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.

Interdisciplinary and Research-Oriented

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.

Semitic Studies at the Institute of Semitic and Arabic Studies is actively involved in major research initiatives, including the Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies. The program also benefits from Berlin’s extensive network of institutions focused on the MENA region, including:

• The Pergamon Museum, home to the Museum of the Ancient Near East and the Museum of Islamic Art

• The Egyptian Museum, housing invaluable artifacts from ancient Egypt

• The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation’s State Library, with its renowned Oriental Department (including the Turfan Collection)

• The House of World Cultures, a leading center for global arts and cultural exchange

What You Can Study

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.

Admission Requirements

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.

Fees

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

Structure

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 one 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

Career Opportunities

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

With its strong research focus, interdisciplinary approach, and connections to academic and cultural institutions, the MA in Semitic Studies equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue meaningful careers in academia, cultural preservation, education, and international engagement.

Contact

For any questions that you might have, please get in touch with Grace J. Park: grace.park@fu-berlin.de