Transcultural Studies

The Master of Arts in Transcultural Studies at Heidelberg University is a research-oriented and interdisciplinary programme focusing on the regions of South/East Asia and Europe. It is informed by the perspective that cultures are not contained within ethnically closed, linguistically homogeneous, and territorially bounded spheres, but that they are constituted through transformations and entanglements.
The courses of this programme address these issues by focusing on the changes which circulatory practices have undergone from past to present. Studying the dynamics of transcultural exchanges involves analysing the agency of participants in these developments and shifts over longer and shorter time spans.The programme is designed to provide substantive knowledge and methodological tools. Particular attention will be paid to introducing students to the integrated study of different types of records - objects, texts of different genres, visual, audio or digital media - with a view to fleshing out the ways in which people in specific regional contexts experience, contest, and represent these shifts.
Within the wide range of courses offered in the MA Transcultural Studies, students choose one of the three study foci within the programme. Each study focus cuts across disciplines and is not confined to one region. The three study foci are:

• Society, Economy, and Governance (SEG)
• Knowledge, Belief, and Religion (KBR)
• Visual, Media, and Material Culture (VMC)

The core courses are taught by the chairs of the Heidelberg Centre for Transcultural Studies.
For more details on the study foci and the programme's academic staff, please refer to our website at http://www.transcultural.uni-hd.de/.

Educational organisation

Courses in the MA Transcultural Studies are mainly seminars that require a substantial amount of student participation (e.g., reading, presentation, etc.). The coursework is supported and supplemented by e-learning tools as well as digital media and technologies.
During the first semester, the theoretical foundation is laid, the second and third semesters are intended for extending and applying this foundation to one study focus and a certain region. The last semester is spent entirely on the writing of the Master's thesis.

For detailed information on the programme's structure and courses offered, please visit the website at http://www.transcultural.uni-hd.de/.

Study abroad unit(s)

The third semester contains a "mobility window", i.e. the option for interested students to study or conduct research abroad. The Transcultural Studies programme has memorandums of understanding with the universities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hyderabad. In addition, students may utilise the large number of exchange agreements that Heidelberg University has established with partner institutions all over the world.

Internships

Research-oriented internships related to the studies are supported during the third semester, but are not compulsory.

Forms of assessment

Most courses within the programme are seminars and require intensive participation by students in the form of oral and written presentations as well as a longer essay as final examination. Other forms of presenting research results, e.g., films or other visual presentations, are encouraged.

Course objectives

As a research-oriented degree programme, the MA in Transcultural Studies is primarily designed to prepare students for a successful career in international academia. Consequently, the course guides them to develop key practical skills (e.g., academic writing) as well as to build upon and extend their disciplinary, regional, and methodological competencies.

Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to independently conceptualise a research question, critically evaluate and incorporate relevant theories and methods from a number of disciplines, apply them to selected material, and present their results according to international academic standards.

Language requirements

Applicants need to prove very good proficiency in English by means of any one of the following:

• a minimum score of 100 in the internet-based or 600 in the paper-based TOEFL
• a minimum score of 7.0 in the IELTS
• a minimum score of 785 in the TOEIC
• a CAE

Furthermore, good knowledge of two more languages, including the respective mother tongue, is mandatory. Applicants have to prove their knowledge by documents indicating a degree in those languages or by language certificates accepted at Heidelberg University.
For more information, please visit http://www.transcultural.uni-hd.de/.

Academic requirements

Applicants must hold a BA or equivalent (minimum three years of study) in a discipline of the humanities, cultural, or social sciences with an above-average grade.
For a comprehensive list of all requirements, please refer to the programme's website at http://www.transcultural.uni-hd.de/.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 900 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Students wishing to work during their studies have numerous options within Heidelberg University and outside of the university. They can find jobs as student assistants in the university, working between 20-60 hours per month. Other popular student jobs include working as language tutors as well as in gastronomy or in various companies in the region.

Services and support for international students

Please refer to student services at Heidelberg University: http://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through student services or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 280-350 EUR.