Program Overview

Bachelor Program in African Studies

The Bachelor program in African Studies is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the African continent, its cultures, languages, and histories. The program consists of a one-year introductory phase, followed by a two-year specialization phase, where students can choose to focus on one of three areas: African language science, literature, or history and societies.

Program Structure

• The introductory phase (STEOP and Vertiefung) provides students with a foundation in African language, literature, and history.
• The specialization phase allows students to choose one of the three areas:
  • African language science: focuses on the description of linguistic structures, the classification of languages into language groups, and the connections between different languages.
  • Literature: explores the works of African authors, their function in African and non-African societies, and African literature in various social areas.
  • History and societies: offers temporal and regional overviews, as well as specialized courses on specific historical topics, encouraging students to engage with political structures, cultural expressions, and social change in Africa.

Language Competence

Students also acquire active competence in an African language, currently offered in Hausa, Swahili, or Zulu.

General Recommendations

It is recommended that students have good knowledge of English and, if possible, French, as well as other European languages, since most scientific information about Africa is not available in German. There is also the possibility of completing parts of the Bachelor's and Master's programs at academic institutions abroad to acquire specific additional qualifications.

Writing Academic Papers

Before writing academic papers, students should familiarize themselves with the information on copyright, image usage, data protection, and plagiarism provided by the Study Presidency.

Study Plan and Forms

• The study plan for the Bachelor's program in African Studies is available in PDF format.
• A form for the "Examination Pass Bachelor's Program African Studies" is available in Word format.

Completion of the Bachelor's Program

To complete the Bachelor's program, students must:

• Check their electronic examination pass, including any alternative expansions and extension curricula, to ensure all achievements are correctly assigned to the corresponding modules.
• Fill out the survey form UHSTAT2 from Statistics Austria and save the confirmation.
• Apply for the final documents by emailing the Study Service Center with the current cumulative transcript, the confirmation from Statistics Austria, and the subject "Application for BA completion [Name] [Matriculation number]".

Study

Areas of Study

• FAQ - BA Study
• FAQ - MA Study
• Prospective Students
• Bachelor's Program
• Master's Program
• Doctoral Program
• Extension Curriculum
• Languages
• Recognitions
• Digital Exams
• Deviating Examination Methods
• Commissioned Repeat Exams
• Networking Opportunities
• Study Program Management
• Study Service Office
• Student Representation
• Studying Abroad
• Internationalization: Guests and Programs
• After Graduation
• Departmental Library