Degree Course

Programs of Study

Since the introduction of the new degree study programs in the winter semester of 2006/07, prospective students have been able to apply for admission to the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Language, Culture and Translation and to the Master of Arts Program in Conference Interpreting, which has been available since the winter semester (WS) 2002/03.

The Bachelor and Master degree programs comprise various modules the aim of which is to make it easier to compare academic degrees and at the same time promote mobility among the students. With a B.A. from our university, students will be in a position to change their field of study and/or continue their studies at a different university in Europe, if they wish.

In addition, all students receive a Diploma Supplement, which contains standardised information on academic degrees and related qualifications. The Diploma Supplement is attached to the official documentation on academic degrees and acts as supplementary information on degrees.

B.A. and M.A. study programs generally begin in the winter semester. The instruction period of the winter semester usually begins in mid-October and ends in mid-February. The instruction period for the summer semester usually begins in mid-April and goes through mid-July.

Further information on the instruction periods can be found in the timetable on the university’s website: http://www.fb06.uni-mainz.de/271.php

Academic Degrees and Job Opportunities

In Germersheim students can study to become translators or interpreters by gaining the following academic degrees:

• B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) Applied Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Translation and Interpreting

• M.A. (Master of Arts) Applied Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Translation and Interpreting

• M.A. (Master of Arts) in Conference Interpreting

The job market offers our graduates a wide variety of job opportunities for example in export-oriented companies, international institutions and political organisations including the Bundessprachenamt (German Federal Office of Languages) and the European Union.

Other employment opportunities include working for translation agencies, publishing houses and language services as well as in the areas of advertisement, marketing, and tourism. The professional image of qualified translators and interpreters is becoming more and more diverse due to the effects of globalisation and internationalisation. Employers look for translators who can manage and modify working processes, for example in the areas of software localisation, documentation, technical writing, terminology or public relations within multi-national companies.

Aside from the areas of specialisation, teamwork and creativity as well as the applicant’s ability to collaborate, make decisions and solve problems are gaining importance both in the private and public sectors of the job market. In a survey conducted amongst graduates of the faculty, the overwhelming majority confirmed that they did not encounter any significant problems in finding work.