Faculty of Humanities

Degree Programs

Master's in German Linguistics

Students who wish to participate in this Master program need to have solid basic knowledge of German linguistics and the ability to conduct scholarly work. Such knowledge and skills form the foundation for acquiring greater knowledge of the systematics, varieties and use of the German language, as well as its analysis. A variety of exemplary and specially selected topics are addressed in individual courses in order to make students more familiar with both theoretical and practical problems in the field of German linguistics.

The program focuses on five main areas:

  • The linguistic system (grammar, comparative linguistics, typology)
  • Cognitive linguistics and psycholinguistics (language acquisition, language and mental processes)
  • Sociolinguistics (varieties, group and professional language, language norms)
  • Pragmatics (text and discourse analysis)
  • Communication research (interpersonal, public and intercultural communication)


Basic information
Degree: Master of Arts in German Linguistics, Universität Bern
Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Major German Linguistics 90 ECTS credits

 

Offer for other degree programs:

  • Minor German Linguistics 30 ECTS credits
Combination possibilities: several
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: German
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

The Institute of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers the following Master programs of study for German Linguistics within the framework of the German Linguistics and Literature program in the Faculty of Humanities:

  • Master program in German Linguistics (major, 90 credits)
  • Master program in German Linguistics (minor, 30 credits)

Content and Program Goals (Master major 90 credits, minor 30 credits):

Students who wish to participate in this Master program need to have solid basic knowledge of German and the ability to conduct scholarly work. Such knowledge and skills form the foundation for acquiring greater knowledge of the systematics, varieties and use of the German language, as well as its analysis. A variety of exemplary and specially selected topics are addressed in individual courses in order to make students more familiar with both theoretical and practical problems in the field of German linguistics.

The program focuses on five main areas:

  • The linguistic system (grammar, comparative linguistics, typology)
  • Cognitive linguistics and psycholinguistics (language acquisition, language and mental processes)
  • Sociolinguistics (varieties, group and professional language, language norms)
  • Pragmatics and communication research (interpersonal, public and intercultural communication)
  • Text and discourse analysis

Students will learn how to critically reflect on the current state of research and independently conduct small research projects.

For detailed information see: legal basis

Scheme of program

Combination possibilities

The Master program in German Linguistics consists of a major with 90 ECTS credits and a minor with 30 ECTS credits.

Any subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern can be chosen as a minor. However, students are not permitted to have German Linguistics or German Linguistics and Literature as a minor.

The major can be combined with any minor subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern, with the exception of German Linguistics or German Studies

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 German Linguistics (major):

a) Bachelor's degree in the branch of studies German Language and Literature from a Swiss university
b) Bachelor's degree with a minor (60 ECTS credits) in German Language and Literature (German Studies), with additional attainments to be defined individually *
c) Bachelor's degree with a minor (30 ECTS credits) in German Language and Literature (German Studies), with additional attainments to be defined individually *
d) Bachelor's degree in German Language and Literature (German Studies) from a recognized foreign university, with additional attainments to be defined individually *
e) Bachelor's degree in another branch of studies, with an explicit request for admission and with additional attainments to be defined individually and which must be met in order for the student to be admitted to the program  *
* 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. 

Swiss bachelor's degrees/programs

from the University of Bern

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment:

  • Bachelor of Arts in German Language and Literature

from other Universities

that allows admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment (document in German)

Deutsche Sprachwissenschaft (PDF, 73KB)

 
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 German Linguistics, 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.

After completion of the Master's degree

Doctorate/PhD

Students who wish to participate in the Doctoral program must have a Master's degree in German Studies from the University of Bern, or a similar degree. You will find more detailed information on Doctoral programs in the Faculty of Humanities.

Secondary Level II Teaching Diploma

A Master's degree and the attainment of the Teaching Diploma for secondary school education at the Bern University of Teacher Education (PH) enable graduates to teach at the secondary school level. The Teaching Diploma is generally pursued as a double diploma for the major and minor. For further information, please contact the Institute for Secondary Level II Education at the Bern School of Education.

The Career Service Office at the University of Bern and the Counseling Service of the Universities of Bern both provide information on how to begin a teaching career.