The Master’s degree program in German Language and Literature at FAU can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The subject study and examination regulations provide further details on the modules to be taken. A detailed overview of the structure of the program can be found here.

In principle, there is a high degree of freedom of choice, which allows you to take advantage of the full range of courses offered (primarily master’s seminars and tutorials). Specialization in one of the German Language and Literature sub-subjects (Linguistics, Medieval Studies and Modern German Literary Studies) is possible from the first semester onwards; it is also possible to study the entire spectrum of German Language and Literature. 20 ECTS may be completed in the form of reading modules (self-study) instead of seminar courses. In the scope of 10-30 ECTS, modules of free choice from the subject spectrum of the Faculty of Humanities may be taken (extra-disciplinary modules). This allows for an additional professional profile and facilitates double studies.

Within the framework of the project module, students are required to complete a scientific internship in a university-internal research project or a job-oriented internship at a non-university institution or company (200 hours in total), which allows them to test the practical application of German Language and Literature skills during their studies.

The research foci of Erlangen German Language and Literature are also reflected in the teaching program of the Master’s degree program.

These focal points include

• in linguistics, grammar, lexicography, historical linguistics with a focus on early New High German, variation linguistics and corpus linguistics,

• medieval German literature, digital philology and digital editions, as well as cultural-historical and comparative approaches in medieval literary studies, and

• in modern German literary studies, contemporary literature and culture, early modern literature and culture, and comparative literature.

Beyond the normal course offerings, numerous guest lectures by Germanists from Germany and abroad provide insights into current research. In addition, the “Poetik-Kolleg” features guest lectures by important authors of contemporary literature, who present their works and answer questions from students and lecturers.

If you have completed the degree programs “BA German Studies” or “Teaching German”, you are qualified for this degree program. Furthermore, after a selection interview, graduates of other cultural studies and humanities programs can also be accepted if their studies focused on literature and/or linguistics with a total of at least 70 ECTS credits.

If you are interested in the Master’s degree program and are unsure whether your degree qualifies you for it, please contact the student advisor in the Master’s degree program.

The module structure allows a one-semester study abroad, the achievements of which can be brought in as extra-disciplinary modules to the extent of 30 ECTS, which is why a semester abroad not related to the subject is also possible.