To be eligible for the MA in Semitic Studies at Freie Universität Berlin, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational Background

• A professionally qualifying Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university.
• The degree must include at least 60 credit points (CP) in Semitic Studies or related fields. This includes courses on: Semitic languages and cultures, the history and present of the Christian Orient and other non-Muslim minorities.

2. Language Requirements
As part of the 60 CP in Semitic Studies, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either modern or classical Semitic languages:

• Option A – modern Semitic languages: at least 40 CP in a modern Semitic language, e.g., Arabic (MSA), Hebrew, Amharic, Neo-Aramaic; proficiency must be equivalent to B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or higher.
• Option B – classical Semitic languages: at least 40 CP in a classical Semitic language, e.g., Syriac-Aramaic, Biblical Hebrew, Classical Arabic, Geʿez, Phoenician.

3. English Language Requirement

• Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency at the C1 level (CEFR) if they did not complete their previous degree in English.

4. German Language Requirement

• No German language skills are required for admission.

5. Evaluation of Foreign Degrees

• The Examination Board of the Department of History and Cultural Studies at Freie Universität Berlin evaluates whether applicants’ degrees meet the requirements.
• Upon request, the equivalence of foreign degrees can be assessed before the application process.

Students do not pay any tuition fees, the university only charges semester fees and contributions each semester.

The MA in Semitic Studies is a two-year, tuition-free, full-time master's program taught in English. It builds on the knowledge gained in a Bachelor's program, offering a deeper exploration of the languages, cultures, and history of societies in the MENA region.
What makes this program unique is its strong emphasis on modern Semitic languages and its focus on religious minorities in the Middle East and North Africa. Students engage with cutting-edge international research in Semitic Studies, preparing for careers in academia, cultural institutions, international organizations, and other fields related to the region.
The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments at Freie Universität Berlin, as well as with partner universities and institutions in Germany and beyond that specialize in Semitic Studies and the Christian Orient. Additionally, it maintains strong connections with Semitic-speaking communities in Berlin.

The MA in Semitic Studies offers a diverse selection of courses covering Semitic languages, linguistics, and cultural history. Students can explore:

• The Aramaic language across 3,000 years, from Old Aramaic to modern dialects, including Biblical Aramaic, Syriac, North-Eastern Neo-Aramaic (NENA) dialects, and Turoyo,
• Aramaic linguistics and dialectology, providing insights into the diversity and evolution of Aramaic varieties,
• Syriac Studies, focusing on the language, literature, and cultural heritage of Syriac Christianity,
• Oriental Christianity, examining the history, traditions, and languages of Christian communities in the Middle East,
• Arabic linguistics and dialectology, with a particular emphasis on spoken varieties,
• A linguistic approach to Biblical Hebrew, analyzing its structure and historical development,
• Ugaritic, exploring one of the earliest attested Northwest Semitic languages,
• Comparative Semitics, studying the relationships between Semitic languages and their common roots,
• Semitic philology, delving into the textual traditions and literary history of Semitic languages.

With its strong academic foundation, international collaborations, and access to Berlin’s world-class research institutions, the MA in Semitic Studies at Freie Universität Berlin offers students a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment to deepen their expertise.

The master's program is structured into three main areas: basic, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, and advanced, each consisting of several modules. Each module includes two courses. The fourth semester is dedicated to completing the master's thesis.

Basic area

• Module: Northwest Semitic Languages A
• Module: Northwest Semitic Languages B
• Module: Comparative Semitics
• Module: Christian Orient Past and Present

Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary area – choose two of any modules offered at Freie Universität Berlin

Advanced area – choose two of the following modules

• Module: Arabic Linguistics and Dialectology
• Module: Research Perspectives in Semitic Studies
• Module: Aramaic Linguistics and Dialectology

Master's thesis with presentation of results

Graduates of the MA in Semitic Studies at Freie Universität Berlin develop a deep understanding of Semitic languages, linguistics, cultural history, and religious minorities in the MENA region. This interdisciplinary expertise opens doors to diverse career paths in academia, research, cultural institutions, and beyond.

1. Academic & Research Careers

• Pursue a PhD in Semitic Studies, Linguistics, Middle Eastern Studies, or Religious Studies
• Engage in linguistic and historical research on Semitic languages and communities

2. Cultural & Heritage Institutions

• Work in museums and cultural heritage organizations
• Contribute to the preservation and documentation of Semitic languages and manuscripts
• Curate exhibitions on Middle Eastern cultures and religious minorities

3. Education & Language Teaching

• Teach Arabic, Hebrew, Aramaic, or other Semitic languages in academic or private institutions
• Develop educational materials for language learners and heritage speakers
• Work in university language centers or specialized language programs

4. International Organizations & NGOs

• Join UNESCO, UNHCR, or other international bodies focusing on cultural preservation, language documentation, and minority rights
• Work with NGOs dedicated to Middle Eastern communities, refugees, and cultural heritage
• Assist in projects related to linguistic and religious diversity in the MENA region

5. Media, Publishing & Translation

• Become a translator or interpreter
• Work in publishing houses, academic presses, or media organizations covering the Middle East

6. Government & Diplomacy

• Work in cultural diplomacy, foreign service, or intelligence agencies focusing on the Middle East
• Provide linguistic and cultural expertise for governmental institutions
• Assist in policy development on religious and linguistic minorities