Semitic Studies Freie Universität Berlin

What makes this programme unique is its strong emphasis on modern Semitic languages and its focus on religious minorities in the West Asia and North Africa. Students engage with cutting-edge international research in Semitic Studies, preparing for careers in academia, cultural institutions, international organisations, and other fields related to the region.

The programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments at Freie Universität Berlin, as well as with partner universities and institutions in Germany and beyond that specialise in Semitic Studies and the Christian Orient. Additionally, it maintains strong connections with Semitic-speaking communities in Berlin.

Semitic Studies at the Institute of Semitic Studies is actively involved in major research initiatives, including the Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies. The programme also benefits from Berlin’s extensive network of institutions focused on the WANA region, including:

• The Pergamon Museum, home to the Museum of the Ancient Near East and the Museum of Islamic Art

• The Egyptian Museum, housing invaluable artifacts from ancient Egypt

• The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation’s State Library, with its renowned Oriental Department (including the Turfan Collection)

• The House of World Cultures, a leading centre for global arts and cultural exchange

The MA in Semitic Studies offers a diverse selection of courses covering Semitic languages, linguistics, and cultural history. Students can explore:

• The Aramaic language across 3,000 years, from Old Aramaic to modern dialects, including Biblical Aramaic, Syriac, North-Eastern Neo-Aramaic (NENA) dialects, and Turoyo

• Aramaic linguistics and dialectology, providing insights into the diversity and evolution of Aramaic varieties

• Syriac Studies, focusing on the language, literature, and cultural heritage of Syriac Christianity

• Oriental Christianity, examining the history, traditions, and languages of Christian communities in the Middle East

• Arabic linguistics and dialectology, with a particular emphasis on spoken varieties

• A linguistic approach to Biblical Hebrew, analysing its structure and historical development

• Ugaritic, exploring one of the earliest attested Northwest Semitic languages

• Comparative Semitics, studying the relationships between Semitic languages and their common roots

• Semitic philology, delving into the textual traditions and literary history of Semitic languages

The MA in Semitic Studies is a two-year, tuition-free, full-time Master's programme taught in English. It builds on the knowledge gained in a Bachelor's programme, offering a deeper exploration of the languages, cultures and history of the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region.

To be eligible for the MA in Semitic Studies at Freie Universität Berlin, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational Background

• A professionally qualifying Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university.

• The degree must include at least 60 credit points (CP) in Semitic Studies or related fields. This includes courses on: Semitic languages and cultures, the history and present of the Christian Orient and other non-Muslim minorities.

2. Language Requirements: For the German and English requirement, please see below; for further language requirements please visit our website.

3. Evaluation of Foreign Degrees

• The Examination Board of the Department of History and Cultural Studies at Freie Universität Berlin evaluates whether applicants’ degrees meet the requirements.

• Upon request, the equivalence of foreign degrees can be assessed before the application process.

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 358.80 EUR. It includes a fee of 213.80 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 500 and 700 EUR in Berlin (for a room in a shared apartment).

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as wait staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.The student support service at the university, called "studierendenWERK Berlin", and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students.

When searching for a job, look at online job boards, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.
You can also work on campus. The Freie Universität Berlin regularly offers positions for students in science, teaching support and administration that you can find on our careers portal.

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship allows students at Freie Universität Berlin of all nations and all parts of society to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you already have to be enrolled within the standard time to degree during the funding period or have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.

Freie Universität Berlin is a young, modern university offering a wide range of degree programmes across all academic disciplines. Today, approximately 34,000 students are enrolled in around 170 degree programmes spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences. Economics, law, global history, physics, English studies, biodiversity, and cognitive neuroscience are just a few examples of the wide variety of subjects offered at Freie Universität Berlin. Additionally, there are around 3,300 doctoral candidates from more than 70 doctoral programmes.

As a leading research institution, Freie Universität Berlin has held the status of a University of Excellence awarded by the German government for almost 20 years. It is part of the only University Consortium of Excellence in Germany – the Berlin University Alliance – which includes four prestigious partners: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Freie Universität Berlin is highly international in its outlook. It maintains partnerships with numerous universities worldwide and operates liaison offices in Cairo, Eastern Europe (Tbilisi, Georgia), New Delhi, and São Paulo. Around 22 percent of students in undergraduate and graduate programmes come from abroad, as do 42 percent of doctoral candidates. Many lecturers and professors also have international backgrounds. At Freie Universität Berlin, you will meet people from all over the world.

A variety of support services make it easier to begin your studies, especially for international students and those new to Berlin. Examples include orientation week, the mentorship programme, the peer programme, and the Student Services Centre.

The university sports programme, ranging from Aikido to Zumba, is also very popular. Numerous cafeterias and dining halls across campus offer food and beverages, often including fair trade, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Environmental protection and sustainability are key values at Freie Universität Berlin. There are many opportunities to get involved in related initiatives and student-led projects.

In addition, Freie Universität Berlin actively supports entrepreneurs. Through its start-up support network, students, researchers, and alumni receive guidance on turning innovative ideas into successful businesses – from the initial concept to market readiness.

Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading universities in Germany’s capital. It is located in the leafy district of Dahlem, in the south-western part of the city. Most of the university’s facilities are situated on the Dahlem campus, making it a central hub for academic life in a uniquely green setting. No other university campus in Berlin offers as much greenery and open space.

Just step outside the university buildings to enjoy the outdoors — have lunch on one of the many terraces or rooftops, or explore the green spaces nestled between the buildings. In the summer, you can cool off after class with a swim in nearby Krumme Lanke or head to Freie Universität’s water sports centre at Wannsee.

Dahlem is also home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, offering a peaceful escape just a few steps from campus life.

Thanks to excellent public transportation connections, the heart of Berlin is easily accessible. The U3 subway line directly links Dahlem with popular central neighbourhoods such as Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain, and all other districts can also be reached quickly and conveniently.