FAQ about the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sinology
1. What qualifications do I need to enrol for the Bachelor's programme in Sinology?
The study programme consists of two roughly equal parts, i.e. Chinese language courses and courses on Chinese literature, linguistics, and history. The courses are in German, but much of the literature is in English. This means that a natural talent for languages is very important. High grades in English and above-average grades in French and/or Latin at school will stand you in good stead.
You should also be seriously interested in literature and history. The courses are not only about Chinese literature, linguistics, and history but also about the theories and methodological approaches applied in these disciplines. Each semester students are required to prepare assignments and hold presentations. An excellent command of both written and spoken German is therefore essential.
2. How much work does the programme involve?
Definitely more than in other humanistic disciplines. (The workload is similar to that of a physics or medical student.) Language acquisition is extremely time-consuming, especially in the first two years. Students must expect a weekly workload of between 40 and 50 hours (including a second subject and an elective course). In our experience you can’t do a part-time job as well.
3. What combination of subjects makes sense?
It makes a lot of sense to combine Sinology with another liberal arts / humanistic subject. We would recommend General and comparative literature, German studies, other philological subjects (Slavic studies, Romance studies, Oriental studies, English studies), History, Philosophy or Linguistics.
4. Can I combine two East Asian subjects?
It is not possible to combine two bachelor's subjects in East Asian Studies. The faculty plans to introduce a 4-year bachelor's program in Languages and Cultures of East Asia starting in the winter semester 2021/22, in which two East Asian foreign languages will be studied, while the focus is on one of the three regions China, Japan, or Korea.
5. What can I do with it?
There is no specific career profile, but Sinology graduates are anything but hopeless cases on the job market: Anyone who has successfully completed this challenging programme of study and who has acquired experience abroad is regarded by many companies as having above-average determination and commitment.
6. Do I have to go abroad?
Going abroad makes sense and is highly recommended! Talk to us about the various opportunities for attending a language course or studying for a term in China or Taiwan.
7. Can I enrol in the Summer Term?
As a rule, enrollment is only possible for the winter semester. If you have previous knowledge of modern Chinese to the extent of the module Modern Chinese Basic Level 1, you may be placed in a higher semester, so that enrollment in the summer semester is also possible.