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

The application and admission processes is carried out by Uppsala University (UU) in accordance with its regulations. JGU accepts the admissions decision made by Uppsala University.

Entrance requirements for the Turkic Studies master’s degree program are:

Proof of a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor’s degree (kandidatexamen) in Turkic languages, Turcology / Turkic Studies, or a related area. A corresponding certificate must be submitted by the time of admission.

Proof of English proficiency. Proof is usually provided by means of an internationally recognized language test:

• IELTS: A total score of 6.5, with no section scoring less than 5.5 points
• TOEFL: Paper-based: A score of 4.5 (scale from 1 to 6) in the written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: A score of 20 (scale from 0 to 30) in the written test and a total score of 90.
• Cambridge: CAE, CPE

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 Turkic Studies M.A. is a binational degree program that is jointly organized by Uppsala University in Sweden and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. You will complete your first academic year with the other students in Sweden. Your second year will be completed at JGU. Teaching staff from both universities will jointly supervise your master’s thesis.

There are two specializations:

• Linguistics
• Philology

These are complemented by historical and cultural aspects.

The degree program encompasses courses relating to Old and Middle Turkic philology, introductions to the history and typology of the Turkic language, as well as courses on the Oghuz, Kipchak, and Siberian branches of the Turkic language family. You will take part in a structural course on a Turkic language of your choice, seminars on linguistic Turkic Studies, and a research seminar. You will also take part in a lecture and a seminar on Turkic literature and culture. In your master’s thesis, you will explore a linguistic or philological research topic.

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.

You will complete your first academic year with the other students in Sweden. Your second year will be completed at JGU. Uppsala University is internationally recognized for its turcological research.

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.

In this master’s degree program, you can complete internships at any time, but ideally between the first and second semesters or after the third semester.

The Turkic Studies master’s degree program provides you with advanced training 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.