African Verbal and Visual Arts: Languages, Literatures, Media and Art University of Bayreuth

Courses are held in English (100%). Participants can choose to write exams and their Master's thesis either in English or in German, French and (for the special area Swahili Studies) in Swahili.

The English-taught Master's programme in African Verbal and Visual Arts deepens knowledge that has been gained in diversity and creativity of languages, literatures, art, and media in Africa. The programme is unique in its interdisciplinary design and combination of subjects that can be selected individually.

In choosing to learn two of the African languages on offer, including Bambara, Swahili, Wolof or Arabic and Xhosa (as a second language), students can acquire the foundation for scientific and communicative application. In addition, theories, methods, and thematic foci enable a well-grounded engagement with current research issues of cultural studies and humanities in Africa at large, not limited by disciplinary boundaries.

The programme is conceptualised as an immersion in and continuation of the specialisation fields offered in the African Verbal and Visual Arts (Languages, Literatures, Media and Art) Bachelor's programme at Bayreuth University. These fields include African Linguistics, Swahili Studies, Literatures in African Languages, African and Afrophone Philosophy, and Media/Arts and Curational Studies in Africa.

The start of a new academic year is in October.

Application for EU citizens
15 April to 30 September (for the following winter semester)

Application for non-EU citizens
15 April to 15 July (for the following winter semester)

In commencing the two-year Master's programme, which is organised in modules, students already bring profound interdisciplinary knowledge on Africa from a relevant Bachelor's programme, e.g. the Bayreuth University African Verbal and Visual Arts (Languages, Literatures, Media and Art) BA programme.

During the second semester at the latest, students can choose to apply this knowledge in a field of specialisation: 1 African Linguistics; 2 African Literatures; 3 Arts, Curational Studies and Media in Africa; 4 Swahili Studies; or 5 Multidisciplinary Studies (this option allows for an interdisciplinary immersion in selected fields of specialisation).

Interdisciplinary modules that are compulsory for all students include theories, methods, and courses in two African languages (Bambara, Swahili, Wolof or – in certain cases – Arabic and Xhosa) that provide students with both academic and communicative skills.

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

Bachelor of Arts degree (with good marks) in a field related to African Verbal and Visual Arts: African Languages, Linguistics, Literatures in Africa, Media and Art in Africa, or Curational Studies

English proficiency (equivalent to level B2 European Framework of References for Languages)

For the special area of Swahili Studies, a good command of Swahili is compulsory (equivalent to B1 European Framework for Reference for Languages). Language skills can also be proven through a final dissertation or equivalent written papers in English (or Swahili for Swahili Studies).

In addition, basic German knowledge (level A1) is required and can be acquired during the first year of the programme.

Application for EU citizens
15 April to 30 September (for the following winter semester)

Application for non-EU citizens
15 April to 15 July (for the following winter semester)

No

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/