Languages and Cultures of South Asia (Master)

Photo collage of text, paintings and sculptures from South Asia.

© Universität Wien / Institut für Südasien-, Tibet- und Buddhismuskunde

The master’s programme in Languages and Cultures of South Asia provides an insight into the diversity and development of the linguistic, literary, philosophical and religious traditions of South Asia throughout its history of more than three thousand years up until the present day, while also providing an overview of the correlations between these traditions. At the same time, the master’s programme also takes into account the roles of language, literature, philosophy and religion in cultural contexts, such as economy, (regional) history, politics, society, media, arts and performing arts.

Master of Arts

Degree Programme Code: 066 697

4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits

Language: bilingual (German & English)

NO entrance examination

Curriculum

Attention

Instruction Language German

Please note that the instruction language of this programme is German. To start the degree programme, you need to hold a certificate of German proficiency on C1 level.

Study Programme

The master’s programme consists of compulsory and alternative compulsory modules on the following subject areas: Language, literature and religion of the Vedic cultural period; aspects of the history of language, literature, religion and philosophy of South Asia; language, literature, religion and philosophy of non-Brahman traditions of pre-medieval South Asia; language, literature, religion and philosophy of classical and medieval cultural periods of South Asia; language, literature, religion and philosophy of modern South Asia; and philology and literary text hermeneutics. In addition, students have to complete elective modules from one of the following areas of specialisation: philosophies and religions of South Asia, and languages and literatures of South Asia.

Five Concepts

which you will deal with during your studies (examples):

  • Text hermeneutics
  • Religion and philosophy
  • Philology
  • Original sources
  • Lyric poetry

... and many more.

 Overview of the programme structure & topics

Here you find the current offer of courses for this programme to gain better insight into the topics and structure. For more information please click on the respective level.



After Graduation

Graduates are qualified to pursue a career in the following occupational fields:

  • university and non-university teaching and research institutions
  • archives, museums, libraries
  • culture and education
  • publishing, journalism and media
  • diplomatic service and development cooperation
  • tourism
  • other occupational fields that require sound academic knowledge and intercultural competences and sensitivity in relation to Asian cultures.

Graduates' Perspective on the Degree Programme

Graduate Survey

The University asks graduates to provide their opinion about the degree programme immediately after graduating. The survey results show how graduates evaluate the degree programme they completed from a subject-specific and organisational perspective.

 

The graduate survey is an important feedback tool for continuously improving the quality of studies.

Career Tracking of Graduates

The tracking of graduates provides information about the career paths of the University of Vienna graduates and aims at providing guidance for career entry after graduation (e.g. questions about the duration of job search until first employment after graduation, salary development and sectors that graduates are active in).

3 years after graduation ...

  • 73% of graduates residing in Austria are gainfully employed.
  • graduates earn approx. € 2,592 gross/month.
  • 8% of graduates work in the education sector.

*You can find precise information on implementation, evaluation and use as well as further data for this degree programme in the graduate tracking "Arts and Humanities".