German studies / Études germaniques (M.A.)

The most important facts at a glance:

Degree:

Master of Arts (M.A.) / Master Recherche

Standard period of studies:

4 semesters

Start:

Winter and summer semester

It is recommended that students begin their studies in the winter semester.

Admission restrictions:

Open admission

Application:

You find information on the application procedure for international students here.

Additional application via the Dijonbüro

Applicants with foreign certificates: Language of instruction: German
Required language certificate: DSH-2
Deadlines:

Winter semester: until March 31 at the Dijonbüro and April 1 - September 1 at the Student Office
(International applicants: Please contact the International Admission Office first)

Summer semester: until September 30 at the Dijonbüro and October 1 - March 1 at the Student Office
(International applicants: please contact the International Admission Office first)


Required Bachelor's degree:

German Studies / Allemand (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

Homepage:

Dijonbüro

Faculty:

Faculty 05: Philosophy and Philology

Accreditation:

The accreditation of study programmes for Bachelor and Master Degrees constitutes as a precondition for the granting of state approval.

Subject matter

The integrated master’s program German Studies / Études germaniques of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Université de Bourgogne, France, aims to provide students with methodical expertise and history knowledge, as well as theoretical and practical skills. The program emphasizes the tradition and diversification of literary culture as well as the evolution of media from the Middle Ages to the present. Particular attention will be paid to the ability to understand complex matters, to analyze them critically, to reflect on them in relation to other topics and to present them in compliance with the specific requirements of academic argumentation.

For Students of German studies, whose native language is not German, the program is an excellent opportunity to develop their language proficiency (also regarding the academic language) and to learn more about the German culture.

For German native speakers, the program is an opportunity to examine their own culture from a new perspective. The broad scientific field of German studies will be extended, as the program at the Université de Bourgogne focuses on the study of ‘civilisation’ and the history of ideas. In addition, the students develop the ability to perceive the German language and literature from both a native speaker and a non-native speaker perspective. Thus, the stay in France becomes an integral part of this German studies program, as it promotes intercultural insights on the German language and culture.

Master entrance requirements

In order to be admitted to the bi-national master’s programs in humanities and cultural studies at JGU, applicants have to provide proof of advanced French language proficiency equivalent to five years of school education with a minimum grade of ‘sufficient’/five points or equivalent to level B2 (language test or DELF B2) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. University entrance qualifications from French-speaking or bilingual schools (Abi-Bac, which means the student obtains the German Abitur and the French Baccalauréat at the same time) are also considered proof of French language proficiency. In individual cases, the examination committee may also accept other forms of proofs.

Subject-specific entrance requirements for the master’s program is the completion of a bachelor’s degree in the field of German studies or an equivalent degree from a higher education institution in Germany or abroad with a minimum of 72 credit points achieved in the field of German Studies. If by the end of the application deadline the applicant provides proof of achieved coursework equivalent to at least 40 credit points but less than 72 credit points, the applicant may be enrolled under the condition that he or she takes courses to make up for the deficiencies until the end of the first year of study. If proof is not provided in due time, the student will no longer be entitled to continue the studies and enrollment will be rescinded without further notice. The examination committee determines the form of proof. The faculty guarantees that all courses will be offered. In individual cases, the examination committee may decide on whether or not the requirements are met.

We expect the applicant to have a sufficient active and passive knowledge of English to read the specialist literature and participate in courses taught in English (no proof required).

Applicants who have neither completed their university entrance qualification nor their degree at a German-speaking institution have to provide proof of German language proficiency equivalent to level DSH I of the ‘Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländische Studienbewerber’ (DSH).

Information

The International Office offers counselling for international students about the application process and general information.

The Academic Advisory Office offers specific information on the subject (List available in German only).

The Student representatives give information from a student perspective (List available in German only).