Lexicography (MA)

Lexicography is a new international degree programme that allows students to receive international, interdisciplinary training as lexicographers. Students are taught advanced lexicographic theories on a high international level. In addition to a strong focus on dictionary compilation practices, students from different European countries are brought together during the degree programme. After completing the programme graduates are suited to careers in all aspects of lexicography, from the design of printed and electronic dictionaries, to specific lexicographical work or the technical implementation of lexicographical products. They may work at publishers or in academic contexts. In addition, students receive thorough training on the analytical and theoretical aspects of modern lexicography, preparing them for positions in academic research or as advisors at publishers and in professional development.

For admission to the Master's degree programme applicants require an above average first degree and must pass a qualification assessment process (see examination regulations). All applicants with a Bachelor's degree in a philological subject in which linguistics is studied are eligible for this degree programme. Students from other subjects may also be admitted in exceptional cases. If you are interested in this degree programme and have a degree in a different subject or a degree from a different university in Germany or abroad, please contact the degree programme coordinator.

The duration of the degree programme is four semesters. It consists of a total of 120 ECTS credits. The content covers all of the main areas of lexicography and dictionary research. It is structured in such a way that all students will have similar basic knowledge of lexicography by the start of the second semester.

• 1st semester: basic modules in which students learn the fundamentals of lexicography and linguistics as well as soft skills.
• 2nd semester (abroad): advanced modules (usually block seminars) on metalexicography, the history of lexicography, learner lexicography, dictionary use, specialist lexicography and terminology, computer lexicography, dictionaries in translation, lexicology and etymology, dictionary design and compilation.
• 3rd semester: modules in which a specialisation is chosen in preparation for the Master's thesis and a work placement lasting several weeks.
• 4th semester (practical module): Master's thesis.

More information can be found by clicking on this link.

Potential challenges

• The degree programme is limited to a total of 30 places at all participating universities. Applicants must pass a qualification assessment process in order to be admitted.
• The teaching languages are German and English.

Frequently asked questions

• Where can I do the semester abroad? At all collaborating universities (see special features) apart from at the University of Stellenbosch.

Special features

• In Germany this degree programme is only available in Erlangen.
• It has a strong international perspective – students spend the entire second semester abroad and, in addition to their specialist training, have the opportunity to network with the European Master of Lexicography students from across Europe.
• The collaborating universities are: Université de Lorraine (Nancy), Károli Gáspár Reformatus Egyetem (Budapest), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, University of Stellenbosch, Universidade do Minho (Braga), Uniwersytet ÅšlÄ…ski (Kattowice), Università degli Studi Roma Tre.
• Soft skills courses (information technology, German, English, language of host country for semester abroad) are integrated into the Master's degree programme.

For admission to the Master's degree programme in Lexicography (European Master of Lexicography), applicants require an above average first degree and must pass a qualification assessment process. In order to enrol students must have good knowledge of German and English as these are the teaching languages during the semester abroad. Language proficiency may be improved in a basic module in the first semester.