Ethiopian Studies

The Master's program in Ethiopian Studies at the University of Hamburg offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to understanding Ethiopia's rich cultural, historical, linguistic, and societal landscapes. Designed for students with a keen interest in Ethiopian affairs, the program provides an in-depth exploration of Ethiopia's diverse cultural heritage, political history, and contemporary developments, fostering a nuanced understanding of this complex region. Students will engage with a broad spectrum of disciplines, including history, anthropology, linguistics, political science, and literature, enabling them to analyze Ethiopia from multiple perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical skills, such as field research, language proficiency in Amharic and other Ethiopian languages, and critical analysis of historical and contemporary sources. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, international organizations, NGOs, cultural preservation, and government agencies dealing with Ethiopian affairs. Students also benefit from the university’s strong academic networks and fieldwork opportunities within Ethiopia, providing invaluable firsthand experience. The faculty comprises experts in Ethiopian history, language, religion, and social sciences, ensuring a rich academic environment that nurtures critical thinking and scholarly excellence. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have developed a deep understanding of Ethiopia's historical developments, societal changes, and cultural traditions, equipping them with the analytical tools necessary for advanced research or professional engagement in Ethiopian or broader Horn of Africa contexts. This program underscores the University of Hamburg’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence in African Studies.

Educational organisation

First Semester:

• Methods of Ethiopian Studies, course A (5 CP)
• Linguistic history of Ethiopia, course A (5 CP)

• Language Course: preferably upgrading courses in Amharic, Tigrinya or Geez, also beginners' courses in the respective languages (if another African or Semitic language has been studied in-depth already), or in special cases structure language course of an additional African language (10 CP) - combinations should be discussed with the Programme Director in advance

Second Semester:

• Methods of Ethiopian Studies, course B (5 CP), term paper (5 CP)
• Linguistic History of Ethiopia, course B (5 CP), term paper (5 CP)

• Language Course: preferably upgrading courses in Amharic, Tigrinya or Geez, also beginners' courses in the respective languages (if another African or Semitic language has been studied in-depth already), or in special cases structure language course of an additional African language (10 CP) - combinations should be discussed with the Programme Director in advance

Third Semester:

• Studies abroad at an African partner university or a European university

In special cases, studies at Universität Hamburg:

• Linguistic communication and knowledge, courses A (5 CP) and B (5 CP), term paper (5 CP)
• Media in the transmission of knowledge, courses A (5 CP) and B (5 CP), term paper (5 CP)

Fourth Semester:

• Colloquium (1 CP)
• Master's thesis (25 CP)
• Oral exam (4 CP)

Study abroad unit(s)

The third semester is reserved for studies abroad (in special cases, however, it can also be completed at Universität Hamburg).
As the Hiob Ludolf Centre for Ethiopian Studies has far-reaching international contacts, the semester can be spent either at one of the partner universities in Ethiopia or at another European university. These plans should be discussed with the Programme Director at the beginning of the study programme.

Forms of assessment

For the modules at our department, examinations vary between written and oral exams as well as in-seminar papers and presentations according to the outline of each course. All in all, 40 CP are awarded for participation in curricular courses and 20 CP for freely chosen courses.
Exams equivalent to 30 CP are expected to be completed at the partner university during the semester abroad.
The Master's programme concludes with a Master's thesis written either in English, German, Italian or French. An oral examination and an accompanying colloquium contribute further 30 CP.

Course objectives

The Master's programme in Ethiopian Studies is research-oriented. The studies will provide students with the skills to critically reflect theories and methodologies of the discipline. Furthermore, the programme will enable students to independently formulate and revise academic problems at Master's level.

Study aims in Ethiopian Studies are:

• acquisition of skills in working independently with primary sources
• a broadened and deepened knowledge of Ethiopian languages, literatures, cultures, and religions
• acquisition of philological methodologies and their application to written sources, e.g. manuscripts
• acquisition of methodical skills in analysing texts in Ethiopian languages linguistically and philologically
• background knowledge to use these analyses to comprehend as yet unknown historical, religious, cultural and political research areas

More general skills applicable in academic, governmental and social sectors, include:

• the ability to carry out independent research at a high standard
• the skills to present research to a critical audience
• the skills to evaluate published research and research presentations
• the skills to participate in academic discussions

Language requirements

We trust that applicants are aware that good English skills are necessary in order to be able to follow classes. All applicants who received their secondary education outside the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Australia and South Africa must provide an internationally recognised certificate of proficiency in English (equivalent to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)).
Furthermore, applicants must show knowledge of at least one Ethiopian-Semitic language at the level of at least one introductory and one special module; sufficient reading knowledge of Geez (Ethiopic) is required in all cases.

Academic requirements

BA in African and/or Semitic Linguistics or equivalent
Applicants must hold a first-level (baccalaureate) degree from a German or recognised non-German university in African, Ethiopian or Afro-Asiatic (incl. Ethiopian-Semitic) studies or a related field, whereby at least 45 credit points have been achieved with studies in Ethiopian languages, so that applicants can demonstrate:
1. knowledge of at least one Ethiopian-Semitic language at the level of at least one introductory and one special module
2. basic knowledge of phonetics/phonology, morphology and syntax of African, Ethiopian or Afro-Asiatic (incl. Ethiopoian-Semitic) languages
3. In all cases, sufficient reading knowledge of Geez (Ethiopic) is required.

45 credit points must have been earned through courses in linguistics and/or African studies and/or philology and/or religious studies. This should be demonstrated by the transcript of records accompanying the BA certificate.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED
a) Copies of your college/university educational certificates and academic records/mark sheets
b) Copy of an internationally acknowledged English proficiency certificate (for exceptions, please see language requirements)
c) CV
d) Letter of motivation
We will contact you after considering the above-mentioned documents.
Additional information or documents may be required.

Enrolment fees

There is a semester fee of 310 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

We recommend that single students budget at least 800 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance, books).

Job opportunities

Generally, students who enrol in a full-time programme will only have limited time for part-time jobs.
As a rule, students who hold an international student visa may work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Further information on work regulations for international students at Universität Hamburg can be found here: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung_e.html.
For special job opportunities as student assistant or student apprentice at the Hiob Ludolf Centre for Ethiopian Studies, please ask the programme director.

Funding opportunities within the university

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants of Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance.
For special opportunities for funding, please contact the DeutschÄthiopischeStiftung (German-Ethiopian Foundation), provided you have shown extraordinary academic results so far.
http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html

Arrival support

Students and researchers can find information on how to get started in Hamburg on the website of the PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs (http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta_e.html) and on the website of the Hamburg Welcome Center (http://english.welcome.hamburg.de).
During the International Welcome Week organised by PIASTA, you will be able to get in touch with all the important institutions and contacts that are particularly useful for international students. See: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/veranstaltungen/international-welcome-week_e.html.

Services and support for international students

The Universität Hamburg CampusCenter is the first port of call for all current and prospective students and offers information, services, and counselling. The PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs offers support and advice for German and international students, as well as cultural events and workshops.
For more information, see: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta and https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter.html.
The welcome service of the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs is the first contact address for international visiting researchers and others. See: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/wissenschaft/service-international_e.html.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the "Studierendenwerk" (students' services) or on the private market. The "Studierendenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and showers/WCs. We strongly advise students and researchers to arrange accommodation prior to arriving in Hamburg, as demand for affordable accommodation is sometimes larger than supply.
For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.