Euroin Lexicography

The Master of Arts in Euroin Lexicography at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg is a specialized postgraduate program designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the field of lexicography, with a particular focus on European languages and linguistic diversity. This program aims to prepare students for professional careers in dictionary making, linguistic data management, language technology, and related fields by combining theoretical linguistic principles with hands-on experience in dictionary compilation, editing, and digital language resources.

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including linguistic theory, terminology management, semantic analysis, corpus linguistics, and digital lexicography. Students will explore various types of dictionaries—monolingual, multilingual, specialized, and general—and learn about modern tools and software used in the creation and maintenance of lexical databases. The program also emphasizes the importance of cross-linguistic comparison and cultural considerations in lexicographical work, fostering an understanding of the complexities involved in representing linguistic meaning accurately across different languages.

Throughout the program, students will engage in practical exercises such as developing their own dictionary projects, editing existing lexical resources, and utilizing language processing technologies. They will also have opportunities for collaborative research and internships with linguistic institutions, publishers, and IT companies specializing in language data. By integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, the program aims to equip graduates with the skills needed to innovate in the field of lexicography and contribute to the development of multilingual digital language resources.

Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for employment in various sectors, including publishing, academia, technology companies focusing on natural language processing, governmental language agencies, and international organizations. The program also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in linguistics or related disciplines. With its multidisciplinary approach, emphasis on practical skills, and international orientation, the Master in Euroin Lexicography at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg offers a unique opportunity for students passionate about languages and lexicography to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to the development of linguistic resources in the digital age.

Educational organisation

During the first semester, the students of the various universities are to reach a comparable level of knowledge to enable international cooperation and joint studying as soon as possible.
Basic modules:

• "common" modules, taught digitally or locally: exactly the same at all universities
• "home" modules, taught locally: same general topic and focus across universities but differentiation in specifics

B1 (common module: e-learning, approx. four hours per week): basics of lexicography: usage, dictionary, lexicographical entries, typology of dictionaries, lexicography and culture, theory and practice (10 ECTS)
B2 (home module): a lexicographically oriented module (approx. four hours per week) with university teachers participating in the Master's programme (10 ECTS)
B3 (home module) (10 ECTS): soft skills module

• B3a English course, obligatory (four to six hours per week) if available
• or B3b German course, obligatory (four to six hours per week) if available
• or B3c compulsory optional module: computer science or language course (Hungarian, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish)

The second semester provides an overview of the whole range of lexicography. Each university offers special knowledge. The local organisers change every year.
Advanced modules, either as intensive seminars or as continuous course with two hours per week (5 ECTS each)
A1: Metalexicography
A2: History of Lexicography
A3: Learner Lexicography
A4: The Dictionary and its Use
A5: Special Field Dictionaries, Encyclopaediæ
A6: Computational Lexicography
A7: Dictionaries and Translation
A8: Lexicography and Lexicology
A9: Planning and Making a Dictionary
All students have to travel. The teachers of the partner universities organise intensive seminars, the local teachers hold their seminars throughout the semester. The students have to acquire 30 ECTS, may however acquire more (maximum 45 ECTS), organisation plan according to special announcement.
In the second semester, only one university will be the centre of studies for all students. As a consequence, the number of participants is limited; travel is financed via Erasmus or similar programmes. The teachers of foreign universities stay for seven to ten days; travel is financed via Erasmus or similar programmes. An intensive seminar lasts from Monday to Friday. For information about the exams, see separate organisation plan.

The third semester is dedicated to specialisation and application of the knowledge acquired in the second semester; at the same time, the Master's thesis is prepared. The contents depend on the respective universities (10 ECTS per module).
In-depth-modules:
ID1: series of lectures by the teachers of the different universities via video. The students have to evaluate the lectures and write a review on a dictionary. Taught with the help of DVD copies.
ID2 (home module): special topic (depending on the seminars offered at the home university). Here, special requirements are possible.
ID3, practical module (home module): four-week internship at a publisher, company, or research institute (during the semester break or during the semester)

Fourth semester: accompanying seminar to the Master's thesis (home module); Master's thesis. The ECTS points for the Master's thesis granted according to the respective university's regulations will open up further possibilities (accompanying seminars, etc.).

