At University of Gothenburg it is possible to study for a master degree in African languages, and the profile of such a curriculum may partially have a focus on a specific language, e.g., Somali or Swahili.

All our courses are net-based and free of charge for citizens of the European union and the EEA countries, as well as holders of a Swedish residence permit.

The entrance requirements for the master curriculum in African languages are:

A completed B.A. degree in any language/linguistics subject, including an essay worth 15 ects credits;
English 6 or IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 580 or the equivalent.

It is important to remember that these are courses at an advanced level, and a genuine interest in language structure and a good general knowledge about grammar is a prerequisite for successful studies. Notice also that the courses are not specifically dealing with Swahili, Somali or Arabic, but the focus is on general linguistics from a broader African perspective. When the students themselves work on different assignments, they are however often encouraged to focus on a specific language of their choice. That language could be Somali, Swahili, Arabic or any other language spoken in Africa, with the exception of European languages.

The tuition and the obligatory readings are in English, and you will also have to hand in all your assignments in English.

If you have questions about the master studies you are welcome to contact our study counsellor.

Master degree in African languages

Flowchart showing the required courses for a M.A. degree in African Languages.

A total of 120 ECTS credits consisting of

7.5 or 15.0 credits covering one or two optional course in African languages at the advanced level:
- AF2214 (autumn term), Comparative Historical Linguistics in an African Perspective, 7,5 ects,
- AF2215 (autumn term), African Languages, Comparative Linguistics and Typology, 7,5 ects,
60.0 credits covering the four obligatory courses:
- AF2211 (spring term), African Languages, Linguistic Structures, 7,5 ects,
- AF2212 (spring term), African Languages, Theory, 7,5 ects,
- AF2213 (autumn term), African Languages, Data and Method, 15 ects, entry requirement: AF2211 + AF2212
- AF2210 (spring term), African Languages, Master's Essay, Independent project, 30 ects, entry requirement: AF2213.
52.5 or 45.0 credits covering optional courses.
- A maximum of 30.0 credits can be at the undergraduate level under the condition that they were not included in your previous B.A. degree.
- The rest must be at the advanced level within another subject area.

One Year Master degree in African languages (Swedish Magisterexamen)

Flowchart showing the required courses for a One Year M.A. degree in African Languages.

A total of 60 ECTS credits at a 50 % study pace, consisting of

15.0 credits covering optional course, chosen among the following:
- - AF2214 (autumn term), Comparative Historical Linguistics in an African Perspective, 7,5 ects,
  - AF2215 (autumn term), African Languages, Comparative Linguistics and Typology, 7,5 ects,
  - advanced level courses within other subjects, or undergraduate courses which were not included in your previous B.A. degree.
45.0 credits covering the four obligatory courses:
- - AF2211 (spring term), African Languages, Linguistic Structures, 7,5 ects,
  - AF2212 (spring term), African Languages, Theory, 7,5 ects,
  - AF2213 (autumn term), African Languages, Data and Method, 15 ects, entry requirement: AF2211 + AF2212
  - AF2204 (spring term), African Languages, Independent project, 15 ects, entry requirement: AF2213.