Linguistics and Intercultural Communication University of Hildesheim
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- GermanEnglish
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 1 March 2027 (summer semester)
- Language level required
- English: NoneGerman: C1
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter and summer semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
- German
- English
The majority of courses are held in German. Some courses are taught in English. Participants can choose to write the Master's thesis in German or English (with their supervisor's consent).
Programme description
The two-year Master's programme in "Linguistics and Intercultural Communication” (in German: Internationales Informationsmanagement – Sprachwissenschaft und Interkulturelle Kommunikation, IIM-SWIKK) deepens your linguistic knowledge and skills for a career in multilingual and intercultural environments.
You will expand your knowledge on the contents and methods of:
- Applied Linguistics
- Intercultural Communication Research
- Culture Contact Studies
During the programme, you will continuously reflect on and deepen your linguistic and intercultural competence. You will broaden your interdisciplinary competences, particularly through choosing a minor of your choice and a selection of courses in information science.
Over the course of four semesters, you will be prepared for a career in an international context and qualify for socially relevant, innovative tasks that involve language, culture, and academic thinking.
Upon successful completion of the Master's programme, you will be able to:
- analyse communication problems in intercultural situations,
- independently develop and implement scientifically grounded solutions,
- act competently in communicative fields of all sorts, including digital contexts,
- integrate ideas and views from cross-linguistic and cross-cultural perspectives,
- purposefully apply key competencies such as teamwork, social skills, and moderation skills under the specific conditions of intercultural communication, and
- apply your skills in the field of information science and from your chosen specialisation in the minor subject.
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:
- Training in intercultural skills
- Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
- International guest lecturers
- Specialist literature in other languages
- Courses are led with foreign partners
- International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
- Intercultural communication is a key topic in this programme.
- international aspects in every part of the curriculum
- faculty with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
- culture contact as both an object of analysis and an everyday experience
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
Not specified
|
1 March 2027
|
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
Not specified
|
1 September 2026
|
Academic admissions requirements
Applicants need to hold a Bachelor's degree in or comparable to the University of Hildesheim BA degree "Interkulturelle Sprachwissenschaft" / "Intercultural Linguistics".
Applications from students who received their BA degree outside Germany undergo a process in which a committee of lecturers decide whether the student meets the requirements in terms of a solid background in:
- linguistics, language studies, or applied linguistics
OR
- intercultural communication studies
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
You will pay a contribution of approx. 470 EUR per semester. This is a contribution to student services, the student council and university administration. It includes a culture ticket and a ticket for public transport. You can use local public transport in Hildesheim and across Germany free of charge. You benefit from discounts on meals at the university cafeteria and other services.
Cost of living
You will need between 900 and 1,200 EUR per month to cover your living expenses:
- Rent, approx. 350 to 700 EUR
- Health insurance, approx. 130 EUR
- Books and stationery, approx. 50 EUR
- Meals, approx. 200 EUR
- Other expenses, approx. 100 EUR
Part-time employment
There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. You can find part-time jobs here:
International students are only permitted to work in Germany with a work permit. The student visa allows a maximum of 120 full days (or 240 half days) of work per year. If you earn more than 556 EUR a month, you will be subject to higher health insurance premiums.
Make sure your study workload and working hours remain balanced.
Scholarships and financing information
The university offers Lore-Auerbach scholarships supporting especially capable and socially committed students. Students in acute financial emergencies can apply for a scholarship from the Social Fund. The university is also in charge of scholarship programmes like the Deutschlandstipendium (the German public-private scholarship) and the Landesstipendium Niedersachsen (scholarship of the State of Lower Saxony).
See: University of Hildesheim scholarships
Additionally, the International Office offers scholarships to support intl. students with graduation grants, grants for (social) commitment, the DAAD Prize (funded by the DAAD / Federal Foreign Office), and Rotary Club scholarships.
See: International Office
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Tutors
- Accompanying programme
- Specialist counselling
- Cultural and linguistic preparation
- Visa matters
- Help with finding accommodation
- Support with registration procedures
Our International Office team will help you even prior to your studies. How to apply? And for which programme? From visa matters to finding accommodation, we are there for you.
For all international students who are new to Hildesheim, we organise a Welcome Week at the beginning of the semester. This programme is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know the university and make new friends. It includes an official welcome event, campus tours, information events on study-related topics, practical workshops, orientation events, and much more.
Our Welcome to Lower Saxony (WIN) Tutors and Buddies will help you with the transition to your studies and your start in a new country that may be unfamiliar to you. They organise events and answer your individual questions at the beginning of your studies.
During your stay, we continue to offer individual counselling on all current matters, intercultural training, German courses and alumni services.
Career advisory services
The Career Service is aimed at students and recent graduates of all degree programmes at the University of Hildesheim in all phases of the transition from study to work. Contact us — we will be happy to support you!
During Career Week, you can take part in workshops specially designed for international students, for example, application workshops or career talks.
Accommodation
Whether you live in a shared apartment, a student residence or a single apartment – everyone in Hildesheim will find a suitable place to stay, often at comparatively low rents.
Accommodation is available through the "Studentenwerk OstNiedersachsen" (student services) or on the private market. The "Studentenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms. For more information, please visit the following link.
You can also contact the team of our International Office for advice on housing.
Contact
Department for Intercultural Communication
- Adresse
- Universitätsplatz 1, 31141 Hildesheim
Additional contact
- Name
- PD Dr Karsten Senkbeil
- Telefon
- +49 5121883307022