification (DSH) with an overall result of at least DSH-2 or an equivalent examination.
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, the application procedure and 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.