Sprache und Gesellschaft in Afrika (Master of Arts)
(Language and Society in Africa)

Overview
Conditions of admission
Applications


Overview

Course content and focus areas 

The MA programme Language and Society in Africa offers an advanced academic education in the area of language studies, sociolinguistics and communicative practices in Africa and in the African diaspora.
The programme comprises two study tracks: a non-consecutive study track “African discourses – linguistic and cultural entanglements”, and a consecutive study track “African Studies – social and historical contexts” building on prior linguistic studies.
Students of the non-consecutive study track “African discourses – linguistic and cultural entanglements” add a specialisation to the core area of their prior academic education. In addition to acquiring an African language (Fula, Hausa, Swahili), students study basic linguistics and central themes relevant to African studies. These themes are explored in-depth in a number of self-study modules. Central to the African linguistics profile are courses in field methods, followed by a module covering a range of practical applications. The second study track offers students with previous training in linguistics the opportunity to deepen and/or broaden their African linguistics expertise, especially with a view to later PhD studies in that field. Their studies may include the teaching of methods from other disciplines in order to foster interdisciplinary competence.

The Master’s thesis prepares students of both study tracks for later PhD studies or a professional activity with a link to Africa.

Detailed information

Information from the department
Study regulations 

Degree

Master of Arts in Language and Society in Africa 

Duration

The standard length of study for the Master of Arts is 4 semesters. 

Languages of instruction

German (and English)

Start of the programme

The study programme starts at the beginning of the winterer semester (October).

Student advisory service

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Axel Fanego Palat
Institute of African studies
Rostocker Straße 2 (Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaften)
60629 Frankfurt am Main
Email: fanego@em.uni-frankfurt.de

Dr. Julia Schwarz
E-Mail: ju.schwarz@em.uni-frankfurt.de


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Conditions of admission

Admission requirements
  • The desired study track must be indicated with the application (e.g.  “African discourses – linguistic and cultural entanglements” OR “African Studies – social and historical contexts”)
  • Admission requirements for the Master’s programme Language and Society in Africa. African discourses – linguistic and cultural entanglements
     - Proof of completion of any Bachelor's degree programme with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters or at least 180 credit points (CP);
     - Letter of motivation
     - Curriculum vitae
  • Admission requirements for the Master’s programme Language and Society in Africa. African Studies – social and historical contexts
     - a Bachelor's degree in African Studies or a comparable linguistic degree programme, each with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters or at least 180 credit points (CP) OR
     - an equivalent degree from a German university or a German university of applied sciences in a related subject with a standard period of study of at least six semesters or at least 180 credit points (CP) OR
     - an equivalent foreign degree in the same or a related subject with a standard period of study of at least six semesters or at least 180 credit points (CP)

     - knowledge of at least one African language (level of knowledge equivalent to the teaching of 16 SWS) AND of another African or non-European language (language training of 8 SWS each or comparable level). In justified cases, the admissions committee may recognise another language relevant to Africa as a second language (e.g. French, Portuguese or Arabic).
     - Proof of English language skills at least at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), to be proven by:
         a) A-level certificate, upper secondary school certificates or other proof of at least five years of school instruction in English, OR
         b) proof of a UNIcert Level II qualification, OR
         c) proof of an internet-based TOEFL test iBT, score of at leasr 72, OR
         d) proof of an IELTS test, socre of at least 5.5, OR
         e) other proof recognised as equivalent by the Examination Committee
     - Applicants with a foreign higher education entrance qualification and a foreign undergraduate degree must also provide evidence of sufficient German language skills in accordance with the DSH regulations.
     - Applicants with a foreign higher education entrance qualification and a foreign undergraduate degree must also provide evidence of sufficient German language skills in accordance with the DSH regulations.
Provisional admission

If the university entrance qualification for the consecutive Master’s programme (namely the Bachelor’s degree) has not yet been completed, you can apply for the programme with a transcript of records on the basis of at least 80% of the required CP for the bachelor's degree. This provisional certificate must be issued by an office authorised to award grades or issue certificates. Provisional admission is valid until the end of the first semester of the master’s program. The bachelor’s degree must thus be handed in by March 31 (winter intake) or September 30 (summer intake) the latest.

Mode of admission

Admission is not restricted. Students will be directly admitted if the admission requirements are met in full. 


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Applications


Documents to be submitted
  • if you are not already enrolled at Goethe-University Frankfurt:
    a university entrance qualification (e.g. A-Levels)
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate with an overview of achievement (for foreign certificates: please also provide a certified copy in English or German)
  • Course syllabi that help the admissions committee determine the breadth of applicants’ knowledge of the United States and the various methodologies that are required to study its literature, culture, and history.
  • if the Bachelor's degree has not yet been completed:
    - a transcript of records or equivalent document listing the content of the study programme and average grade
    - letter of recommendation from your supervisor (Download in the online application portal or here
    - proof of current enrollment in the bachelor programme
  • proof of English language skills (B2)
  • African discourses – linguistic and cultural entanglements:
    - letter of motivation
    - curriculum vitae
  • African Studies – social and historical contexts
    - Knowledge of at least one African language AND of another African or non-European language
  • if you did not obtain your first, undergraduate degree at a German higher education institution:
    - Proof of German language skills according to the DSH regulations
  • APS certificate for applicants from India, Vietnam and China (original)
Application period

01. 04. - 31.08. 

Urgent recommendation for applicants from abroad who need to apply for a visa: Application deadline: 15.07

Address for applications Please contact the department


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