Master
The Department of Multilingualism and Foreign Language education offers five Master programmes worth 90 ECTS:
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Multilingualism studies
This interdisciplinary study programme focuses on the individual and social components of multilingualism. The emphasis is placed not only on the acquisitional, cognitive and didactic processes of multilingualism but also on the institutional, political and economic dimensions of linguistic diversity in contemporary societies.
The study programme is deeply rooted in research on multilingual repertoires, the dynamics of change to languages in contact, the role of languages in the construction of social inequalities, language challenges in migratory situations and the different forms of institutional management of linguistic diversity. There is a practical module with an internship to allow students to relate theory to social reality.
A Rhaeto-Romance option is also available in this master's course for those wishing to go deeper into Rhaeto-Romance linguistics and literature. This option offers the possibility to conduct research projects dedicated to Rhaeto-Romance languages. -
Foreign language didactics
This master programme, which is offered in cooperation with the Universities of Teacher Education (Haute Ecole Pédagogique [HEP]/Pädagogische Hochschule [PH]) of Fribourg and Zurich and with the University of Teacher Education and the University of Ticino, educates students about the various approaches and methods used to teach and learn foreign languages. By analysing these, students become skilled in evaluating, developing, and putting into practice teaching and learning concepts for the various levels (elementary to secondary II). In addition to regular classes, the programme also includes a teaching internship in a university of teacher education (HEP/PH). This one-of-a-kind master programme is taught bilingually (French and German), but students also choose their language of specialisation: German, French, English or Italian. Students in the English track spend a semester at a university in an English-speaking country or at the Universities of Teacher Education of Zurich.
Students also have access to the Research Centre on Multilingualism in Fribourg, where they can take part in research and in the regularly held lectures and workshops held by internationally renowned experts. -
German as a foreign language (DaF)
Are you interested in supporting people in learning the German language? Do you want to conduct your own research within the field of foreign and second language acquisition? Are you looking for a degree with secure career prospects?
If yes, then the master programme German as a Foreign Language/German as a Second Language could just be the right option for you: it qualifies you as a German language teacher in adult education, as a researcher in language acquisition, and as an expert professional for attractive employment perspectives in areas such as educational policy and migration.
We offer you a high-quality, practice-oriented and evidence-based educational programme that perfectly prepares you for the professional domain. In small learning groups you will learn from experts in research and practice how German as a foreign and second language can best be learned and taught, and how German language competence can be measured and assessed. You will be able to set your own focus area, for instance German as a second language/migration, or research and didactics of multilingualism. -
French as a foreign language (FLE)
The master programme «French as a foreign language/French as a second language» (FLE/FLS) focuses on consolidation of the didactic and linguistic aspects of language learning and FLE/FLS teaching in a multilingual context. Students learn to master empirical research methods, enabling them to analyse language development, communication and intercultural skills, and the role of interaction in an educational context. They also learn how to analyse language learning and teaching material, as well as assessment tools, methods and curricula, to scrutinise them critically and adapt them in accordance with the context.
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Rhaeto-Romance
The master programme deepens the skills acquired during the bachelor's course in Rhaeto-Romance language and literature. In the linguistics section, emphasis is placed on aspects of individual and societal multilingualism, as well as on more practical issues of the use and promotion of the language. The literary section of the course takes a more in-depth look at the literary traditions of the canton of Grisons, including in relation to neighbouring literary traditions, and with a particular focus on the critical application of theoretical models. An internship allows students to relate theory to actual fields of work. Graduates are qualified to work in Rhaeto-Romance institutions, the media or teaching, and research.
The master programme requires thorough knowledge of at least one variant of Rhaeto-Romance. A number of lectures will be in German and/or French.
The Department offers also four minor Master programmes for 30 ECTS credits. They can perfectly complement major Master programmes such as languages and literatures, social sciences, education or special education, etc.
- Multilingualism Studies
- German as a Foreign Language (DaF)
- French as a Foreign Language (FLE)
- Rhaeto-Romance