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Data and Discourse Studies

Master of Arts; language: English

Description

Data and Discourse Studies, M.A. is an interdisciplinary course of studies in discourse analysis with a focus on research data. Discourse analysis deals with the relationship between language, knowledge and society. The focus is on combining language analysis with historical, sociological, philosophical or political science research. In addition, there is the close interlocking with digital and informatic approaches. A central point is the handling of research data, their processing and digital analysis. Research data in the humanities and social sciences are essentially spoken language and written texts. The course focuses on how these data are collected, organized, analyzed, and interpreted.

Sample module overview
Sample module overview

Information on the study programme
Module Handbook
Study Regulations with Semester Course and Examination Schedule (German
Study Regulations with Semester Course and Examination Schedule (English) (PDF file) (opens in new tab)
Course Catalogue
Learn more about the programme

Points of contact
Institute for Linguistics and Literature
Office for Student Affairs
Departmental Student Advisory Service
Departmental Students' Representative Committee

Semesters 4
Language English. Individual courses/modules can be offered in German. Be prepared to read scientific literature in German, too..
Start of studies Winter semester recommended; summer semester possible without study guarantee
Internship Optional internship
Admission requirements 1. A degree B.A. Politikwissenschaft, B.A. Soziologie or B.A. Geschichte mit Schwerpunkt Moderne or Joint Bachelor of Arts in the same fields of TU Darmstadt (reference programmes) or an equivalent degree
2. English at C1 (GER) level, required documents e.g. Equivalence Table
3. Passed Entrance requirements verification in accordance with the Competences description
Admission procedure Provided that the admission requirements (entrance examination) are met, there are no numerical admission restrictions.
Application Online application
How and when to provide the certification of the bachelor's degree
Formal and language requirements for applicants with international qualifications
Good to know Pre-Courses & orientation week
Website for first-year students
Preparatory courses for international students
Studying from A to Z
Costs and budget

Geschichte, M.A.
Linguistic and Literary Computing, M.A.
Soziologie, M.A.

Under the conditions of Big Data, Discourse Analysts are important complementary figures to Data Scientists, especially in commercial enterprises. The career opportunities for graduates are correspondingly positive in all occupational fields in which data is not only processed computationally, but also prepared linguistically in a target group-oriented manner, e.g. for strategy papers, reports, background dossiers or company reports. In concrete terms, the degree programme qualifies students for future occupations such as data journalism, marketing, market research, public relations, management consulting and corporate communications.

For this reason it is important to start early in the degree program to gain practical work experience in relevant organisations. In this way students can promote themselves as competent professionals in practice and make important professional contacts. The likelihood of finding a good position is definitely heightened if the student is flexible when it comes to commuting or even moving abroad. Good English language skills are particularly important when it comes to the international job market.

TU Darmstadt Career Service