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.
Questions about your application?
Applicants from within Germany
The Student Office will be happy to assist you by telephone, email or in person.
Applicants from abroad
Please contact the International Office (to arrange a consultation).
Applicants for continuing education programmes
Please contact the relevant department directly, using the contact details provided for the programme.
At a glance
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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
full-time, part-time -
Course start
winter semester -
Admission restriction
without admission restriction -
Standard period of study
four semesters
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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 on application deadlines and the application procedure in the International section.
- 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 on application deadlines and the application procedure in the International section.
Internationality
One semester of study at a foreign partner university