African Studies MA

• Proof of at least 30 ECTS credits from Africa-related courses or equivalent knowledge (e.g. internships in Africa or Africa-related organisations);
• knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and
• knowledge of French at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or
• knowledge of another official language of the African Union (Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili) at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

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.

1st academic year – winter semester

Compulsory: introductory module (10 ECTS)

• Africa: knowledge, belief and representations

Compulsory elective: 2 of 7 modules (10 ECTS each)

• Society and politics in Africa
• International studies
• Regions of Africa I
• East African studies I
• West African studies I
• Hausa I
• Swahili I

1st academic year – summer semester

Compulsory elective: 4 of 6 modules (5 ECTS each)

• Advanced African studies I
• Advanced African studies II
• Advanced African studies III
• Advanced African studies IV
• Advanced African studies V
• Advanced African studies VI

Compulsory elective: 1 of 5 modules (10 ECTS each)

• Regions of Africa II
• East African studies II
• West African studies II
• Hausa II
• Swahili II

2nd academic year – winter semester

Compulsory elective: 1 of 3 modules (30 ECTS each)

• Semester abroad
• Internship
• Fieldwork

2nd academic year – summer semester

Compulsory: final module (10 ECTS)

• Advanced African studies VII (10 ECTS)
• Master’s thesis (20 ECTS)

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.).

Course start: winter semester
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 – 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)

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

One semester of study at a foreign partner university