Master of Arts in German as a Foreign and Second Language (Master DaFZ) University of Kassel

German

The "German as a Foreign and Second Language" Master's degree programme in Kassel is equally based on theory and practice as well as research. Thus, in addition to acquiring linguistic and didactic knowledge and teaching experience, students develop skills in empirical research.

The first two semesters comprise the following compulsory introductory lectures and seminars:

• (Psycho)linguistic basics of German as a foreign and second language
• Research methods in German as a foreign/second language
• Observation and analysis of foreign/second language teaching/classrooms
• Theories of foreign/second language acquisition and learning
• Methods of teaching foreign/second languages

In the first, second and third semester, students acquire knowledge and develop and deepen their skills in the following areas:

• Factors influencing the process of teaching and learning a foreign/second language (autonomy, motivation, learning style, etc.)
• National and international standards and curricula of teaching foreign languages
• Principles of teaching German to specific learner groups (e.g., children, adults, students, professionals, illiterates)
• Language (learning) awareness, bi- and multilingualism, etc.
• Current trends in teaching language and culture
• Linguistic skills in phonetics/phonology, lexis, grammar, literature, and cultural studies
• Development, evaluation and implementation of learning (digital) media (AI in learning)
• Analysis of teaching materials

The Master's programme comprises an intensive practical phase during which students will learn how to teach German as a foreign/second language. This activity is prepared, accompanied and evaluated in affiliated seminars and tutorials (either in the second or in the third semester).

In addition, there is an obligatory study project in which students learn how to plan, carry out, and evaluate a project in the context of learning and teaching German as a foreign/second language (either in the second or in the third semester).

The "German as a Foreign and Second Language" Master's degree programme is genuinely international in its scope. As a result of the socio-political changes having taken place in Germany in the past five years and the subsequently emerging necessity for improving the language support and integration of recent migrants and their children, the focus of the Master's programme has been adapted to changes in second language perspectives.

Students without a German degree, for the following winter semester: 31 July

Students with a German degree, for the following winter semester: 1 September

Modular arrangement of courses (lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent project work in groups); student working groups; intensive tutoring and individual support

Obligatory teaching practicum

No tuition fees

Mandatory registration fees allow students to use public transport free of charge and the university's refectories and cafeterias at reduced prices. The registration fee is currently 356.82 EUR per semester.

The registration fee changes annually. Please refer to this link for the current fees: here.

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Kassel, it is recommended that students budget around 750 to 1,000 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

• Undergraduate degree such as BA degree or equivalent in German, German Studies, German as a Foreign or Second Language, or other subject related fields with a grade "B" (2.5) or better
• VERY IMPORTANT: An excellent letter of motivation (3,000 characters without spaces) is required. It's highly recommended to consult the following: https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb02/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=397&token=380b2ad9afa05610f8cccf8574a66b82950a3511

Excellent command of German (TestDaF 4x4 / DSH-2 or equivalent certificates – see the Kassel University website)

A good command of academic English is required.

Students without a German degree, for the following winter semester: 31 July

Students with a German degree, for the following winter semester: 1 September

No

Students can apply for various part-time jobs or work as student assistants on campus. Please have a look at www.uni-kassel.de. Some departments also provide positions as tutors or working students.

International students enrolled at the University of Kassel can choose between staying at a student residence hall ("Wohnheim") or private accommodation. There are about 1,000 rooms available in the student residencies around the campus. Please have a look at https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/en/wohnen/. Rent for a room varies between 200 and 350 EUR per month depending on the location and facilities. Students can choose single apartments with en-suite facilities or a shared flat with fellow students. Private furnished or unfurnished accommodation in Kassel is also available and can be found in the local paper, on flyers on campus, or on the Internet (e.g. social media).