Logo of the University of Passau

M.A. Semiotics of Texts and Culture

Degree awarded Master of Arts (M.A.)
Duration and credits 4 semesters; 120 ECTS credits
Starts in April (summer semester)
and October (winter semester)
Language of instruction German

About the programme

The master's programme in Semiotics of Texts and Culture imparts knowledge, skills and methodological expertise from the disciplines of linguistics, literary studies and visual culture as well as media semiotics; it also includes aspects from communication studies and intercultural subjects. The programme places the focus on the overarching aspect of semiotics of texts and culture — the study of systems of signs both as singular phenomena and in terms of their complex interrelationships — which is shared by the above disciplines.

For details read the Academic Advice Service's infosheet [German content].

Features

  • A research-oriented programme
  • Core subjects: linguistics, literature and visual culture in their semiotic form, as well as media semiotics
  • Individual focus combinations in German, English, Romance or Slavic studies; linguistics or literary studies; or visual culture and media semiotics

This master's programme prepares you for a large number of scientific and knowledge-based occupations, in which symbols and symbolic processes based on linguistic, visual and communicative acts are subjected to semiotic analysis and the results made available to potential users.

This degree is relevant to areas concerned with inventory, documentation, archiving, processing, preparation and publication of texts of all kinds, including images and films. Potential employers are higher education institutions; non-university research centres; archives; museums; libraries and media libraries; intermediaries between academia and the public, such as publishing houses and online editorial offices; cultural institutions and administrations; as well as associations and companies, particularly in the area of internal communications and PR; advertising; customer relationship management and cultural sponsorships.

Once you have graduated from this degree programme you can follow up with doctoral study, laying the foundations for a career in academia.

Programme details

The degree programme consists of three module groups and a thesis:

A) Core modules
B) Competency modules
C) Extension Modules

A) The core modules build on the competences previously gained in linguistics, literary studies, visual culture and media semiotics during your related bachelor's degree studies, while at the same time providing a framework for advanced scientific analysis of the research subjects of semiotics of texts and culture. In addition, these modules impart the necessary methodological and theoretical skills for scholarly research.

B) The competency modules give you the opportunity to specialise in two freely chosen subjects from: Language and Signs (linguistics), Texts and Signs (literary studies), Signs and Symbols (visual culture/art history and media semiotics).

C) The extension modules allow you to develop practical skills in the area of communication studies, intercultural communication and computer science with a view to your envisaged future occupational field.

At the end of the programme, students write a master's thesis on a subject derived from module group B.

Academic requirements

You need a good first degree in linguistics, literary studies, art or media studies, with a final grade of 2.0 according to the German grading scale (or foreign equivalent), or be ranked among the best 35% of your cohort. 

German language requirements

You will need German language skills at level C1 CEFR or higher to study this degree programme.  If German was the language of instruction for your secondary school education or prior tertiary education, your academic certificates suffice as proof of your language skills. Otherwise, you will have to provide a recognised German language certificate along with your application for a place of study.

Application periods and deadlines

Application period for the winter semester:

  • 15 April - 15 July (direct applications)
  • 1 April - 30 June (applications via uni-assist e.V.)

Please use the interactive application guide to find out which application method you should use. 

Application period for the summer semester:

  • 1 November - 15 January (for all applicants)

What our students say

Miriam Pröller

Miriam Pröller

Student Semiotics of Texts and Culture

Why did you choose the programme? Studying gives me ideal prerequisites for a job in the private sector or in research. What is special about the programme? In my master's degree I particularly…

See also

If you are interested in media and communication, this degree programme might also be worth checking out:

Questions?

The Academic Advice Service is the first port of call for all enquiries related to studying at the University!

Drop us a line: advice@uni-passau.de

Follow us

Apply now
I agree that a connection to the Vimeo server will be established when the video is played and that personal data (e.g. your IP address) will be transmitted.
I agree that a connection to the YouTube server will be established when the video is played and that personal data (e.g. your IP address) will be transmitted.
Show video