Iranian and Persianate Studies (MA) University of Göttingen

The Iranian and Persianate Studies MA programme deals with various aspects of Iran and the Persianate world. It provides concepts, methods and theoretical foundations for independent, specialist and interdisciplinary work in the public or private sector later on. Students can choose from a wide range of courses covering different areas of Iranian and Persianate Studies from the time of the Islamic conquest up to the present. A specific focus of the programme in Göttingen is the study of Indo-Persian history and culture. 

The MA in Iranian and Persianate Studies can be done as a major subject or as a module package:

• 78 CP major subject (single honours MA) – no other subject
• 42 CP major subject – in combination with one other subject worth 36 CP or two other subjects worth 18 CP each
• 36 CP module package (minor subject) – in combination with a major subject worth 42 CP
• 18 CP module package (second minor subject) – in combination with a major subject worth 42 CP and another external module package worth 18 CP

In the 78 CP major, students choose from a range of topics offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies as well as by neighbouring disciplines. The core courses in this major are characterised by intensive source studies in modern or classical Persian. One focus of the programme includes courses on Indo-Persian culture.

Only students with sufficient knowledge of Persian can apply for this MA. The language of instruction is English. Course papers and theses may be submitted in English or German. This programme does not require any knowledge of German.

For the 42 CP major, the courses are the same as in the 78 CP major, but fewer courses are taken, and no courses from neighbouring disciplines can be chosen.

Only students with sufficient knowledge of Persian can apply for this MA. The language of instruction is English. Course papers and theses may be submitted in English or German. While the programme of our institute does not require any knowledge of German, the language of the other subject might be German. Students who are interested in this major should inquire about the language requirements of their second subject, too.

The 36 CP package consists of courses in Advanced Modern Persian in combination with other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies.

The language of instruction in Advanced Modern Persian is German. Other courses are also taught in German. Knowledge of German (DSH 2 level) as well as basic knowledge of Persian are required for this minor.

The 18 CP package consists of a course on the Cultural History of Iran in combination with one other course offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies. The language of instruction is German (DSH2 level). No knowledge of Persian is needed.

Iranian and Persianate Studies as a major subject

The 78 CP major subject is a single honours MA consisting of four different areas of compulsory elective modules:

• Area I (12 CP) comprises courses focusing on theories and methodologies for subject-specific studies and research.
• Area II (min. 36 CP) comprises courses with a strong focus on source studies in the original language (contemporary or pre-modern Persian).
• Area III (12 CP) comprises other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies.
• Area IV (18 CP) comprises modules taken from related disciplines, and these modules are taught in English.

The 42 CP major subject consists of the following three areas of compulsory elective modules:

• Area I (12 CP) comprises courses focusing on theories and methodologies for subject-specific studies and research.
• Area II (24 CP) comprises courses with a strong focus on source studies in the original language (contemporary or pre-modern Persian).
• Area III (6 CP) comprises other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies.

Iranian and Persianate Studies as module package

The 36 CP module package consists of

• courses in advanced modern Persian
• other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies

The 18 CP module package consists of

• the “Introduction to the Cultural History of Iran“ module (12 CP).
• other courses offered by the Institute of Iranian Studies

BA degree relevant to the field of Iranian and Persianate studies

At least 50 CP in Iranian Studies or courses related to Iranian history, language and culture

Sufficient knowledge of modern and pre-modern Persian

Persian

Applicants whose native language is not Persian must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in Persian. Sufficient language proficiency is demonstrated by earning 36 C credits in Persian language courses; alternatively, the required language proficiency may be demonstrated by successfully passing the practical language proficiency test at the University of Göttingen.

The fees are around 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 buses in Göttingen. 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 visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

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

Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium):
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/306042.html

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.

If you 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.
Start-up support

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.