In addition to the formal requirements, the master’s degree program in Book Studies is aimed at prospective students who are passionate about the mechanisms and rules of the publishing industry and are interested in the continual development of the book market. If you are excited by the opportunity to independently formulate research questions in these areas and to develop and work on projects together with your fellow students, then this degree program is exactly right for you.

A bachelor’s degree in book studies with at least a satisfactory final grade or an equivalent degree.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

Applicants who have not obtained a university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution or a degree in a German-speaking course must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. These must correspond to the level DSH-2 of the “German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants” and must be proven by the time of enrollment at JGU.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

You can find more information in the master’s degree program’s examination regulations.

The program consists of two phases, each spanning two semesters: the expansion phase (1st–2nd semester) and the project phase (3rd–4th semester).

Expansion phase: (1st–2nd semester):

You will familiarize yourself with current research questions in book studies and gain a comprehensive overview of different research fields – both historical and contemporary. Examples include the study of book history or of the modern publishing industry. Furthermore, you will examine specific phenomena of the book market, keeping up with the latest developments in the publishing industry.

Another highlight: By attending courses from disciplines related to book studies, you will acquire additional competencies that can be helpful, particularly for your future career. For example, you can acquire new foreign language skills, attend studium generale courses, or attend courses in related fields. Or you can attend courses in digital methodology in the humanities and cultural studies, or in children’s and young adult literature/book studies, which is offered in collaboration with Goethe University Frankfurt.

Project phase (3rd- 4th semester)

Following the expansion phase, the project phase focuses on current research priorities in the field of book and media studies. Within the framework of the project consultation, you will receive intensive supervision that enables you to formulate your own research plans and goals and carry them out in corresponding research projects. The aim is to continue these consultations alongside your master’s thesis, which constitutes the conclusion of your studies.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

Internships

This program of study does not include a mandatory internship. However, voluntary internships are a great way to gain insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

This master’s degree program in Book Studies optimally prepares you for a career path in the publishing industry. You will gain a thorough overview of current developments in the publishing industry and acquire the ability to develop future-oriented concepts. Moreover, you will be an expert in the field of media transformations and will possess the ability to observe these analytically.

Possible professional fields for book studies graduates include:

• Work in publishing houses, for example, in the areas of rights and licensing, editing, marketing, press and public relations, or sales. A master’s degree offers the prospect of employment in a senior position
• Institutions dedicated to the promotion of reading and literature
• Work in cultural institutions such as museums and foundations, including in leadership positions

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.