Ottoman and Turkish Studies Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin’s Master’s degree programme “Ottoman and Turkish Studies“ focuses on the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey. Students gain knowledge of and experience with the basic tenets of academic and scientific work as well as good scientific practice. During their studies, they receive an introduction to academic and scientific work, which involves thinking critically about the contexts, preconditions, theories, and methods in the field.

The Master’s degree programme covers knowledge of the Turkish and Ottoman language, an overview of the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, advanced knowledge of fundamental topics in Ottoman and Turkish history as well as current topics, especially regarding the following: pre-modern statehood and social organisation; modernisation under the conditions of global interdependence and power structures; political, social, and cultural approaches to plurality and diversity; gender as a social, cultural, and political category; migration, mass violence, and genocide; and approaches to historical and cultural heritage.

The programme also addresses contemporary issues of politics, society and culture in Turkey. It has an interdisciplinary approach covering theories and methods of history, anthropology and the political, social and cultural sciences. It also perceives Ottoman and Turkish Studies as entangled and comparative, thus including trans-Ottoman perspectives and post-Ottoman societies as well as topics concerning the migrant communities from Turkey in Germany.

Graduates of the Master’s degree programme are qualified to pursue doctoral studies. The skills and knowledge gained in the programme prepare graduates for work in governmental and non-governmental organisations that deal with the languages, history, and cultures of Turkey and other Turkic-speaking regions, as well as with migrant communities. In addition to careers in academic research and science, other possible occupations include work at non-university research institutions, academic and non-academic educational institutions, in the media, politics, diplomatic service, development aid, for non-governmental organisations or cultural organisations, in public administration or publishing, at libraries or museums, or in intercultural social work.

The Master’s degree programme consists of three phases: the introductory phase, the specialisation phase, and the completion phase.

The structure and progression of the programme is laid out in the degree programme regulations, which also includes detailed descriptions of the contents and learning objectives of the individual modules, as well as a standard curriculum plan. The examination regulations define the types of assessments and coursework required in the different modules and for the final Master’s degree assessment. The regulations stipulate the number of credit points required for each module (and/or course) as well as the workload (in hours) for the entire degree programme.

The Master’s thesis should show that students are able to conduct independent research using scientific/academic methods and present their work. Upon successful completion of the Master’s degree programme, the student will receive a Master of Arts (MA) university degree.

Introductory Phase:

• Module: Ottoman Turkish
• Module: History and Social Science Theories and Methods for Ottoman Studies and Turcology

Specialisation Phase:

• Module: Fundamental Topics in Ottoman History from Their Beginnings to the Start of the 19th Century
• Module: Modernisation and Reform
• Module: Languages and Cultures of the Ottoman Empire
• Complementary Area Module: The Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic
• Module(s) from other Master’s degree programmes: Language courses for languages related to the field

Completion Phase:

• Module: Ottoman Studies and Turcology research colloquium
• Completion of the Master’s thesis

• Bachelor’s degree in History and Culture of the Middle East from Freie Universität Berlin with a focus on Turcology, or an equivalent degree that corresponds in content and structure to said Bachelor’s degree programme at the Freie Universität Berlin, or a degree in a history or social sciences programme with 30 credit points in Turkish Studies/Ottoman Studies
• Proof of Turkish language skills (level B2 CEFR or higher) for students whose first university degree is not from an institution where Turkish is the language of instruction
• Proof of English language skills (level C1 CEFR or higher) for students whose first university degree is not from an institution where English is the language of instruction or for whom English is not their first language (see below)

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.