Turkic Studies
The Master of Arts in Turkic Studies is an international graduate program jointly offered by Uppsala University and Mainz University. Designed for students seeking to deepen their expertise in Turkic languages, literature, and culture, this full-time program combines academic depth with a strong research orientation. Students explore linguistic structures, literary traditions, and cultural histories across the Turkic world, preparing them for advanced academic or professional roles. The program extends over four semesters and admits students exclusively in the winter semester.
As a joint European degree, the program begins in Uppsala, one of Scandinavia’s leading academic centers, before continuing at Mainz University. This international structure fosters diverse scholarly perspectives and offers students the opportunity to engage with multiple research traditions. With its emphasis on rigorous academic inquiry, cultural analysis, and linguistic expertise, the program provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to specialize in Turkology within a global academic context.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters
- Location: Uppsala (Year 1), Mainz (Year 2)
- Study Type: Graduate, full time, international
- Admission semester: Winter semester only
- Area of study: Turkology, Turkish Studies
- Admission modus: Without admission restriction
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Turkic Studies
- Introduction to Turkic Linguistics
- History and Culture of Turkic Societies
- Academic Methods and Research Training
- Philological Approaches to Turkic Texts
Semester 2 – Language, Literature & Field Studies
- Comparative Turkic Grammar
- Turkic Literature and Textual Traditions
- Research Seminar
- Elective module at Uppsala University
Semester 3 – Advanced Research at Mainz
- Modern Turkic Languages
- Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts
- Methods in Linguistic and Literary Analysis
- Research Project Development
Semester 4 – Master’s Thesis
- Independent Research Thesis
- Academic Colloquium
- Final Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for academic and professional roles in research institutions, cultural organizations, archives, education, journalism, diplomacy, and international cultural cooperation. The strong linguistic and cultural foundations equip students for doctoral studies or specialized scholarly work in Turkology and related fields.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Master of Arts in Turkic Studies means joining a unique European program that combines the strengths of two renowned universities—Uppsala and Mainz. Students benefit from international mobility, expert faculty, and a research-driven curriculum.
The program’s interdisciplinary approach, academic depth, and strong philological emphasis provide a solid foundation for careers in academia and cultural research. Its international structure also offers valuable global perspectives on Turkic languages and societies.
Contact Information
Mainz University – Student Advisory Service
Forum universitatis 1
55128 Mainz, Germany
Tel: 06131 / 39-22122
Fax: 06131 / 39-25004
Email: zsb@uni-mainz.de
Programme Contact – Mainz
Prof. Dr. Julian Rentzsch
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
FB 05 – Philosophie und Philologie
Tel: +49 6131 / 39-38374
Email: rentzsch@uni-mainz.de
International Office – Mainz University
Forum universitatis 1, 1. OG
55128 Mainz, Germany
Tel: 06131 / 39-22525
Fax: 06131 / 39-25548
Email: incomings@international.uni-mainz.de
