This English‑language Master's programme builds on prior study of the diversity and creativity of African languages, literatures, media and art, offering an interdisciplinary deepening of those areas. Its flexible structure lets you combine subjects to match your interests while gaining both theoretical and methodological grounding for engaging with current research questions in African cultural studies and the humanities. Instructional focus ranges from close study of texts and media to broader debates in cultural theory, without being confined by traditional disciplinary limits.
A core element of the programme is language study: you choose two of the African languages offered (examples include Bambara, Swahili, Wolof or Arabic), with Xhosa available as a second‑language option—enabling both communicative competence and a foundation for scholarly work. The programme is deliberately staged as an immersion and continuation of the specialisation areas taught in Bayreuth’s Bachelor's programme in African Verbal and Visual Arts, so it closely aligns with established BA pathways while allowing advanced, research‑oriented training.
Because the degree is taught in English and designed around an interdisciplinary approach, it is well suited to international students who want to combine rigorous language learning with cultural, literary, philosophical and curatorial perspectives on Africa.
Program features and requirements (overview)
Curriculum overview
This two-year, modular Master's programme builds on an already strong interdisciplinary undergraduate background in African studies (for example, the corresponding BA in African Verbal and Visual Arts). Early in the course—by the second semester at the latest—students commit to one area of specialisation, allowing you to concentrate your studies and research while retaining an interdisciplinary orientation. The five specialisation tracks are: African Linguistics; African Literatures; Arts, Curatorial Studies and Media in Africa; Swahili Studies; and Multidisciplinary Studies (the latter permits a tailored interdisciplinary immersion across selected fields).
Core training is shared by all students and focuses on theoretical and methodological frameworks alongside structured language study. Compulsory interdisciplinary modules cover theories and research methods relevant to verbal and visual cultures in Africa, while language courses require study of two African languages (options include Bambara, Swahili, Wolof, and—in certain cases—Arabic or Xhosa). Graduates emerge with strengthened research and analytical skills in African studies, specialised competence in their chosen field (e.g., linguistic analysis, literary interpretation, or curatorial/media practice), and improved academic and communicative proficiency in at least two African languages—preparing them for research, cultural institutions, or further academic work.
Key modules and requirements
This master’s program requires applicants to hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and to have achieved good academic results in their undergraduate studies. Because the program is interdisciplinary, the admissions committee looks for a strong foundation in areas that connect to African verbal and visual cultural practices.
Acceptable undergraduate backgrounds include programs that focus on African languages, linguistics, literary studies, media and art in African contexts, or curatorial training. Candidates with degrees in closely related fields that clearly tie into African verbal and visual arts are also likely to be considered.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
30 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia and research in African studies, linguistics, literature and cultural studies, including progression to PhD programmes. The programme's combination of language competence and interdisciplinary methods also suits roles in cultural institutions, museums and curatorial work, arts and media organisations, publishing, translation and language teaching, as well as NGOs and cultural policy organisations engaged with Africa.
Additional career paths include project management and advisory positions in international cultural cooperation, heritage management and public diplomacy, where language skills and regional expertise are valued. The multidisciplinary training supports transferable skills in critical analysis, research design and intercultural communication useful across education, media and cultural sectors.
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