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Universität Hamburg
Master English Social Sciences

African Languages and Cultures

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Universität Hamburg Hamburg · Hamburg

About the Program

The Master African Languages and Cultures is a two-year research-oriented program with a strong connection to applied issues focusing on theories and methods in linguistics of African languages, language in African cultures and Ethiopian and Eritrean Studies. Graduates with an M.A. in African Languages and Cultures are well prepared for a position in research, education and consulting. By extending language skills in Swahili, Hausa or Amharic, or learning a further African language, you will extend as well your comprehension from local 'doing things with words' to traditional knowledge and philological methods in order to develop your own capacity of working autonomously with primary sources of language data, oral and written history, literatures, cultures, and religions in their relevant context. The study programme envisages an obligatory thematic specialization in one of the following study profiles: Applied African Linguistics: Language Education and Language Planning, Linguistic Analysis and Language Documentation, Ethiopian and Eritrean Studies, and Language in Culture.
▶ Show the original English text
The Master African Languages and Cultures is a two-year research-oriented program with a strong connection to applied issues focusing on theories and methods in linguistics of African languages, language in African cultures and Ethiopian and Eritrean Studies. Graduates with an M.A. in African Languages and Cultures are well prepared for a position in research, education and consulting. By extending language skills in Swahili, Hausa or Amharic, or learning a further African language, you will extend as well your comprehension from local 'doing things with words' to traditional knowledge and philological methods in order to develop your own capacity of working autonomously with primary sources of language data, oral and written history, literatures, cultures, and religions in their relevant context. The study programme envisages an obligatory thematic specialization in one of the following study profiles: Applied African Linguistics: Language Education and Language Planning, Linguistic Analysis and Language Documentation, Ethiopian and Eritrean Studies, and Language in Culture.

Application Requirements

* Afrika veya Semitik çalışmalar veya ilgili alanlardan ana bir konuda bir Alman veya tanınmış bir yabancı üniversiteden alınmış bir Bachelor derecesi
* B2 seviyesinde (CEFR) İngilizce yeterliliği
* Kültürde Dil Profili: Afrika dilbilimi veya Afrika Çalışmaları alanında yeterlilik kanıtı (min. 45 ECTS) ve bir Afrika dilinde yeterlilik (min. 16 ECTS)
* Dilbilimsel Analiz ve Dil Belgeleme ve Uygulamalı Afrika Dilbilimi Profili: Fonetik/fonoloji, morfoloji ve sözdizimi alanında temel bilgi kanıtı (min. 45 ECTS) ve bir Afrika dilinde yeterlilik (min. 16 ECTS)
* Etiyopya ve Eritre Çalışmaları Profili: Semitik, Filolojik, Hristiyan Oryantal veya Afrika çalışmaları alanında yeterlilik kanıtı (min. 45 ECTS) ve Geez (Antik Etiyopya) temel bilgisi (min. 8 ECTS)

Language Requirements

* B2 seviyesinde (CEFR) İngilizce yeterliliği gereklidir
* Anadili İngilizce olanların B2 kanıtına ihtiyacı yoktur
* Seçilen profile bağlı olarak ek dil gereksinimleri:
- Kültürde Dil ve Dilbilimsel Analiz profilleri için Afrika dili yeterlilikleri (min. 16 ECTS)
- Etiyopya ve Eritre Çalışmaları profili için Geez (Antik Etiyopya) bilgisi (min. 8 ECTS)

Required Documents

* Online başvurunun PDF'i
* Diploma veya geçici Not Dökümü (Transcript of Records)
* Not Dökümü (Transcript of Records)
* Özgeçmiş (Curriculum vitae)
* Uzmanlık seçimini gerekçelendiren kısa niyet mektubu (statement of purpose)
* İngilizce yeterlilik kanıtı (B2 seviyesi CEFR)
* Varsa, gerekli ek Afrika dilleri sertifikaları

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

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Subjects / Topic Areas

African Languages and Cultures

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How do I apply to African Languages and Cultures at Universität Hamburg?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about African Languages and Cultures at Universität Hamburg

Is African Languages and Cultures at Universität Hamburg taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the African Languages and Cultures programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for African Languages and Cultures at Universität Hamburg? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying African Languages and Cultures? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Hamburg — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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