B.A. Language and Text Sciences
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) |
|---|---|
| Duration and credits | 6 semesters; 180 ECTS credits |
| Starts in | April (summer semester) and October (winter semester) |
| Language of instruction | German; includes modules taught in a foreign language |
About the programme
In today's knowledge economy, particularly in our time of globalisation, it is more important than ever to be able to work with texts in a competent manner. This is the point of departure for the bachelor's degree in Language and Text Sciences, which gives you the ability to write and present texts professionally and to direct their production and presentation. You will learn to work with literary and day-to-day texts both in an academic and a hands-on way. You will analyse texts from a contemporary and historical perspective and develop the necessary expertise to comprehend them not only on an intuitive level but also as linguistic systems of symbols with structural and communicative functions. Linguistics, literary, cultural and media studies are the academic disciplines that form the core of the degree programme. As part of the degree programme you will be able to specialise in German, English, Romance or Slavic studies, German as a foreign language or Digital Humanities. The University of Passau also offers a related master's degree – the M.A. Semiotics of Texts and Culture. Both degree programmes have been accredited and carry the Seal of Quality of the Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programmes in Germany.
For details, please consult the Academic Advice Service's infosheet (German).
Features
- Students choose their own specialisation: German, English, Romance or Slavic studies; media studies, Digital Humanities
- Work experience: two or or more internships amounting to a total of three months' work experience
- International orientation: twelve foreign languages to choose from
The ability to produce, present and comprehend texts is essential, particularly in our times characterised by constant change, for intellectual flexibility and the transfer and application of knowledge in its various forms. It follows, therefore, that those graduating with a B.A. in Language and Text Sciences enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Students are systematically prepared for occupations in which comprehension, clarity in writing and the ability to convey the meaning of written texts play a substantial role. Potential areas of work are, for instance, analysis and preparation of textual materials, its processing in archives or online databases, as well as the preparation, processing and optimisation of texts in a press and public relations context. Potential employers include publishing houses; media organisations; cultural institutions (theatres, museums etc.); private-sector companies; associations; churches; political parties; public-sector organisations; or educational institutions. Graduates may also work in a self-employed capacity in the above areas.
The programme comprises three module groups:
A) Core modules
B) Compulsory elective modules
C) Foreign languages and work experience
A) Module group A is comprised of introductory lectures on media semiotics, academic research and writing, and the two foundational module groups on German linguistics and methodology of semiotics of texts and culture.
B) In module group B, you will choose two subjects from the areas of linguistics, literary studies, cultural studies, media studies or Digital Humanities:
- Czech, English, French, German or Spanish linguistics
- Medieval or modern German literature or English and American literature
- French or Spanish and Latin-American literature and culture or Slavic literature and culture
- German as a foreign language
- Media linguistics
- Applications of semiotics of texts and culture
- Digital Humanities
C) You will choose two of the following foreign languages: Chinese, Czech, English, French, German as a foreign language, Indonesian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai or Vietnamese. In this module goup, you will also complete a compulsory internship in Germany or abroad, with a minimum duration of three months.
A bachelor’s dissertation on a subject from module groups A or B concludes the programme.
For further details, please consult the Academic Advice Service's infosheet (German) and the module catalogue (German).
This degree programme starts in the October (winter semester) and April (summer semester) each year.
With abitur or European qualifications
Prospective students with a higher education entrance qualification from Germany or the EEA region (e.g. German abitur or the Austrian matura) can enrol directly for this degree programme during the enrolment period.
Prospective students with non-EEA qualifications
You will need German language skills at level C1 CEFR or higher to study this degree programme, as that is the main language of instruction for this programme. Therefore, you will have to provide a recognised German language certificate such as DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 in all four categories, unless German was the language of instruction for your secondary school education (e.g. Abitur at a German international school) or prior tertiary education.
The University of Passau has set up a German language teaching unit, German Courses Passau, which offers a selection of preparatory language programmes tailored to the needs of international students. These range from summer courses to a full academic year and cater to learners of all levels.
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