Intercultural German Studies / German as a Foreign Language (MA) University of Göttingen

The Master's programme in Intercultural German Studies is designed to explore the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological foundations of interculturality, language, and culture. It focuses on the description and mediation of language and culture within intercultural contexts, reflecting on the practical application of methods and knowledge in both academic and professional settings. The programme addresses transnational culture and knowledge transfer, intercultural language and culture transmission, and mediation through German as a foreign language.

Through this programme, students acquire advanced academic knowledge and the ability to conduct independent research in specific subject areas and interdisciplinary contexts. They learn to apply this knowledge in fields such as intercultural language and culture transmission and mediation. The curriculum emphasises occupationally relevant skills, equipping students with methodological and analytical expertise. This foundation prepares graduates for further academic pursuits, including doctoral studies.

Graduates of the programme are qualified to work in various private and public institutions, addressing questions of interculturalism and the description and transmission of language and culture. They find employment in international organisations, institutions, and foundations focused on cultural representation, intercultural exchange, and dialogue. These roles often involve providing information and practical support to facilitate these processes.

Additionally, graduates work in publishing and media organisations, where they develop teaching materials, or in educational settings such as language schools, universities offering German as a foreign language, adult education institutions, and cultural organisations like the Goethe Institute.

The Master of Arts in Intercultural German Studies aims to provide a comprehensive, interculturally grounded, and interdisciplinary education. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for the global job market. Graduates are equipped to act as cultural intermediaries, bridging gaps between different cultures and contexts.

The programme prepares students for roles in internationally oriented cultural, academic, and educational institutions, as well as political and business enterprises involved in international cultural communication. By fostering key competencies relevant to practical situations, the programme ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate and excel in their chosen careers.

The Master's programme offers the opportunity to specialise in one of three study focuses: "Translating Cultures," "Educational and Knowledge Cultures," or "Intercultural Language Teaching."

In the first semester, students gain an overview of the field of Intercultural German Studies, acquire foundational knowledge, and are introduced to all three study focuses. These foundations are presented in a lecture that covers overarching concepts, research questions, subject areas, and fields of application relevant to the discipline. Three mandatory modules (M.IKG.002, 003, and 004) introduce the three study focuses:

"Translating Texts and Contexts: Working Areas and Discourses of Intercultural Literary Studies"; “Languages — Education — Knowledge: Key Concepts and Topics of Intercultural Linguistics"; “Languages and Teaching Practices: Approaches and Methods of Intercultural Foreign Language Didactics".

The second semester is dedicated to in-depth academic study and serves as the first step in shaping the chosen study focus. The elective modules M.IKG.022, 033, and 044 build on the first-semester modules by imparting methodological competencies to access the subject matter of the study focuses. Cultural and thematic approaches and comparative perspectives are developed, discourse analytical approaches and comparative methods are applied, and research methods for teaching and learning are explored. By choosing two of the three elective modules, students explore two options for a study focus.

In the third semester, the final selection and design of the study focus are made through the choice of one of the modules M.IKG.200, M.IKG.300, or M.IKG.400. These modules serve to deepen the engagement with interculturality as a research and mediation perspective. This engagement is realised through a focus-specific teaching research project.

The study focus is further shaped through a mandatory internship, which is prepared, accompanied, and followed up by corresponding modules (M.IKG.072, 073, 074).

The focus-specific study is accompanied by modules that promote discursive and reflective engagement with the field of study. These include modules on the students' own academic practice and intercultural competence (M.IKG.005), and on central research questions and problems, also in interdisciplinary contexts, regularly discussed in specialist colloquia (M.IKG.011). Insights into application areas of intercultural German studies and interdisciplinary perspectives are provided by module M.IKG.062.

The fourth semester focuses on the Master's module (30 credits, M.IKG.500) and the writing of the Master's thesis. A Master's colloquium provides students with the opportunity to present and discuss their work.

Find an overview here.

An internship with a minimum of 120 hours is to be completed during the summer or winter break between the first and second or the second and the third semester. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship. The respective module "Work Placement Studies" serves as an exercise in a practical activity in an intended work context. It is integrated into the study phase being undertaken at the respective partner institutions and offers the opportunity for individual intercultural experience in a context of activity chosen by the student. The work areas can and should be chosen corresponding to the respective study focus and professional goals. The aims of work placements are the application, reflection on and extension of the scientific, methodological, cultural and language skills and knowledge in a concrete work context and social sphere of activity, and the acquisition of subject-specific social competency for working with others in the intended professional area, determining one's individual suitability for the profession and establishing contacts relevant to future employment.

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study is required.
Letter of motivation: Applicants should outline their reasons for applying for the Master's programme as well as their research interests in a cover letter. An interview will cover the following topics: the applicant's academic background, previous experience and knowledge of teaching language and culture to others, and programme expectations as well as professional and personal aims concerning the course of study.

Fees are approx. 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 are 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) or
Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium)

The Career Service offers individual support whether you want to work in Germany or abroad.

Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, there are workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities.

If you have a promising business idea or are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

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 ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.
Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 250 to 350 EUR.

Private accommodation can be found online: http://www.studenten-wg.de.