Perspectives

Although a bachelor's degree already qualifies you to begin employment, a master's degree is required to pursue a scientific career.

Recently, migration has emerged as an important area in public perception. At the same time, the mechanisms shaping and disseminating public opinion are undergoing change. Technological innovations, new media, and the pronounced multilingualism in the African context make this both a challenging and highly interesting and significant field of work. Journalism, adult education, public relations for companies and organizations involved in international cooperation, as well as institutions addressing migration issues, will increasingly need to effectively deploy and utilize these forums and media in their communication efforts with a focus on Africa.

To meet this need, trained staff will be required with essential background knowledge (African topics), language skills (languages of the African continent), and methodological expertise (linguistic-communicative and media analysis, information gathering, and thematic analysis). Graduates of the degree program bring expertise in a wide range of closely related academic fields: The program combines African linguistics, sociolinguistics, ethnology, and Media Studies, preparing students for careers in areas such as:

• Public relations and PR work in organizations and companies with ties to Africa
• Integration and language: Working with international residents
• Africa-specific publishing (editing, press, marketing)
• Public relations and PR work in cultural institutions
• Media and journalism
• Educational and cultural institutions (e.g., adult education centers) and foundations
• Agencies in cultural and project management
• Academic careers (African Studies, linguistic anthropology, sociolinguistics)

For an overview of potential career paths and fields of activity, as well as interviews with alumni from Goethe University, visit the Career Service’s "What to Become?" page.