West Slavonic Studies BA

general higher education entrance qualification, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification

• Knowledge of a modern foreign language at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

As a result of stronger cooperation within the EU and the close ties between the Republic of Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany, there is an increased need for qualified specialists – graduates who are proficient in Polish and/or Czech and experts in the culture, literature, history and society of both neighbouring countries. The programme can be started without previous knowledge of either language. For this reason, it is based on thorough language teaching, with the student choosing whether to specialise in Polish or Czech (course credit is available if the student can submit proof of previous knowledge of Czech and/or Polish). Against this backdrop, students are also taught the remaining content required for the bachelor’s degree, from the fields of Polish and Bohemian linguistics, literary studies and cultural studies/cultural history. The programme components also include vocational key qualifications and optional interdisciplinary perspectives.

Great importance is attached above all to interdisciplinary and comparative aspects, both within the West Slavonic area (Polish, Czech and Slovak) and in relation to the European cultural, historical, social and economic context, in particular Germany.

The programme is geared towards a broad professional spectrum. This is why, in accordance with the requirements and current developments in West Slavonic studies, the basic specialist knowledge, skills and methods are imparted in such a way as to enable students to work in a scholarly and systematic manner, think independently and act responsibly.

This establishes the basis for professional development opportunities and for the ability to take personal responsibility for continuing education. For example, a module on the basics of translation prepares students for further qualification in the translation field.

The programme aims in particular to enable students to critically assess and apply basic theories and methods of the subject, and building on this to deal analytically with texts in Polish and Czech. They should acquire skills for the independent formulation and handling of complex scientific questions, including in a comparative and interdisciplinary context, for foreign-language intercultural communication, and for the application of techniques of scholarly work, including research, oral and written presentation.

The West Slavonic Studies bachelor’s programme comprises the core subject West Slavonic Studies, key qualifications and an elective area. Each of the three areas consists of modules, which are a combination of self-contained courses of limited duration with a certain methodological or subject-specific orientation, and which are concluded with a module examination on the basis of which credits are awarded. One credit corresponds to a workload of approximately 30 hours (attendance, private study, preparation and completion of exams).

Core subject (90 credits)

• 70 credits: compulsory modules
• 10 credits: compulsory elective modules
• 10 credits: bachelor’s thesis

Key qualification modules (30 credits)

• 10 credits: key qualification (SQ) modules within the Faculty
• 10 credits: cross-faculty key qualification (SQ) modules
• 10 credits: period abroad or internship

Elective area (60 credits)

Before commencing their studies, students must choose whether to specialise in Czech or Polish in their core subject. From the third semester of study, particularly talented students can also specialise in the other option and then, from the fifth semester of study, change to the eight-semester Intercultural West Slavonic Studies Bachelor Plus programme, which includes studying for one semester each in Poland (University of Wrocław) and the Czech Republic (Charles University of Prague) (see also the student handbook to the Intercultural West Slavonic Studies Bachelor Plus). Students can apply for a scholarship for this year abroad.

In addition to the modules of the core subject and key qualifications, the West Slavonic Studies bachelor’s programme also includes an elective area. The elective area is worth 60 credits, usually consisting of six modules of ten credits each. Some institutes at Leipzig University allow students to register for what is known as an elective subject (Wahlfach), meaning they can take modules equivalent to 60 credits and therefore study a minor subject. Otherwise, elective area modules must be selected from those offered by the Faculty of Philology, the Faculty of History, Arts and Oriental Studies, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Philosophy, and the Faculty of Theology or from the module database. It is recommended that students choose at least three related modules from a particular subject which are grouped together as a minor elective area (kleiner Wahlbereich). The remaining three modules/30 credits can be acquired as a second minor elective area from another subject or by selecting any three individual modules. It is also possible to take an additional three modules/30 credits in the core subject. If students take six modules which are from one degree course, or which correspond to each other in a similar way, and are designated as a major elective area (großer Wahlbereich) from that subject, this will be certified accordingly in the Diploma Supplement.

Graduates of the West Slavonic Studies bachelor’s programme will find potential career options in all areas in which solid proficiency in Polish and/or Czech, a sound knowledge of culture and literature, history and society of both neighbouring countries is required, e.g. in the following fields:

• Cultural and science management, cultural exchange,
• foundations and international organisations,
• journalism/media,
• publishing, libraries, archives and museums,
• foreign trade and business,
• diplomatic service,
• public relations and advertising,
• academic services (supplementary master’s degree and doctorate recommended)
• adult and other education (except German state schools, which require a teaching degree).

It is advisable to make useful professional contacts in the course of your studies (e.g. during the internship in the fifth semester). Leipzig University Career Service can advise you on preparing for your transition to the world of work.

Further academic qualification

After successfully completing the West Slavonic Studies bachelor’s programme, it is possible to add an MA.

A period of study abroad is generally recommended. Students must organise this themselves under the guidance of the responsible course adviser. If students plan to study abroad and have their credits recognised by Leipzig University, they must ensure before they start that the modules they will study abroad will be recognised by the responsible examination board in agreement with the respective institute.

The numerous exchange agreements between Leipzig’s West Slavonic Studies department and universities in Poland (Wroclaw, Krakow, Warsaw, Katowice, Gdańsk, Poznań) and the Czech Republic (Prague, Brno, Ústí nad Labem, Olomouc, Ostrava) mean that students can choose from a wide range of study places abroad.

• Study documents

Course start: winter semester
Local admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September
Application portal: AlmaWeb

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply here.

Options in the winter semester: 3rd semester and 5th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 4th semester and 6th 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)

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply here.

Only for the Intercultural West Slavonic Studies Bachelor Plus programme:
two semesters of study at foreign partner universities