Bachelor of Arts in World Literature University of Göttingen

We will provide you with knowledge in literary theory and the literary scene, mutual influences, and the literary business and teach you basic skills in analysing and evaluating literature. You will learn how epochs take shape and are made. Parts of these central courses are taught using forms of e-learning.

In addition to these central courses on general skills, we will introduce you to the literary qualities of holy religious texts and of key texts of European antiquity, and to the specific poetics and functions of medieval literature.

Different to many programmes in comparative literature, we will introduce you to many non-European literatures: Turkish, Iranian, Chinese, Arabian, Egyptian, Japanese, and Indian. Through the "Literatures of the World" e-learning module, you will have a choice to learn about not so prominent literatures. Learning about migration and post-colonialism in literature is compulsory in this section.

However, European classics are not absent from this programme: Italian and English renaissance, Russian realism, the Golden Age of Spanish literature, French modernist poetry, Scandinavian modern drama, and, of course, German classics are included. You will also learn what made them so influential in modern times.

Every semester, an internationally renowned literary scholar teaches as our "Erich Auerbach Honorary Guest Chair for World Literature", which is sponsored by DAAD. 

We will develop your ability to have an eye for literary quality. This is not an innate skill, but it can be learned. It will be your decisive skill in the literary field and market.

You will also improve your foreign language skills, especially in reading.

Within the programme, you can choose an emphasis in a particular literature, which opens the way to proceeding to a congruent Master's programme, or you chose our subsequent Master's programme in "Comparative Literature".

First year: introduction to what is world literature; literary devices, epochs, genres; basic literary theory, academic skills training

Second year: grand tour through the literatures of the world

Third year: literary developments, international literary movements, literary border-crossing

East China Normal University (PR China)
Voronezh State University (Russian Federation) — temporarily suspended

Not obligatory but recommended within the "Key Competences Programme"

University entrance qualification, German B2/C1 and English C1/B2 level plus one more language B1 level CEFR

Fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as regional buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

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. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs is 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.

Germany scholarship Deutschlandstipendium
Lower Saxony scholarship Niedersachsenstipendium

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

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

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.