International Programmes 2024/2025

Iranian and Persianate Studies (MA) Iranian and Persianate Studies (MA)

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
Master of Arts
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The core courses for the 78 CP and 42 CP major subjects are all taught in English. They also require knowledge of Persian.

Some elective courses offered by the institute are taught in German.

The module packages of 36 CP and 18 CP are mostly taught in German.

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application deadline

Winter semester: Regular application period: 1 April to 1 June

Additional application period: 15 September to 30 September

Summer semester: Regular application period: 1 October to 1 December

Additional application period: 15 March to 31 March

Please note: International students who need a visa can also apply during the additional application period, but because of visa issues, admission letters will be send for the subsequent semester.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The Iranian and Persianate Studies MA programme deals in depth with various aspects of Iran and the Persianate world. It provides concepts, methods and theoretical foundations for independent, specialist and interdisciplinary work in the public or private sector later on. Students can choose from a wide range of courses covering different areas of Iranian and Persianate Studies from the time of the Islamic conquest up to the present. A specific focus of the programme in Göttingen is the study of Indo-Persian history and culture. Kurdish language courses are also offered.

The MA in Iranian and Persianate Studies can be done as a major subject or as a module package:

  • 78 CP major subject (single honours MA) – no other subject
  • 42 CP major subject – in combination with one other subject worth 36 CP or two other subjects worth 18 CP each
  • 36 CP module package (minor subject) – in combination with a major subject worth 42 CP
  • 18 CP module package (second minor subject) – in combination with a major subject worth 42 CP and another external module package worth 18 CP

In the 78 CP “Iranian and Persianate Studies” major, students choose from a range of topics offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies as well as by neighbouring disciplines. The core courses in this major are characterised by intensive source studies in the original language (modern or classical Persian). Among many other topics provided for this MA programme, courses on Indo-Persian culture and manuscript and document studies are regularly offered. The institute offers a variety of other courses, regularly arranges summer schools and conducts student trips to the Persianate world.

Only students with sufficient knowledge of Persian can apply for this MA. The language of instruction is English. Course papers and theses may be submitted in English or German. This programme does not require any knowledge of German.

For the 42 CP “Iranian and Persianate Studies“ major, students choose from a range of topics offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies. The courses in this major are the same as in the 78 CP major, but fewer courses are taken, and no courses from neighbouring disciplines can be chosen.

Only students with sufficient knowledge of Persian can apply for this MA. The language of instruction is English. Course papers and theses may be submitted in English or German. While the programme of our institute does not require any knowledge of German, the language of the other subject might be German. Students who are interested in this major should inquire about the language requirements of their second subject, too.

The 36 CP package consists of courses in Advanced Modern Persian in combination with other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies.

The language of instruction in Advanced Modern Persian is German. Other courses are also taught in German. Knowledge of German (DSH 2 level) as well as basic knowledge of Persian are required for this minor.

The 18 CP package consists of a course on the Cultural History of Iran in combination with one other course offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies. The language of instruction is German (DSH 2 level). No knowledge of Persian is needed.

Course organisation

Iranian and Persianate Studies as a major subject

The 78 CP major subject is a single honours MA consisting of four different areas of compulsory elective modules:

  • Area I (12 CP) comprises courses focusing on theories and methodologies for subject-specific studies and research.
  • Area II (min. 36 CP) comprises courses with a strong focus on source studies in the original language (contemporary or pre-modern Persian).
  • Area III (12 CP) comprises other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies.
  • Area IV (18 CP) comprises modules taken from related disciplines, and these modules are taught in English.

The 42 CP major subject consists of the following three areas of compulsory elective modules:

  • Area I (12 CP) comprises courses focusing on theories and methodologies for subject-specific studies and research.
  • Area II (24 CP) comprises courses with a strong focus on source studies in the original language (contemporary or pre-modern Persian).
  • Area III (6 CP) comprises other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies.

Iranian and Persianate Studies as module package

The 36 CP module package consists of

  • courses in advanced modern Persian
  • other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies

The 18 CP module package consists of

  • the “Introduction to the Cultural History of Iran“ module (12 CP).
  • other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies
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International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Language training provided
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Content-related regional focus
Diverse intercultural background of students
The majority of students has an international background.
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

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: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Costs of living

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 850 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.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium): https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html

Academic admission requirements

BA degree relevant to the field of Iranian and Persianate studies

At least 50 CP in Iranian Studies or courses related to Iranian history, language and culture

Sufficient knowledge of modern and pre-modern Persian

Language requirements

For the 78 CP and 42 CP core courses:

English: B2

Persian: 36 CP in Persian
Candidates who did not acquire sufficient CP at university can prove their knowledge of Persian by a test done at the institute.

For the module packages of 36 CP and 18 CP:

German (DSH 2)

Application deadline

Winter semester: Regular application period: 1 April to 1 June

Additional application period: 15 September to 30 September

Summer semester: Regular application period: 1 October to 1 December

Additional application period: 15 March to 31 March

Please note: International students who need a visa can also apply during the additional application period, but because of visa issues, admission letters will be send for the subsequent semester.

Submit application to

https://masterbewerbung.phil.uni-goettingen.de/de/master_applications/MA464866674/professional_studies

Possibility of finding part-time employment

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 visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Accommodation

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.

Career advisory service

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. For international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html

The "Start Guides" project also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/637664.html

If you are interested in founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/en/1279.html

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Specialist counselling
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

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.

An orientation week for new international students provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Study Buddy Programme: part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: Meetings and activities for all students  

German courses during studies (free of charge)

Supervisor-student ratio
1:10

University of Göttingen

University location

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