Master's in French Linguistics/Literature

The master's program in French Linguistics and Literature offers students the opportunity of extending the knowledge and skills they have already acquired in the field of language, literature and French/Francophone culture, qualifying them to pursue research in these fields. At the same time, the program prepares students for training in other careers such as translation, journalism, teaching or academic research.

The study program consists of 4 special qualifications:

  • Linguistics in the field of contemporary French: textual linguistics, theories and methods in rhetorical and stylistic discourse, French and communication studies, geographical and sociocultural variants of the French language, language policy, linguistics and language teaching, analysis of non-literary genres, language and humanities.
  • Historical linguistics: French language evolution over the centuries, evolution of linguistic ideas, history of rhetoric, philological analysis of texts, historical stylistics.
  • Literary and cultural history in French-speaking regions: ideological convergences and related motives in specific periods, intercultural relations and comparative literature, specific methods of knowledge transfer during particular periods.
  • Methods of literature analysis: detailed readings, structural and stylistic analysis of literary texts, analysis of literary genres, relationship between literary works and fiction, general conditions for producing literary works and their historical significance and history of publishing.

Master Französische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaften
Basic information
Degrees:

Master of Arts in French Linguistics / Literature, Universität Bern, with special qualification in:

  • Linguistics
  • Literature
Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Major 90 ECTS credits French linguistics / literature with major in: 
    • Linguistics
    • Literature
 
Offer for other degree programs:
  • Minor 30 ECTS credits French linguistics / literature with no special qualification
Combination possibilities: several
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: French
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

The Institute for French Linguistics and Literature offers the following master's study programs:

  • Major French Linguistics and Literature (90 ECTS credits)
  • Minor French Linguistics and Literature (30 ECTS credits)

Combination possibilities

The master's program in French Linguistics and Literature as a major earns 90 ECTS credits and may be combined with a minor program earning 30 ECTS credits from any other minor programs offered by the University of Bern. 

The master's program in French Linguistics and Literature as a major may not be combined with the same study program as a minor.

During your major studies, you have one option to substitute a taught major in French with an equivalent accredited taught major studied at another institute for language and literature in Romance languages (Italian, Spanish) at the University of Bern. This teaching will be validated if it has been graded and if it has not been taken into account by the other institute.

Study program structure
Major ECTS Minor ECTS
90 30        

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in French Linguistics and Literature (major):

a) Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university, or an equivalent degree, in the branch of studies French Language and Literature. Admission requirements which can be completed during the program of study may be requested. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.
b) Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university, or an equivalent degree in another branch of studies: Additional attainments of up to 60 ECTS credits may be required. These can either be admission requirements which must be fulfilled in order to complete the master's degree program or admission requirements which must be fulfilled before admission to the master's degree program. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

The bachelor's degree may not be more than ten years old. Exceptions are possible where justified.

Language requirements

If you have not completed the bachelor's level course Introduction to Latin Language and Culture for Students of Romance Studies, you must do this as part of your extracurricular studies during the master's degree program. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M A in French Linguistics / Literature with special qualification in Linguistics or Literature, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration
   

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration
 

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.