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Master's programme

Intercultural German Studies: Germany — China (MA) University of Göttingen

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
German
English
Chinese
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
15 July 2027 (winter semester)
Language level required
English: B2
German: C1

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MA
Duration
4 semesters
Intake
Winter semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

  • German
  • English
  • Chinese

German (75%)
Chinese (15%)
English (10%)

The Master's thesis has to be written in German with a Chinese abstract.

Programme description

The study programme imparts theoretical and methodological knowledge in linguistic and literary studies emphasising intercultural and cross-cultural comparative aspects. Each of the participating universities has its own study focus, concerning both academic and specific professional training, reflecting the particular educational aims and traditions of the respective German studies departments. Thus the programme is tailored to the corresponding professional fields in Germany and China. The focal point at the University of Göttingen lies upon "Cultures in Contact" with special courses in translation and cultural transfer, studies on cultural themes and comparison. The study specialisation at Nanjing University concentrates on "Cultures of Education and Knowledge". It mainly questions the comparison of educational concepts, German and Chinese scientific communication and models of multilingual and intercultural learning scenarios. The key topic at Beijing Foreign Studies University is "Translating Cultures of Law and Business" with a specialisation on interpretation and modes of intercultural business communication.
The structure of the study programme is modular.
Practically relevant key competences such as the consolidation of foreign language skills, occupationally relevant work placements/internships and courses in economics or politics complement the programme.

Programme structure

  1. The course is conceived as a German-Chinese dual degree programme and thus offers students the opportunity to complete a structured programme of study at the University of Göttingen and one of the two partner universities.
  2. The study concept envisages Chinese and German students completing their studies together to the greatest possible extent and from the beginning of their studies entering into an intercultural study situation, working and learning cross-culturally in teams and tandems. In order to implement this concept, the programme is divided into two study phases.
  3. All students complete the first year of study together at the University of Göttingen. All students complete the second year of study in China, whereby an equal number of Göttingen students continue their studies at the partner universities in Nanjing and Beijing, respectively. The Nanjing and Beijing students return to their own university. The Göttingen students choose one of the partner universities, where they complete the second study year (third and fourth semesters).
  4. The structure of the course of study and the curriculum integrate the structural provisions of the German and Chinese higher education systems. They thereby combine a common subject area as a specific basis, compulsory for all students, with an academic and job-oriented differentiation of the various study focuses at the participating higher education institutions.

Mode of study

  • Fully on-site

In cooperation with

Nanjing University (China), Beijing Foreign Studies University (China)

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • Language training provided
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • International guest lecturers
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Content-related regional focus

Integrated internships

An internship of at least 120 hours is to be completed during the spring break between first and second semester (for Chinese students in Germany) and during winter break between third and fourth semester (for German students in China).

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
Not specified
15 July 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

The prerequisite for entrance to the Master's programme is a Bachelor's degree of at least 180 ECTS credit points (six semesters) in cultural or language studies or a closely-related area.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution. Exceptions may apply. See our website for further details.

German language requirements

German: C1

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
Total: DSH-2

English language requirements

English: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
Cambridge English Qualifications
Total: B2 First

Requirements for other languages

80 hours of Chinese

How to apply?

E-mail

Please apply via e-mail.

Contact us

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

Fees are around 450 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge.
Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Cost of living

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 approx. 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.

For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.

Part-time employment

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.

Scholarships and financing information

Germany scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium):
https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html

Special promotion / funding of the programme

  • DAAD
    Internationale Integrierte Studiengänge mit Doppelabschluss

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Accompanying programme
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters
  • Pick-up service

The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students and doctoral candidates.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Study Buddy Programme as a part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: Cultural evenings and more for all students

Career advisory services

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.

For international students and prospective graduates, the project “Start Guides” offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.

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.

Accommodation

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 ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.
For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.

Contact

Main contact

Intercultural German Studies

Address
Käte-Hamburger-Weg 6, 37073 Göttingen
Email
E-mail

Additional contact

Name
Barbara Dengel
Email
E-mail

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Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.