Afrikanistik (weiterführend)

This Studium (university degree program) takes place at universities. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, language labs, and libraries. Additionally, learning occurs at home through preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

Standard Studium (university degree program) duration: 2-4 semesters.

Studium (university degree program) costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk (student services organization), the student body, semester ticket). Potentially, tuition fees apply for "long-term students," a second Studium, or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds. Funding opportunities can be found at Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten and the federal law Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Modules may include: Ethnography (African Studies/Cultural Anthropology), Research Practice and Research Presentation, History of Ideas and Modeling (African Studies/Linguistics), Interdisciplinary African Studies, Cultural Diversity and Universality (African Studies/Cultural Anthropology), Language and Text Culture in Ancient Egypt, African Studies Language Practice, Theories and Methods (African Studies/Linguistics). Practical Studium (university degree program) content may include internships (e.g., project assignments abroad) if applicable.

One should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: Courses involve attending lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; potentially participating in online courses from home. Practical exercises include, for example, conducting phonetics exercises in the language lab. Independent work requires preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Scientific research aims to deepen skills in academic work. Organization and planning involve independently planning one's Studium (university degree program), adhering to specified study periods, and submitting academic and examination work on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation includes completing internships (e.g., project assignments abroad) if applicable, and preparing for entry into a profession.

The following Studium (university degree program) subjects can be alternatives for African Studies (advanced): In the field of Language and Literature Sciences: General and Comparative Literature (advanced), General and Comparative Linguistics (advanced), Egyptology (advanced), Interpreting (advanced), Translation (advanced), Computational Linguistics (advanced), Regional Studies - Africa (advanced). Their commonality is working with language; applying linguistic, literary-historical, and literary-theoretical methods. In the field of Social Sciences: General and Comparative Cultural Studies (advanced) and Intercultural Communication (advanced). Their commonality is acquiring knowledge about language, culture, and communication.

Universities typically require the following Abschlüsse (degrees) as prerequisites: African Studies (undergraduate) or Regional Studies - Africa (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. For example, foreign languages, cultural competencies, and intercultural communication are important. Internships, such as project assignments abroad, specifically prepare one for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university).

This advanced Studium (university degree program) deepens knowledge from the undergraduate Studium and, if applicable, from professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics. These could be, for example, Verbal and Visual Arts or Curational Studies and Media in Africa. This Studium leads to a second university Abschlüsse (degree). This subject can partially be combined with other subjects.

Examples: African Studies: Critical Perspectives on Society, Politics, Culture (Master), African Verbal and Visual Arts (Master), Afrikanische Sprachen und Kulturen (Master), Afrikanistik und Ägyptologie (Master), Sprache und Gesellschaft in Afrika (Master), Sprach- und Kulturtransfer in Afrika (Master).

Depending on the university, African Studies (Studium) can be combined with subjects such as Archaeology (advanced), History (advanced), Jewish Studies, Judaistics (advanced), or Classical Philology - Latin Studies (advanced).

Master's graduates in African Studies have various career opportunities in the private sector, such as art and culture management, editing, journalism, proofreading, or adult education. Those aiming for an academic career at a university (Hochschule) usually need to pursue a doctorate (Promotion). A doctorate can also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In 1845, the German Oriental Society was founded, institutionalizing the study of Asian, African, and Oceanic languages. In 1909, the first German African Studies chair was established in Hamburg. In the 20th century, study content became increasingly interdisciplinary, incorporating humanities, cultural, and social science approaches. The Bologna Process began in 1999, reforming the European higher education landscape (Hochschullandschaft) with goals such as creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor and Master programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Degree awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.).

No remuneration is received during the university studies (Studium). Payment can be arranged for practical phases (Praxisphasen).

At the federal level (Bundesebene), the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) from January 19, 1999, last amended on November 15, 2019, applies. There are also joint structural guidelines from the states (Bundesland) for the accreditation of Bachelor and Master programs, and a qualification framework for German university degrees. At the state level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, such as those concerning program accreditation, qualification, or university admission, are relevant. At the university level (Hochschulebene), the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study program apply.

The prerequisite for university studies (Studium) is a first professionally qualifying university degree (Hochschulabschluss); usually, an undergraduate degree (grundständiges Studium) in African Studies is required. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria include, for example, academic performance in the first professionally qualifying degree. If necessary, proficiency in English and an African language must be demonstrated.