African Studies MA

• A first academic degree or degree from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education
• 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 or another official language of the African Union (Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, etc.) at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

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

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.

Semester 1:

• Compulsory module 03-AFR-2101 Introduction to African Studies (10 credits)

+ 20 credits chosen from the following options:*

• 03-AFR-2102 Politics in and around Africa (10 credits)
• 03-AFR-2103 Society and Economy in Africa (10 credits)
• 03-AFR-2106 Language for Research I: Hausa (5 credits)
• 03-AFR-2107 Language for Reserach I: Swahili (5 credits)
• (various) Language courses in Swahili or Hausa from the BA African Studies (10 credits)

Semester 2:

• Compulsory module 03-AFR-2108 Planning and Researching (10 credits)

+ 20 credits chosen from the following options:*

• 03-AFR-2109 Culture and Technology (5 credits)
• 03-AFR-2111 Peace and Security in Africa (5 credits)
• 03-AFR-2112 Urban Africa (5 credits)
• 03-AFR-2113 Debates about Development in Africa (5 credits)
• 03-AFR-2114 Migration and Language (5 credits)
• 03-AFR-2115 Lifeways and Livelihoods in Africa (5 credits)
• 03-AFR-2116 Language for Research II: Hausa (5 credits)
• 03-AFR-2117 Language for Research II: Swahili (5 credits)
• (various) Language courses in Swahili or Hausa from the BA African Studies (10 credits)

Semester 3: Semester abroad

Choose from:

• 03-AFR-1801 Study Abroad (30 credits)
• 03-AFR-1802 Internship (30 credits)
• 03-AFR-1803 Field Research (30 credits)

Semester 4:

• Compulsory module 03-AFR-2121 Reporting and Communicating (10 credits)
• Compulsory MA Thesis (20 credits)

Total: 120 credits

* out of the total of 40 credits’ worth of optional modules, it is possible to replace 10 credits with modules relevant to African studies from another progamme of studies.

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.).

• Studienordnungen (SO) und Prüfungsordnungen (PO)
• Studienverlaufspläne und Modulbeschreibungen

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