The master's programme in German provides students with the opportunity to study German literature, language and culture/civilization at advanced level.

Students will meet enthusiastic teachers and fellow students in an academic environment where students are offered close follow-up.

The master's programme in German builds on the specialization in German within the bachelor's programme in Language and Literature, but involves a deeper and more specialized study within the disciplines German language, literature and culture/civilization. The programme contains advanced courses in German, or other equivalent, approved courses.

The programme of study incorporates studies of literature, grammar, the history of the German language, and linguistic theory. It also enables students to specialize within language or literature. A specialization course during the master's programme gives the opportunity of further specialization within the students' chosen field of study: Modern German language, early German language or literature. Particular emphasis is placed on scholarly thinking and working methods. Translation and German proficiency is taught throughout the course of study (four semesters). The master's programme as a whole will also develop the students' further knowledge of German civilization.

The master's degree awards 120 ECTS credits, and has a stipulated duration of two years of full time study (four semesters). The programme includes:

• Advanced studies in grammar, language history and linguistic theory.
• Advanced studies in literature.
• Introduction to scholarly work.
• Specialization within either language or literature.
• Advanced studies in translation.

The master's programme in German is assessed by both examination and thesis, and consists of two main components:

• One joint component comprised of a combination of compulsory and optional theory- and methodology courses. This component, including Experts in team, provides a total of 60 credits.
• One Master's thesis, which is a written report of a piece of independent scholarly work. This component provides a total of 60 credits. Work with the thesis takes place under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

In addition to the lectures in the course subjects, an introductory course in scholarly work is usually also offered. This course will provide students with proficiency in writing a master's thesis, as well as skills in source referencing and writing a bibliography. Within the frames of this course, time is scheduled for advice and clarification of topics for the master's thesis.

The topic for the thesis, which is a piece of individual research work written in German, is chosen individually in cooperation with the student's academic supervisor at the Department. The thesis can be written within modern language, old language, literature or civilization. By writing a thesis, the candidate will learn how to carry out and document a scholarly piece of work. Work with the thesis should start in the second semester in the course of study, and takes place under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Why choose to study the master's programme in German at NTNU?

The degree programme is well suited for those who wish to obtain excellent teaching qualifications, or wish to continue with a doctoral programme. It is also suited for those who are particularly interested in German language or literature.

The programme of study provides deeper insight into, and increased knowledge within the discipline. It involves a high degree of specialization. It gives candidates qualifications for work within education, and within those professions in which large and complex issues need to be examined and disseminated. Successful completion of the degree may also lead to work in research, publishing, libraries, information and media industries, as well as language technology, translation and international work.

German at NTNU

A master's degree in German from NTNU gives you several options. In addition to a specialization within a chosen field, you also acquire qualifications within linguistics, literature, translation and language proficiency.