German studies

Do you have a strong sense of language, like to read and want to know more about the origins of the German language? The Bachelor’s degree in German Studies, which you can also complete within the teacher-training programme, provides you with valuable basic knowledge in the following areas: Recent German Literature, Older German Language and Literature, Linguistics, German as a Foreign Language/Second Language and Applied German Studies. You will learn to understand, interpret and convey texts in their social and historical contexts and write texts in a wide variety of fields.

The career opportunities after graduation are diverse. Some professional fields are created during the course of study (e.g. teaching, German as a foreign language). Others require independent and flexible application of acquired knowledge. Depending on your individual specialization, you can gain a professional foothold in the literary business, journalism, the PR and advertising industry or cultural marketing.

For information: The current curriculum is valid until the end of the summer semester 2025. There will be changes to the curriculum.

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can choose from the following master’s programmes:

In the Master’s programme German Studies, you will deepen your knowledge of older and newer German-language literature, including their different genres and the history behind them. This will allow you to better analyze and understand literary texts. During the course of study, a specialisation in the following areas is possible: Recent German Literature, Older German Language and Literature, Linguistics, German as a Foreign Language/Second Language, Applied German Studies. For information: The current curricula are also valid until the end of the summer semester 2025. If you start your studies afterwards, the curriculum brings with it some differences.

The Master’s degree course in German Studies in an Intercultural Context offers a specialist academic specialization as well as an accentuated practical and professional orientation in German and Italian language and cultural areas. It also confronts students with two different but curricularly coordinated study and practical realities, as half of the course is completed at the University of Udine in Italy. The focus at the University of Klagenfurt is on modern German and Austrian literature, literary criticism and applied German studies. The University of Udine offers specializations in the field of contemporary Italian literature, cultural and art history as well as interest-based specializations in the form of optional subjects and internships. Here is the curriculum.

In the Master’s programme in Creative Writing and Cultures of Writing, you will engage intensively with different forms of writing and refine your own unique style. You will learn the scientific fundamentals of writing, analyse texts, work with rhetorical devices and immerse yourself in different writing cultures. In workshops and projects, you will be able to apply your knowledge directly – accompanied by experienced experts who will provide you with valuable feedback. In addition, you will have the opportunity to further your education in specialised areas such as writing consulting or writing coaching. This will enable you not only to further develop your own texts, but also to professionally accompany others in the writing process. The programme opens up a wide range of perspectives for you: for example, in publishing, cultural work, book retail, educational institutions or writing didactics.