B.A. Language and Text Sciences
Degree awarded | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) |
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Duration and credits | 6 semesters; 180 ECTS credits |
Starts in | April (summer semester) and October (winter semester) |
Language of instruction | German; includes modules taught in a foreign language |
Language and literature, film and new media: study what you love!
Do you want to understand language and literature in depth and understand the conditions of their production and reception? Do you enjoy analysing text and images in advertisements or TV series? Do variation and change in language fascinate you? Are you interested in foreign languages and foreign-language literature and culture?
Then the degree programme in Language and Textual Studies is right for you. Its core disciplines are linguistics, literary and cultural studies, and the study of linguistic, textual and cultural sign systems. Depending on your interests, you can focus on German, English, Romance or Slavic studies and make media studies or digital humanities an emphasis. You will gain practical experience during a compulsory internship.
Once you complete this bachelor's degree, you can continue your studies at the University of Passau by studying a programme such as M.A. Semiotics of Texts and Culture.
For details, please consult the Academic Advice Service'sinfosheet [German content].
German studies, English studies, Romance studies, Slavic studies, media studies and/or digital humanities
- Students choose their own specialisation: German, English, Romance or Slavic studies; media studies, digital humanities
- Work experience: two or more internships amounting to a total of three months' work experience
- Double bachelor's degree option with the University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Czech Republic)
- International orientation: twelve foreign languages to choose from
The ability to produce, present and comprehend texts is essential, particularly in our times characterised by constant change, for intellectual flexibility and the transfer and application of knowledge in its various forms. It follows, therefore, that those graduating with a B.A. in Language and Text Sciences enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Students are systematically prepared for occupations in which comprehension, clarity in writing and the ability to convey the meaning of written texts play a substantial role. Potential areas of work are, for instance, analysis and preparation of textual materials, its processing in archives or online databases, as well as the preparation, processing and optimisation of texts in a press and public relations context. Potential employers include publishing houses; media organisations; cultural institutions (theatres, museums etc.); private-sector companies; associations; churches; political parties; public-sector organisations; or educational institutions. Graduates may also work in a self-employed capacity in the above areas.
The programme comprises three module areas:
A) Core modules
B) Compulsory elective modules
C) Foreign languages and work experience
Module area A is comprised of introductory lectures on media semiotics, academic research and writing, and the two foundational module groups on German linguistics and methodology of semiotics of texts and culture.
In module area B, you will choose two subjects from the areas of linguistics, literary studies, cultural studies, media studies or digital humanities:
- Czech, English, French, German or Spanish linguistics
- Medieval or modern German literature or English and American literature
- French or Spanish and Latin-American literature and culture or Slavic literature and culture
- German as a foreign language
- Media linguistics
- Applications of semiotics of texts and culture
- Digital humanities
In module area C, you will choose two of the following foreign languages: Chinese, Czech, English, French, German as a foreign language, Indonesian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai or Vietnamese.
Finally, you will complete a compulsory internship in Germany or abroad, with a minimum duration of three months.
For further details, please consult the Academic Advice Service's infosheet [German content] and the module catalogue [German content].
This degree programme starts in the October (winter semester) and April (summer semester) each year.
With abitur or European qualifications
Prospective students with a higher education entrance qualification from Germany or the EEA region (e.g. German abitur or the Austrian matura) can enrol directly for this degree programme during the enrolment period.
Prospective students with non-EEA qualifications
You will need German language skills at level C1 CEFR or higher to study this degree programme, as that is the main language of instruction for this programme. Therefore, you will have to provide a recognised German language certificate such as DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 in all four categories, unless German was the language of instruction for your secondary school education (e.g. Abitur at a German international school) or prior tertiary education.
The University of Passau has set up a German language teaching unit, German Courses Passau, which offers a selection of preparatory language programmes tailored to the needs of international students. These range from summer courses to a full academic year and cater to learners of all levels.