• A strong interest in complex linguistic and literary topics
• Enthusiasm for analyzing various types of Turkic texts and writing systems
• Great personal initiative
• An open mind and curiosity about complex problems and unexpected challenges

For admission to the program, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree program with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters at a higher education institution. An equivalent degree may also be presented. You must demonstrate completion of at least one of the following related subjects:

• At least 36 credit points in Turcology / Turkic Studies, or, in the case of a degree program without credit points, an equivalent number of subject-related courses and examinations.
• A program of study in linguistics, literature or history with bachelor’s thesis on a topic in Turcology.

Active and passive proficiency corresponding to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in Turkish or another Turkic language is a requirement. Proof can be provided in the following forms:

• native language proficiency (university admission or a degree from a university with the relevant language of instruction)
• completion of a degree in which at least 36 credits were earned in the field of Turkology; in case of degree programs that do not use credit points, you must provide proof of having earned an equivalent amount of coursework and examinations
• a language certificate

The standard language of instruction is English. English language proficiency at the B2 level is required to be able to actively participate in courses and to fluently read comprehensive literature in English.

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.

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 examination regulations of the master’s program.

There are two specializations:

• Linguistics
• Literature

As a part of the program of study, you must take courses both in linguistics and in literature. In the elective module and in your master’s thesis you may select an area to specialize in, in which you can advance your own individual skills.

Content of the study program

• Structural courses in Turkic languages
• Seminars on linguistic Turcology
• Research seminars
• Lectures and seminars on Turkic literature and culture
• Required elective module: individual specialization and additional skills
• Master’s thesis: Topics from all areas of Turcology are possible

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for half a year or a whole year? Do you want to get to know another language and culture? Would you like to get a different perspective on your particular degree program? 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 partnerships with foreign universities.

For information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. An overview of cooperating universities that would suit your degree program can be found on our Student Exchange Platform.

Do you want to make your studies even more international? Then our master’s degree program in Turkic Studies may be just right for you. You will spend an entire academic year in Sweden at the University of Uppsala.

A stay abroad is not compulsory in the Turcology master’s degree program. However, the opportunity is nevertheless available. The third semester is the best time to do this.

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.

You can easily integrate an internship into your study program as a part of the elective module. This can be completed at any time during your studies.

The Turcology M.A. provides you with an advanced education in terms of research practices as well as modern theories and methods. These skills will prepare you for a career in research or for work in a range of other areas, including

• Media
• Publishing
• Cultural institutions
• Political parties
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Public relations
• Human resources
• International companies

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.