Course content and focus areas 

In the context of the dissolution of boundaries in the arts, which has been diagnosed in many places, as well as the progressive aestheticisation of the living world, the question of art and aesthetic experience has become more acute, calling for answers that transcend subject matter and disciplines. Far beyond the narrower field of philosophical aesthetics, which historically covers all areas of art theory, it is necessary to analyse new problematic situations of the aesthetic: across the different areas of artistic production and the disciplines of the humanities related to them.

The two-year Master's program in Aesthetics takes this challenge into account by dealing with the field of aesthetics in an interdisciplinary way, including philosophy, literary studies, theatre, film and media studies, art history and musicology. At the same time, historical, cultural-sociological, political, empirical-psychological and ethnographic/ethnological perspectives are taken into account. Another feature of the degree program is the connection to current artistic practice within the framework of cooperation with the cultural institutions of the city and the greater Frankfurt area: Offenbach University of Art and Design, University of Music and Performing Arts within the framework of the Hessian Theatre Academy, Hessian Film and Media Academy, various galleries and literary forums. There is further cooperation with the Frankfurt Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics.

The Master's program allows students to specialise in three of the seven subjects involved: philosophy, literary studies, musicology, art history, theatre, film and media studies. It is aimed at students who wish to further their education in the field of aesthetic theory in a research-intensive manner and without subject-specific constraints, both historically and systematically. The study and educational goals of the Master's program qualify students for activities in a broad spectrum of literary, media and art production as well as art mediation, a field whose institutional, technological and media conditions are constantly changing. The degree program takes this into account through its specific orientation. It also forms the basis for doctoral studies in one of the disciplines involved.

Detailed information

Homepage for the Master's program in Aesthetics
Information from the department
Study regulations
First Amendment of regulations

Degree

Master of Arts in Aesthetics

Duration

The standard length of study for the Master of Arts is 4 semesters. 

Languages of instruction

German

Start of the program

The study program starts at the beginning of the winterer semester.

Student advisory service

Prof. Dr. Heinz Drügh

Telefon: 069/798-32860    
E-Mail: Druegh@lingua.uni-frankfurt.de

Admission requirements

• The prerequisite for a Master's degree in Aesthetics is a Bachelor's degree in a philological discipline, philosophy, theatre, film and media studies, art history or musicology - in each case with a clearly identifiable focus on aesthetic theory and history and a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters  or 
  at least an equivalent degree from a German university or a German university of applied sciences in one of the above-mentioned or a related subject with a standard period of study of at least six semesters or
  at least an equivalent foreign degree in one of the above-mentioned or a related subject with a standard period of study of at least six semesters
• Good English language skills (level B2) to be proven by
  - five years of English lessons at school (the grade for English on the final certificate must be “satisfactory” or higher), or
  - a comparable universities' certificate of a language course etc. (niveau B2), or
  - standard test score:
  a. TOEFL (Internet based at leas. 85 points);
  b. IELTS (at least 6,5 in every section);
  c. Cambridge First, Advanced oder Proficiency (at least 160 Punkte in every section); or
  - lecturers (or other experts) report on language proficiency acquired through international residency, university language courses, or self-study; or
  - other certificate recognized as equivalent by the selection committee.
  
  Knowledge in another modern foreign language (e.g. France) or Knowledge in Latin or Greek language are highly recommended. But you do not have to submit a proof by application.

• Letter of motivation (max. 700 words) describing your motivation for pursuing the Master degree.
  It should provide information about your special interest in the Master's program as well as your relevant knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Applicants with an international university entrance qualification and Bachelor's degree must prove sufficient German language skills according to the regulations of the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), the German language test for university entrance.

Provisional admission

Provisional admission is possible on the basis of a current transcript of records; at least 80% of the credit points in the B.A. must have been obtained; the Bachelor’s thesis must be finished or almost finished. Provisional admission is valid until the end of the first semester of the master’s program. The bachelor’s degree must thus be handed in by March 31 (winter intake) or September 30 (summer intake) the latest.

Mode of admission

Admission is not restricted. Students will be directly admitted if the admission requirements are met in full.

Documents to be submitted

• If you are not already enrolled at Goethe-Universität:
  Sekundarschulzeugnis (z.B. Abitur)
• Copy of your Bachelor’s degree certificate (incl. Diploma Supplement)
• If the Bachelor's degree has not yet been completed:
  - a transcript of records or equivalent document listing the content of the study program and average grade;
  - letter of recommendation from the thesis advisor (Download in the online application portal or here);
  - confirmation of enrolment
• Transcript of records oder vergleichbare Unterlagen mit der Auflistung der abgeleisteten Studieninhalte, aus der hervorgeht, dass mindestens 2 Seminare zur Ästhetik/Theorie erfolgreich abgeschlossen bzw. eine Bachelorarbeit mit entsprechendem Schwerpunkt verfasst wurde.
• Proof of English language skills (level B2 GeR)
• Letter of motivation
• Declaration of examination claim (Download in the online application portal or here)
• If the first degree was obtained at an international higher education institution: 
  certificate of German language skills. See here for more information about the required German language skills.
• APS certificate for applicants from India, Vietnam and China (original)

Application period

01.04. - 30.06.

Address for applications

Online application portal for Master's study programs