Associated members of the EMLex-consortium: Université de Lorraine, Universidade Santiago de Compostela, Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem Budapest, Universidade do Minho Braga, Uniwersytet Slaski Kattowitz/Sosnowiec, University of Stellenbosch, Università degli studi di Roma Tre, Institut für Deutsche Sprache Mannheim, Universität Hildesheim.

Study abroad unit(s)

All participants spend the second semester together at one university of the EMLex-consortium. This university changes every year. The teachers at the participating universities teach the A-modules.

Internships

Internship of four to eight weeks is obligatory between the second and the third semester.

Forms of assessment

Written thesis, presentation, oral exam (depends on the teacher, changeable every year)

Course objectives

• Expertise in practical and theoretical lexicography in all areas of the discipline
• international and interdisciplinary training of lexicographers
• lexicographical theories at a high international level
• pronounced applicability in the practice of creating a dictionary
• bringing together students from different European countries

Language requirements

Good basic knowledge of German and English, which can be deepened in the first semester, is essential for participation because teaching will occur exclusively in these two languages.

Academic requirements

A first university degree with a mark above average like a BA or equivalent degree (e.g. "Diplom") and a special entrance examination

Enrolment fees

The contribution to student services currently amounts to 42 EUR per semester. An additional charge of 65 EUR per semester covers the mandatory basic "semester ticket", a transit pass that provides students with unlimited access to public transport in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg from 7pm to 6am on weekdays and at all times at weekends. (For an additional optional charge, the validity of the pass can be extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.)

Costs of living

The cost of living can only be approximated very generally, as the needs and living conditions of every student are different.
Rent: 250-600 EUR per month
Health insurance, doctor, medicine: approximately 70 EUR per month
Food: approximately 165 EUR per month
Study materials: approximately 30 EUR per month (depending on the subject)
Transport: minimum 65 EUR per semester
Student services: 42 EUR per semester
For more information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies/costs-of-studying
General information on the average cost of living in Germany is available online: http://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/financing/costs_of_living

Funding opportunities within the university

The Central Office for International Affairs offers scholarships from Bavarian state funding to allow highly qualified international students in Master's, "Diplom", and State Exam degree courses to complete their degrees.
Starting with winter semester 2016/17, EMLex is an Erasmus Mundus programme. In addition, 15 scholarships, which cover cost of living and study cost, are given to excellent students worldwide.
http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/bachelors-masters-state-examinations/during-your-studies/scholarships-for-international-students-about-to-graduate/

Arrival support

Support on arrival by the Central Office for International Affairs and by the Department Germanistik und Komparatistik

Services and support for international students

The Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) will provide you with detailed information on all important topics relating to your studies (study courses, subject combinations, application requirements, support with organising your study programme and complying with all assessment/examination requirements) and on settling in at the beginning of the semester (coping with particular difficulties, changing subjects or suspending studies). For more information, see http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/student-advice.
The Career Service of FAU will provide you with information on career opportunities and the specifics of an application procedure in Germany. For information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/current-students/career-service.
The Student Service Centres (SSC) and student advisers in the faculties will provide you with further advice on your particular course of study. Programme coordinators organise subject-related orientation events and guide you through the entire study period.
The Central Office for International Affairs (RIA) will provide you with detailed information on accommodation, visa issues, and scholarship possibilities. In cooperation with the IBZ, it also organises information events and general orientation courses for first-semester-students.
See: http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants.
The Alumni network provides students with many topics and events for professional advancement. See: http://www.fau.eu/alumni.

Accommodation

Erlangen and Nuremberg are attractive cities with a historic flair and modern infrastructure. Therefore, the housing market is quite tight. FAU will do its best to assist new students in finding accommodation.
Student halls in Erlangen and Nuremberg can only provide accommodation for a small number of students. Another option is the private housing market. If you extend your search to neighbouring towns, such as Fürth and Forchheim, your choice of accommodation is much larger and rents are lower, while the well-developed local public transport system ensures that you're never far away from the university. In addition, there is the option to sublet a room, or you can share a flat with other students. This option not only saves you money but also helps you settle in quickly and make friends in your new home. You can find information to help with your housing search on specialised websites and the university's notice boards.
Detailed information on finding accommodation is available at http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/important-information.
If you need further assistance, you can also turn to the Accommodation Service of the Central Office for International Affairs (RIA). E-mail: accommodation@fau.de.