Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures University of Toronto
The Master of Arts in German Studies at the University of Toronto is grounded in a rich tradition, with German teaching dating back to the 1840s—nearly as long as the University itself. Building on more than a century of graduate training, the program combines an internationally recognized reputation with a dynamic and evolving curriculum.
Over the past two decades, the graduate program has developed a particularly productive focus on postcolonial and colonial studies, literature and philosophy, transnational studies, and film. To prepare students for future leadership in the field, the program also provides training in language teaching and curriculum development. The department is one of the few in North America to offer comprehensive exposure to German literature and culture spanning from the Medieval period to the present.
The Master of Arts in German Studies at the University of Toronto is a one-year program.
What Makes UofT’s MA in German Studies Unique?
- Critical Skills – Strengthen thinking, reading, and writing.
- Small Seminars – Personalized mentoring and close faculty support.
- Teaching Experience* – Gain practical language teaching skills.
- Collaborative Community – Connect with peers with shared interests.
- Networking – Engage with faculty, guest speakers, and cultural events.
- Professional Growth – Prepare for careers in the field.
* Students are eligible to apply for Course Instructorships if they have demonstrated C1 proficiency through the Goethe-Institut.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the one-year MA program in the field of German Literature, Culture and Theory must have completed an appropriate bachelor’s degree from a recognized university that includes at least 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs)* in German language, literature, and culture or cognate courses, with an average grade of at least a B+.
* Full-Course Equivalent (FCE): One FCE is equal to a 1.0 credit course. A one-semester course (0.5 credit) counts as 0.5 FCE, while a full-year course (1.0 credit) counts as 1.0 FCE.
Language Competence
M.A. students entering the Department are expected to have achieved a B2/C1 level of German proficiency and may be required to provide evidence of German language competence and/or complete a German Language Competence Examination or interview administered following admission. If a student does not pass the examination, the Graduate Coordinator will discuss appropriate remedial work to be undertaken.
In addition, students applying for teaching positions may be required to pass the German Language Competence Examination or interview administered following admission.
Program Completion Requirements
The one-year M.A. program consists of two intensive semesters of core courses, innovative elective seminars, and directed study. Students admitted to the one-year program must complete the equivalent of seven half-courses at the graduate level. (At the University of Toronto, a half-course is equivalent to a 0.5 full-course equivalent (FCE) and runs for one semester. Up to two of these half-courses may be taken in other departments, subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator. All students are required to complete GER1000H Seminar: Culture, Theory, Text, which counts toward the completion of the master’s degree. Students who have not previously studied Middle High German at the undergraduate level also take GER1200H.
Students who qualify for a course instructorship based on their language proficiency will also enroll in a course in Second Language Pedagogy to receive training alongside their teaching responsibilities.
In rare cases, students who enter the program with a well-defined research agenda and specialized background may substitute an M.A. Research Paper (65–75 pages) for two half-courses. The Research Paper is evaluated on a pass/fail basis. To pursue this option, students must submit a written request to the Associate Chair by September 15 of their first semester. The request must confirm that the student has secured a supervisor from the graduate faculty in German or a related field and has selected a topic in consultation with that supervisor. The application must include a 350-word abstract, a brief statement outlining the student’s preparation for the project, and an annotated bibliography of 10 sources (including primary texts and relevant scholarship). Upon approval, the student will enroll in GER2000Y (Research Paper). The supervisor will evaluate the completed paper and assign a pass or fail designation.
How to Apply to the M.A. in German Studies?
Submit your application online via U of T’s School of Graduate Studies Online Application website.
Documents Required:
- Online application form
- Submission of electronic transcripts, originals are only required after admission
- Two letters of recommendation
- A brief resume
- A sample of written work
- A statement of up to 700 words outlining your research interests and reasons for embarking on graduate study
Please consult the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Calendar and the departmental Graduate Handbook for details on eligibility criteria. Additional information may be obtained from the SGS Admissions page, the SGS Degree Progams Quick Facts (MA) , and the SGS application FAQ.