Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Degree Programme in Professional Writing

The German-taught master's degree programme in Professional Writing offers a literary and writing studies-based education in the subject area of non-fictional and fictional writing. This programme provides students with an excellent opportunity to perfect their writing skills while gaining a solid academic qualification.

Key Facts

• Degree: Master of Arts
• Admission restriction: Without admission restriction (without NC)
• Duration: 4 Semesters
• Credits/ECTS: 120
• Teaching language: German
• Tuition fee: None
• Semester contribution: 305.05
• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Part-time possible: Yes

Content of the Study Programme

The master's degree programme in Professional Writing focuses on training students in the subject area of non-fictional and fictional writing in an inspiring atmosphere of research and creativity. The programme's core component is the writing workshop, where students' own writing takes centre stage and is supported by literary and writing studies. Intensive discussions of the results in the writing workshop train the ability to evaluate and edit texts in a reflective manner.

Structure

The master's degree programme is designed for a standard period of study of four semesters. The first semester comprises three basic modules of 10 CP each, including "Fundamentals of Reading and Writing: from Cuneiform to AI" and "Fundamentals of Narrative Theory," which are compulsory for all students. Further compulsory modules must be attended from the second semester onwards, covering the craft of non-fictional and fictional writing, as well as modules on the literary and cultural industry and the Ethics and Aesthetics of Writing.

Why Jena?

Jena is a place of cultural and historical significance, known for its connection to Romanticism and its vibrant university life. The city offers a unique blend of cultural events, public spaces, and social networks geared towards the needs of young people. The surrounding mountains and forests, as well as the Saale river, provide an ideal balance to the inspiring city life.

Prospects

The degree programme opens up a multi-faceted training perspective for anyone who sees their professional future in the field of literature and culture, journalism, public relations, or knowledge transfer. Graduates can successfully apply their wide-ranging writing and communication skills in various social subject areas, including positions in press and public relations work, communication-based fields of work in politics or science, and the media, cultural institutions, foundations, or companies.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent: A first professionally qualifying university degree (Bachelor's degree, state examination, diploma, or equivalent) is required.
• Language Requirements:
  • Proof of proficiency in two modern foreign languages at language level B1 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
  • International applicants must provide proof of the German Language Test for University Entrance (DSH-2) or an equivalent.

Application Documents

• CV: A tabular form containing key information on school record and academic career.
• Letter of Motivation: A two-page motivational letter discussing reasons for taking up the study programme.
• Writing sample: A five-page text sample, which can be an excerpt from one or more longer texts or several short texts, along with a one-page explanation of the content and formal approach.
• University entrance qualification certificate: The school graduation diploma (German "Abitur") or equivalent.
• Previous university degrees earned: All previous university degrees, if available, or a detailed transcript of records/mark sheet.
• Detailed transcript of records: A transcript containing an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

Additional Application Documents for International Students

• Proof of German language proficiency: Certificates accepted include the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS), Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II), TestDaF, and Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH).
• Translation of foreign/external application documents: Mandatory application documents from foreign/external countries must be translated into English or German by officially acknowledged/sworn translators or translation offices.
• Proof of grading system: External/foreign degree certificates/transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system used at the respective university.
• Certificate APS: Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam, or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.
• University entrance exam: Applicants from certain countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination.