German as a Second and Foreign Language for Work and Specialised Studies Paderborn University

Courses are held in German. 

IN A NUTSHELL
As a prospective expert in German as a Second Language / Foreign Language, this degree programme centres on the guiding principle that linguistic and subject-specific learning – especially in the context of work and higher education - are inseparably linked. Throughout your engagement with both theory and (teaching) practice, research-based and applied aspects play a key role, preparing you for a variety of multilingual professional fields at home and abroad.

Whether you aspire to become

• a researcher in German as Second Language / Foreign Language at a university in Germany or overseas,
• a head of department for German as Second Language / Foreign Language at an adult education institution,
• a teacher in German as a Foreign Language at a non-German university for prospective engineers,
• a German language teacher in healthcare settings in a non-German-speaking country,
• or a staff member developing teaching materials for a publishing house,

this programme equips you to specialise in these and many other career paths.

WHAT THIS COURSE IS ABOUT
In an era of globalisation and increasing transnational migration, research and teaching in German as a Second Language / Foreign Language hold significant societal importance. Language skills are central to participation in social practices and discourses, vocational training, academic study, and employment. Due to (forced) migration, the targeted recruitment of international professionals, and the internationalisation of universities, teaching and learning German as a Second Language / Foreign Language are becoming ever more important. Around 15 million people worldwide learn German, particularly in schools and in the context of academic and professional pursuits.

Against this backdrop, the programme focuses on the professional development of students for teaching and researching German as a Second Language / Foreign Language – especially for work and specialised studies – in both institutional and non-institutional contexts within multilingual settings.

This degree offers a distinctive and contemporary focus within the field of German as a Second Language / Foreign Language. A key feature is the close integration of theory, empirical research, and practical application, reflecting the central research priorities of the department. You will gain comprehensive insights into the scientific foundations, findings, and methodological approaches of German as a Second Language / Foreign Language and learning research, with particular emphasis on professional and subject-specific communication and acquisition contexts.

Based on this foundation, you will learn to plan, organise, conduct, evaluate, and reflect on your own research and teaching activities. By selecting courses, project topics, and shaping your internship, you can set your own priorities and prepare specifically for particular professional fields.

The study programme is a full-time study programme that can't be studied online or from abroad.

With the beginning of the first semester, all enrolled students have to be present in Paderborn until 31 October the latest to be able to actively start the study programme.

Winter semester (starting in October): 31 May for international applicants (21 September for applications from Germany/EU)

No tuition fees

280 EUR per semester (subject to change)
https://stupa.uni-paderborn.de/en/semester-fee/

Estimate of monthly expenses (subject to change):

• Rent: 400 EUR
• Health insurance: about 140 EUR 
• Food: 350 EUR
• Semester fee: 50 EUR
• Miscellaneous: about 120 EUR
• Monthly sum: 1,210 EUR

A completed degree in one of the following fields is required: German as a Foreign and Second Language, German Studies (Germanistik), or a degree programme with significant linguistic components, or a combined degree including at least one of the aforementioned subjects.

At a minimum, the following competencies are expected:

• advanced knowledge of linguistics, including elements of German studies, and

• fundamental competencies in foreign/second language didactics or in research on foreign/second language acquisition.

If German is your first language:
Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in two foreign languages. One of these languages must be at least at level B2, while the other should be at least at level A1. English skills at a minimum of B2 level are particularly recommended, as this will enable you to access academic texts in English with greater ease.

If German is not your first language and you obtained your university entrance qualification in a language other than German, you are only required to provide evidence of proficiency in one additional foreign language at a minimum of level A1.
Additionally, international students must prove that their German language skills are sufficient for the degree programme. The specific requirements and accepted proofs can be found here.

Winter semester (starting in October): 31 May for international applicants (21 September for applications from Germany/EU)

No

Students are eligible to apply for a room at the dormitories of the "Studierendenwerk Paderborn" (affiliated with Paderborn University): https://www.studierendenwerk-pb.de/en/housing/.

As an alternative, students can look for a room or an apartment on the private market. The typical rent is between 350 EUR and 450 EUR per month.

With the DAAD-funded project InRegioFIT, Paderborn University is pursuing the goal of providing international students with targeted support throughout their studies and during their transition into the labour market. The project focuses on the specific regional requirements and circumstances in order to optimally prepare international talent for entering the local labour market.

In general, international students have access to all of the university's services, such as academic advising, counselling, etc. We also offer a vibrant international student community, special events and job application training for international students.