Master of Arts African Studies Leipzig University
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- View details
- Language level required
- English: C1German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
Courses are held in English (90%), some of the optional courses in German (10%). Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in either language. Students can study Hausa and Swahili.
Programme description
The African Studies MA is a research-oriented programme. Its aim is to provide students with an interdisciplinary and reflective perspective on Africa. Building on findings and methods from various disciplines in the humanities, cultural and social sciences, students deepen their ability to deal independently and critically with statements about Africa on the basis of subject-specific standards, to understand these statements as components of time-specific knowledge systems and to be able to assess their research or application-oriented potentials and problems. The focus is on the fields of history, culture, language, society, politics and business.
Programme structure
First semester:
Compulsory module: 03-AFR-2101 Introduction to African Studies (10 credits)
+ 20 credits chosen from the following options:*
- 03-AFR-2102 Politics in and around Africa (10 credits)
- 03-AFR-2103 Society and Economy in Africa (10 credits)
- 03-AFR-2106 Language for Research I: Hausa (5 credits)
- 03-AFR-2107 Language for Research I: Swahili (5 credits)
- various Language courses in Swahili or Hausa from the BA African Studies (10 credits)
Second semester:
Compulsory module: 03-AFR-2108 Planning and Researching (10 credits)
+ 20 credits chosen from the following options:*
- 03-AFR-2109 Culture and Technology (5 credits)
- 03-AFR-2111 Peace and Security in Africa (5 credits)
- 03-AFR-2112 Urban Africa (5 credits)
- 03-AFR-2113 Debates about Development in Africa (5 credits)
- 03-AFR-2114 Migration and Language (5 credits)
- 03-AFR-2115 Lifeways and Livelihoods in Africa (5 credits)
- 03-AFR-2116 Language for Research II: Hausa (5 credits)
- 03-AFR-2117 Language for Research II: Swahili (5 credits)
- various Language courses in Swahili or Hausa from the BA African Studies (10 credits)
Third semester: semester abroad
Fourth semester:
Compulsory module: 03-AFR-2121 Reporting and Communicating (10 credits)
Compulsory MA Thesis (20 credits)
Total: 120 credits
*out of the total of 40 credits earned in the optional modules, it is possible to replace 10 credits with modules relevant to African studies from another course of studies.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
Third semester: semester abroad
Choose from:
03-AFR-1801 Study Abroad (30 credits) 03-AFR-1802 Internship (30 credits) 03-AFR-1803 Field Research (30 credits)
Application and admission
Application period(s)
April-May
Academic admissions requirements
- A first academic degree or degree from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education in humanities or social sciences
- Proof of at least 30 ECTS credits from Africa-related courses or equivalent knowledge (e.g. internships in Africa or Africa-related organisations)
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
How to apply?
uni-assist
You can apply via uni-assist, the application processing service for international students.
Click hereCosts and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event