For admission to the master’s program applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in History and Culture of the Middle East from Freie Universität Berlin with a focus on Ottoman Studies, Turkish Studies or Turcology, or an equivalent degree that corresponds in content and structure to said bachelor’s degree program at the Freie Universität Berlin.
• Proof of Turkish language skills (level B2 GER or higher) for students whose first university degree is not from an institution where Turkish is the language of instruction.
• Proof of English language skills (level B2 GER or higher) for students whose first university degree is not from an institution where English is the language of instruction or for whom English is not their first language.

Applicants who earned their first degree from a university (or equivalent institution) abroad are required to submit proof of their German language proficiency. Such proof can take the form of a DSH certificate permitting them to study at a German university or an equivalent qualification meeting the German language requirements for non-German candidates set out in Freie Universität Berlin’s relevant regulations (“Ordnung für die Deutsche Sprachprüfung”).

More information is available in the now indefinite* Admission Statutes for the Master’s Degree Program in Turcology (German only).

*announcement of the de-termination (German only)

Students do not pay any tuition fees per se; however, general semester fees and contributions are due each semester.

Turcology is generally understood as the study of the languages, history and cultures of Turkic-speaking peoples. Freie Universität Berlin’s master’s degree program, however, has a strong focus on Ottoman studies, in other words, the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey. Students gain knowledge of and experience with the basic tenets of academic and scientific work as well as good scientific practice. During their studies, they receive an introduction to academic and scientific work, which involves thinking critically about the contexts, preconditions, theories, and methods in the field. The master’s degree program covers knowledge of the Turkish and Ottoman language, an overview of the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, advanced knowledge of fundamental topics in Ottoman and Turkish history as well as current topics, especially regarding the following: pre-modern statehood and social organization; modernization under the conditions of global interdependence and power structures; political, social, and cultural approaches to plurality and diversity; gender as a social, cultural, and political category; migration, mass violence, and genocide; and approaches to historical and cultural heritage.

The master’s degree program consists of three phases: the introductory phase, the specialization phase, and the completion phase.

The structure and progression of the program is laid out in the degree program regulations, which also includes detailed descriptions of the contents and learning objectives of the individual modules, as well as a standard curriculum plan. The examination regulations define the types of assessments and coursework required in the different modules and for the final master’s degree assessment. The regulations stipulate the number of credit points required for each module (and/or course) as well as the workload (in hours) for the entire degree program.

The master’s thesis should show that students are able to conduct independent research using scientific/academic methods and present their work. Upon successful completion of the master’s degree program, the student will receive a Master of Arts (M.A.) university degree.

Graduates of the master’s degree program are qualified to pursue doctoral studies. The skills and knowledge gained in the program prepare graduates for work in governmental and non-governmental organizations that deal with the languages, history, and cultures of Turkey and other Turkic-speakingregions, as well as with migrant communities. In addition to careers in academic research and science, other possible occupations include work at non-university research institutions, academic and non-academic educational institutions, in the media, politics, diplomatic service, development aid, for non-governmental organizations or cultural organizations, in public administration or publishing, at libraries or museums, or in intercultural social work.