Building on their outstanding and internationally recognised strengths in African Studies, the Universität Bayreuth (UBT) in Germany, the Université Bordeaux Montaigne (UBM) in France, and the Universidade do Porto (UP) in Portugal have developed a joint Master's programme in the framework of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (EMJMD).
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The framing concept of the European Interdisciplinary Master African Studies (EIMAS) is “Global Africa”. Current concepts of African Studies focus on a concept of Africa in itself or as the object of outside influences. The Global Africa Approach takes Africa and Africans as global players and enhances previous concepts by adding this perspective. The EIMAS provides an integrated approach, focusing on the nexus between identity, territory and sustainability, designed to transcend the limitations of both conventional area studies and global studies, while acknowledging alternative narratives and encouraging active involvement and cooperation in and with Africa.
The EIMAS programme has been built on the following academic subjects: Demography, Development Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geopolitics, History, Linguistics, Literary Studies, Media Studies, Political Science, Study of Religion, Sociology and Urban Planning.
Student Mobility
On the structural level, the EIMAS will offer students a four-step mobility scheme that leads students from the Universidade do Porto (first semester) to the University of Bayreuth (second semester) and the Université Bordeaux Montaigne (third semester) before they carry out Africa-based fieldwork or Africa-related fieldwork or an internship, which will result in the writing of a thesis at the university of their choice.
Joint Degree Programme
In the first semester, the University of Porto will provide a comprehensive introduction to interdisciplinary African Studies. During the second semester, the University of Bayreuth will widen the students’ perspectives towards development and cultural dynamics, whereas the Université Bordeaux Montaigne will introduce analytical approaches and provide tools for a practical involvement in contemporary political, ecological and economic challenges in the third semester. At the end of their studies, all successful graduates will receive an EMJMD diploma.
Future Career Opportunities
Through its innovative training programme, EIMAS will enable the students to acquire a wide range of practice-oriented knowledge of Global Africa, to enhance their analytical and communication skills and to strengthen their ability to work independently, which will significantly increase their employability. The consortium’s wide range of existing collaborations with academic and non-academic partners such as government representatives, NGOs, corporate and diplomatic protagonists in Europe, Africa and beyond ensures the best possible connection to the global job market. After the successful completion of the Master’s degree programme, students have the option to pursue a doctorate, for example, within the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) at the University of Bayreuth.
Summer and Winter School
EIMAS students have to participate in the EIMAS Winter School in their third semester. The EIMAS Winter School is organised and run by the students themselves.
Field research or internship
The beginning of the fourth semester is dedicated to fieldwork. This can be either field research or another well-prepared and structured internship of at least twelve weeks.
Defined student mobility:
In Germany, students at all higher education institutions pay a semester contribution. This payment (University of Bayreuth: 142.85 EUR per semester) has nothing to do with tuition fees; rather, it covers your contributions to student services and the student government. At the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach), it includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transport in the region.
The cost of living in Germany, e.g. accommodation, food, clothing and recreational activities, is about average compared to other European countries. Living expenses are significantly lower than in countries like Denmark, Luxembourg or Switzerland, but they are rather high compared to countries like Poland, the Czech Republic or Italy. Compared to other large German cities, such as Munich, Berlin or Hamburg, Bayreuth's low cost of living and affordable housing make the city and the region particularly attractive to young people and families. The DAAD website will tell you what living expenses to expect in Germany: https://www.daad.de/deutschland/nach-deutschland/voraussetzungen/en/9198-financing/.
Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply to the International Office for a study grant. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.
Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.
https://www.eimas.eu/en/application/students/index.html
Please carefully read the Erasmus+ Programme Guide to get more information on the opportunities of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (EMJMD) and to be aware of the eligibility criteria.
More information on EMJMD student scholarships can be found here.
Selection Criteria
First step:
Second step:
Final Selection
The threshold for applicants is 70%. The 58 EMJMD student scholarships (partner countries: 44; programme countries: 14) will be divided among the four intakes of students. A maximum of ten (10) self-funded students will be admitted per intake.
FAQs
https://www.eimas.eu/en/application/students/FAQs/index.html
Applicants are required to have a very good command of English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): C1. All applicants (except native speakers and students coming from or having an [under]graduate degree from one of the listed countries) have to submit an IELTS (7.0), TOEFL (95) or Cambridge (C2 Proficiency) certificate. No exceptions will be made, and e-mails from applicants asking for exemptions will not be answered.
A language course in the respective national language must be successfully completed at each of the three universities.
There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.
The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.
For information regarding the Corona virus, please visit our website and also see https://www.daad.de/en/coronavirus/.
Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.
More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/studies/accomodation/index.html. Please also read the DAAD’s information.
Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).
Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.
International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching
Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.
The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 13,000 students. Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.
We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools are conducted in English. There are presently around 1,770 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.
Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2021 THE ranking of “475 under 50”, the University of Bayreuth once again achieved a top position among the best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.
Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.
Coronavirus
Be sure that there is a comprehensive and high-quality range of courses in all degree programmes that will enable students to successfully begin and continue their studies – on campus or online.
Welcome to Bavaria!
Seventy-six thousand people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 13,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.
Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.
A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.
Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a fast variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two-and-a-half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.
Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!
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