Reasons for Pursuing Romance Studies at the University of Bamberg

Small tutorial groups, a friendly and helpful atmosphere among the student body and the good availability of our teaching staff guarantee an outstanding learning environment, as our consistently high student satisfaction rankings have confirmed again and again: In the 2019 CHE University Ranking, the University of Bamberg’s Institute for Romance Studies was ranked among the best of its kind in Germany in the following categories: ‘qualifications gained within a reasonable time’, ‘IT infrastructure’, and ‘international outlook’.

A clear course structure helps new students find their bearings and allows them to complete their degree within six semesters. With a wide range of minor subjects and specialist pathways to choose from, students of Romance Studies can individualise their studies in the fields of literature, culture and linguistics. They may also choose relevant modules offered by the Centre for Medieval Studies (ZEMAS) or the Centre for Interreligious Studies (CIS). 

Field trips abroad are sensible for students of a foreign philology, such as Romance Studies, as they provide first-hand experiences of issues in cultural studies. But a university excursion is more than a simple trip. It is a special class format in which students benefit from the experience and contacts of their lecturers, on the one hand, and gain an opportunity to get to know each other better, on the other hand. 

The excursions offered by the Institute for Romance Studies do not focus exclusively on the political and cultural centres of the target regions, as these already shape the mainstream discourse, and students are likely to explore them on their own eventually. Instead, we plan our field trips with the research interests of our professors in mind and choose peripheral regions with their own discourse. As well as cultural topics, excursions also take literature and linguistics into account. In the latter category, for instance, we like to look at regional varieties of language and multilingual situations. 

You can study for a dual degree. If you choose to take two major subjects, you can work towards a dual bachelor's degree or complete a bachelor's degree in Romance Studies on top of your teacher education course. Alternatively, you can even expand your teacher education course to incorporate a master’s degree. 

Far-reaching, award-winning exchange programmes with international institutions: our collaborations and partnerships with around 300 universities in more than 60 countries offer students excellent opportunities for memorable stays abroad. 

For more details about studying abroad, see International Studies and the International Office. 

The University of Bamberg’s Institute for Romance Studies further offers an international ‘quadruple degree’ course in collaboration with our partner university in Alacant (Alicante). Students attend classes at both universities. Our staff know their colleagues from Alacant personally, which simplifies many problems that internationalisation can otherwise bring about. As the name suggests, graduates complete their studies with four degrees. 

No need to commute: our university is situated right in the heart of a beautiful student town with a unique culture and a high quality of life. Bamberg’s old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and it has been booming ever since. Today, one out of six residents of Bamberg is a student, which makes our population a very young one indeed. Bamberg is a compact town that is easy to get to know. 

The University of Bamberg was founded in 1647, making it one of Bavaria's oldest universities. Its sites and buildings are spread out all over the city, with many located right in the centre.  

Bamberg is a student town with plenty of options for a good night out. Alongside many pubs, bars and clubs, its town centre offers plenty of pleasant cafés for an extended afternoon break – and you’re always certain to bump into someone you know here. Bamberg's cultural programme includes literary events, exhibitions, the Bamberg Symphony, theatres, independent cinemas and a lot more.  

Take a look at the University Website to find out more about student life in Bamberg.