'Magister' foundation course

The 'Magister' foundation course is divided into two main subjects (cultural science and cultural management) each of which is divided into two areas of study:

1. Cultural science
1.1 Scientific foundations
1.2 Foundations of aesthetics

2. Cultural Management
2.1 Cultural policy and working within cultural institutions
2.2 Administrative, legal and economic issues

Study area 1.2 or 2.2 is accredited according to the specialisation of the student in their foundation course (e.g. scientific or administrative/economical/legal specialisation).

The normal length of study is four semesters. The course, which is taught almost exclusively in German, is full time and students are therefore expected to attend ten two-hour lectures per week. In addition to this students require reading and research time, especially for preparation and review of seminars and exercises. During the course students are required to complete a practical placement of at least four weeks in a cultural institution. Fees are not charged for this course.

Graduates of this course are accredited with the academic title of "Magister Artium" (MA). The final examination consists of a theoretical dissertation consisting of at least sixty pages, a written test and three oral tests.

The closing date for applications is 15. June. Application details are available from the university registrar. Conditions for application are:

• a good understanding of the German language
• successful completion of the national school system and
• graduation from a degree course (cultural science or administrative/economical/legal) and
• a written essay in German consisting of about two sides about the work environment for cultural managers or about a current cultural topic and
• a CV/résumé with passport photo and
• the completed application forms.

Due to the high number of applicants for relatively few places on the course (around 25 places per year) there is a selection procedure. Part of this process can also comprise of a presentation before the board of selectors. The course begins in October and ends - including examinations - in December two years later.

European nationals, nationals of contracted states of the EU, as well as foreign students who are not EU nationals, but who have completed a German high school diploma, will be treated the same as German students.

Additional to the application forms foreign students must provide a registered certificate, in German, of a successfully completed senior class. Original certificates which cannot be provided in German, English or French must be included with an officially certified translation. The translation must be performed by a diplomatic or consular representative of Germany in the foreign country, or in Germany by a government recognised interpreter. The foreigners registration office requires that foreign students provide proof that they are able to finance the entire duration of their stay (around 650 Euro per month).

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