German as a Foreign and Second Language (Master)
Source: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/german-as-a-foreign-and-second-language-master/ Parent: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/bachelordiploma-programmes/german-philology-bachelor-with-osa/
The master’s programme in German as a Foreign and Second Language equips graduates of a completed degree programme in a philological or cultural studies discipline with the necessary competences to theoretically and practically address German as a foreign or second language. Moreover, they are able to address the culture of German-speaking countries as a foreign culture and engage in intercultural dialogue. They acquire profound didactic and methodical competences required for teaching German as a foreign and second language. The master’s programme prepares students for a profession in academia, practice (teaching, development of curricula, media and textbooks) and the general area of language policy.
Applicants with a first language other than German have to provide evidence of German proficiency corresponding to level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Master of Arts
Degree Programme Code: 066 814
4 Semesters / 120 ECTS credits
Language: German
NO entrance examination
Facts & Figures
- Students: 311
- Graduates in the last academic year: 36
- Number of semesters needed for graduation (median): 8,8
Data updated on: 26.11.2025
Information about presentation & calculation
Attention
Instruction Language German
Please note that the instruction language of this programme is German. To start the degree programme, you need to hold a certificate of German proficiency on C1 level.
Admission Procedure
Information about the admission procedure
Admission requirement:
- completion of an eligible degree programme
- PLUS qualitative admission requirements
Information on Previous Studies:
In any case eligible degree programmes at the University of Vienna:
Getting started
Orientation in the first semester
Getting Informed
StudiesServiceUnit (SSS) German Studies
Students' Representatives German Studies
Study Programme
The master’s programme consists of modules covering the following subject areas: basics in the field of research and practice of German as a foreign language/German as a second language; linguistics and grammar; learning to act in the foreign language/second language: conditions and prerequisites, communication across cultures (language policy, multilingualism), teaching focus: regional and cultural studies, text competence, literature contrast language and individual special focus, methods in language teaching, research practice; final phase consisting of a master’s thesis and a master's examination.
Five Concepts
which you will deal with during your studies:
- Research on second language acquisition
- Linguistics
- Contrast language
- Language teaching
- Education
... and many more.
Overview of the programme structure & topics
Here you find the current offer of courses for this programme to gain better insight into the topics and structure. For more information please click on the respective level.
M2 Linguistic Basics of German as a Foreign Language/German as a Second Language Teaching (10 ECTS)
M3 (Second) Language Acquisition, Models of Language Education and Curricula (10 ECTS)
M4 Language Teaching Methods (18 ECTS)
M6 Cultural and Reflexive Approaches (13 ECTS)
M7 Contrast Language / Academic Language and Individual Special Focus (9 ECTS)
M8 Academic Specialisation (9 ECTS)
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After Graduation
Graduates are qualified to work in the area of language training for immigrants. They have the necessary didactic qualifications as well as basic qualifications for a profession in the area of language teaching, intercultural communication, multilingualism and language policy, enabling them to develop, implement and evaluate target-group-specific training measures in political consulting, educational planning and educational practice. The second possible area of activity is more oriented towards teaching abroad: our graduates are qualified to act as experts on German as a foreign and second language in research on language teaching and language learning, training of teachers and continuing education and training of teachers, as well as in a wide range of practical areas of activity. They are able to develop needs-based modern learning concepts for German as a foreign language in multilingual contexts.
Continuing after Graduation
- [Center for Doctoral Studies - everything about doctorcal/PhD programmes at the University of Vienna](http://doktorat.univie.ac.at/en/)
- Alumni of the University of Vienna
- [Postgraduate Center - postgraduate programmes at the University of Vienna](http://www.postgraduatecenter.at/en)
- Uniport - career service of the University of Vienna
Graduates' Perspective on the Degree Programme
#### Degree programme in retrospect
Graduates ...
- say that this degree programme receives the grade: 2.1 (good)
- rate the level of difficulty as: 3.5 (appropriate)
→ These results are based on feedback from 78 graduates.
*You can find further assessments of the degree programme from its graduates’ perspective in the graduate survey of themaster's programme in German as a Foreign and Second Language (in German).
Graduates ...
- find employment within 2 months after graduation on average.
*You can find further information on career entry and career paths in the tracking of graduates "German Philology".