The African Studies MA is a research-oriented programme with the aim of providing students with an interdisciplinary and reflective perspective on Africa. Building on findings and methods from various disciplines in the humanities, cultural and social sciences, students deepen their ability to deal independently and critically with statements about Africa on the basis of subject-specific standards, to understand these statements as components of time-specific knowledge systems and to be able to assess their research or application-oriented potentials and problems. The focus is on the fields of history, culture, language, literature, society, politics and business.

At a glance

  • Field of study

    humanities and linguistics, History, Art and Area Studies
  • Degree type

    postgraduate
  • Degree

    Master of Arts
  • Language of instruction

    English
  • Full/part-time

    part-time, full-time
  • Course start

    winter semester
  • Admission restriction

    without admission restriction
  • Standard period of study

    four semesters

  • ECTS credits

    120

Requirements

  • A university degree qualifying for a profession in the humanities, cultural and social sciences
  • Proof of at least 30 ECTS credits in modules related to Africa or relevant to African studies (modules with content-related or methodological focus of the African Studies MA) or equivalent knowledge (e.g. internships in Africa or Africa-related organisations),
  • Knowledge of English (first foreign langauge) at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
  • Knowledge of French or another official language of the African Union (Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, etc.)  in written and oral communication at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The institute will check whether the above requirements have been met and then issue an official notification. This serves as proof that candidate meets the admission requirements.

 

Contents

The African Studies MA is a research-oriented programme. Its aim is to provide students with an interdisciplinary and reflective perspective on Africa. Building on findings and methods from various disciplines in the humanities, cultural and social sciences, students deepen their ability to deal independently and critically with statements about Africa on the basis of subject-specific standards, to understand these statements as components of time-specific knowledge systems and to be able to assess their research or application-oriented potentials and problems. The focus is on the fields of history, culture, language, literature, society, politics and business.

Potential professional fields include above all academia and research, culture and media (publishing houses, trade fair and cultural institutions, museums, tourism, archives and documentation centres, multicultural social and leisure facilities, etc.) as well as development cooperation, administration, politics and business (e.g. national and international organisations, diplomatic services, foundations, associations, etc.).

Application

Course start: Winter semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September
Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please ensure that you read and take note of the further information provided on the pages “Online application” and “Applying for a master’s programme”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Options in the winter semester: 3rd semester – without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: Credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)

You can find more information on our page for “Applying for higher semesters of study”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Internationality

One semester of study at a foreign partner university