A very good command of German is a prerequisite for the study programme because all compulsory courses are held in German. Additionally, there is an elective compulsory section in other languages (10 to 20%). The Master's thesis has to be written in German. As for other papers, a policy of multilingual writing is under way.
Students have to choose at least one foreign language course ("Kontrastsprache") throughout the course of their studies.
Non-EU applicants: 30 April for the following winter semester
EU applicants: 15 June for the following winter semester
The academic subject area of Intercultural German Studies is concerned with the conceptual, theoretical and methodological bases of interculturality, language and culture description, and the mediation of language and culture in intercultural contexts. It reflects and analyses the context-specific application of methods and knowledge in practical and problem areas, in both academic and business contexts, of transnational culture and knowledge transfer, intercultural language and culture transmission, and intercultural mediation through German as a foreign language.
In the Master's course of study, students will acquire consolidated academic knowledge and the capability for independent academic work both in specific subject areas and in an interdisciplinary context, and for applying the academic knowledge so gained within the areas of intercultural language and culture transmission and mediation already mentioned. Through the occupationally relevant transmission of specific subject-area knowledge and methodological-analytic skills, the course of study qualifies its students for these areas of activity and establishes the academic foundations for further study in doctoral courses.
Graduates of the programme work on questions of interculturalism and on the description and transmission of language and culture in both private and public institutions. They work for international organisations, institutions and foundations which – in the context of internationalisation and globalisation – focus on questions of cultural representation, initiate intercultural exchange and dialogue, and accompany these processes by providing information and practical help. Graduates find employment in the areas of publishing and media organisations where, for example, they are involved in the compilation and development of teaching materials, or they work in (language) schools throughout Germany or abroad, in university departments teaching German as a foreign language, in institutions of adult education or in cultural institutions like the Goethe Institute.
The programme leads to the Master of Arts (MA) degree in Intercultural German Studies. It aims at the interculturally grounded and interdisciplinarily directed transmission of theoretical and practical knowledge and competencies in specific areas. The programme qualifies graduates for the international employment market. They are thus able to act as cultural intermediaries. The course of study combines academic training with an intercultural and culture studies emphasis and preparation of its students for professional occupations and mediating key competencies relevant to practical situations. Corresponding to these study focuses, the programme prepares its students for working as intercultural German studies experts in internationally oriented cultural, academic and educational institutions as well as political institutions and business enterprises in the area of international cultural communication.
First year: The various forms of fundamental, specific subject area knowledge required over and above particular study focuses are acquired and consolidated primarily in the first study year, in particular knowledge of concepts, methods and theories in the areas of intercultural linguistics, literary studies and culture studies as well as foreign language teaching (54 credits).
Required courses: fundamentals (10 credits), applied linguistics and interculturality (8 credits), foreign language didactics I (10 credits) and II (8 credits), culture studies and intercultural literature (10 credits), intercultural German studies (reading) (8 credits). Additionally, students need to choose a foreign language course (contrast language) (6 credits). Non-native (German) speakers can choose German or English as a foreign language. (2) The students acquire and consolidate competencies and knowledge of a certain culture with respect to language through the culture-contrasting transmission of systematic fundamentals of and domain-specific forms of application in the foreign language.
Second year: The second year serves the job-relevant development of the programme focus. Hence, its aim is the consolidation and selection of transmitted theoretical-methodological knowledge with respect to fields of activity in this area and reflection on the same. Through the integration of concrete practical projects, knowledge relevant to the professional area and practical skills are transmitted. The "Work Placement Studies" module serves the exercise of a practical activity in an intended work context. It is integrated into the study phase being undertaken at the respective partner institution and offers the opportunity of an individual intercultural experience in a context of activity chosen by the student. The work areas can and should be chosen corresponding to the respective focus of study and professional goals. The aims of work placements are the application, reflection on and extension of the scientific, methodological, cultural and language skills and knowledge in a concrete work context and social sphere of activity, the acquisition of subject-specific social competency for working with others in the intended professional area, determining one's individual suitability for the profession and establishing contacts relevant to future employment.
Required courses: These courses include a work placement studies (6 credits), intercultural studies (8 credits), independent study project (10 credits), and intercultural German studies and media (6 credits).
Students complete their Master's theses in the fourth semester. The time frame for preparation and writing is six months. The thesis language is German. The thesis is integrated into a Master's module, which includes a Master's colloquium. The Master's module carries a total of 30 credits.
The student body is international, and all teaching and learning aims at the internationalisation of the classroom in various respects. One major concern is the development of intercultural competence and of "interculturality" both as a method and an aim of teaching and international negotiations, be it in research, academic contexts or in international organisations.
An internship of 120 hours is to be completed during the summer or winter break between the first and second or the second and the third semester. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship. The respective module "Work Placement Studies" serves as an exercise in a practical activity in an intended work context. It is integrated into the study phase being undertaken at the respective partner institutions and offers the opportunity for individual intercultural experience in a context of activity chosen by the student. The work areas can and should be chosen corresponding to the respective study focus and professional goals. The aims of work placements are the application, reflection on and extension of the scientific, methodological, cultural and language skills and knowledge in a concrete work context and social sphere of activity, and the acquisition of subject-specific social competency for working with others in the intended professional area, determining one's individual suitability for the profession and establishing contacts relevant to future employment.
Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge.
Fees: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/40054.html
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html
The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.
Students of the university of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.
Germany Scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"): https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html
A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study is required.
Letter of motivation: Applicants should outline their reasons for applying for the Master's programme as well as their research interests in a cover letter. An interview will cover the following topics: the applicant's academic background, previous experience and knowledge of teaching language and culture to others, and programme expectations as well as professional and personal aims concerning the course of study.
All applicants must provide proof of their skills in two foreign languages (one at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Non-native German speakers must provide proof of their German skills.
German: TestDaF 4x4 or DSH 2 or equivalent
Non-EU applicants: 30 April for the following winter semester
EU applicants: 15 June for the following winter semester
https://masterbewerbung.phil.uni-goettingen.de/de/master_applications
The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the University. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.
Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.
Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.
The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.
For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.
Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 250 to 350 EUR.
Private accommodation can be found online: http://www.studenten-wg.de.
The Career Service offers individual support whether you want to work in Germany or abroad.
Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, there are workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities.
For international students and prospective graduates, the "Start Guides" project offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.
If you have a promising business idea or are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.
Peer mentoring alumni community:
https://www.ikg-goettingen.de/alumni/
The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.
German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
Study Buddy Programme as a part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)
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