Questions about the Bachelor's Degree African Studies

Deadline for the payment of the tuition fee/Students' Union fee

Attention: The payment deadline has been brought forward!

Each semester you will receive a payment request per e-mail. Check out the payment deadline and take into account that the bank transfer may take up to 7 days.
New deadline for the winter semester: October 31st
New deadline for the summer semester: March 31st

Information on tuition fee/Students' Union fee (University of Vienna Website)
What can I discuss in consultation hours and where can I find the times?

University staff who have a fixed contract with the University of Vienna offer consultation hours, in contrast to lecturers who only come to the department for their courses.
The times can be found on the staff page or in u:find. In general, it is always advisable to announce yourself for consultation hours by mail, because it is not impossible that these hours are cancelled (illness, stay abroad, ...).

Consultation hours can be used to talk to the professor about your studies, to discuss your main focus, to discuss your work, to find topics for your thesis, etc. Take advantage of this offer!
Abbrevations and ABC of terminology

EC = Erweiterungscurriculum (Extension curricula)
ECTS-Punkte = European Credit Transfer System
LV = Lehrveranstaltung (Course)
pi-LV = prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltung (Continuous assessment of course work)
SoSe = Sommersemester (Summer semester)
StEOP = Studieneingangs- und Orientierungsphase (Introductory and orientation period)
WiSe = Wintersemester (Winter semester)

You can find study-related terms and abbreviations on the webpage ABC of terminology (University of Vienna Website).
Coding in the study plan African Studies (BA)

EAS – StEOP, Basics of African Studies - Linguistics
EAL – StEOP, Basics of African Studies - Literatures
EAG – StEOP, Basics of African Studies - History
VAS – Emphasis Phase, African Linguistics
VAL – Emphasis Phase, African Literature
VAG –Emphasis Phase, African History
WG – History of African Studies

SB1A – Basics of an African Language 1
SB1B – Perfection of an African Language 1
SB2A – Basics of an African Language 2
SB2B – Perfection of an African Language 2
SB3A – Basics of an African Language 3
SB3B – Perfection of an African Language 3

AWL – African Studies readings

ÜAS – Overview Linguistics
PAS – Introductory seminar Linguistics
SAS – Regional and thematic emphasis Linguistics
BAS – Bachelor seminar Linguistics

ÜAL – Overview Literary Studies
PAL – Introductory seminar Literary Studies
SAL – Regional and thematic emphasis Literary Studies
BAL – Bachelor seminar Literary Studies

ÜAG – Overview History
PAG – Introductory seminar History
SAG – Regional und thematic emphasis History
BAG – Bachelor seminar History
I want to start study African Studies (BA). What do I have to do?

The admission procedure at the University of Vienna is processed centrally: Information on the admission procedure at the University of Vienna (University of Vienna website)

Information on the admission procedure for Bachelor African Studies (University of Vienna Website ) - please note the application deadlines!

The Bachelor's degree comprises 180 ECTS, out of which 120 ECTS need to be completed within the Bachelor's degree curriculum of African Studies. The remaining 60 ECTS need to be completed within extension curricula. Please read the Study Plan Bachelor African Studies (in German) (PDF)!
I start my studies in the winter semester - what can I do?

During the first semester, students are supposed to compelete the introductory and orientation period StEOP. You complete the three StEOP-courses (Basics of African Studies - Linguistics, Basics of African Studies - Literatures, Basics of African Studies - History) and the exams.

In addition you choose one of the offered languages and start with the basis (Hausa, Swahili or Zulu: Grammar 1 - consisting of two dates per week - and Tutorial 1).

Of course it is possible to only complete some of the described courses and not all of them during the first semester. But the duration of your study will extend accordingly.
I start my studies in the summer semester - what can I do?

During the first semester, students are supposed to compelete the introductory and orientation period StEOP. You complete the three StEOP-courses (Basics of African Studies - Linguistics, Basics of African Studies - Literatures, Basics of African Studies - History) and the exams.

In addition you complete the Emphasis Phase (Advanced Course African Linguistics, Advanced Course African Literature, Advanced Course African History) and the course History of African Studies.

You can start the Linguistics courses (basis) in the following winter semester.

Of course it is possible to only complete some of the described courses and not all of them during the first semester. But the duration of your study will extend accordingly.
I'm in my second semester (SoSe) and completed the StEOP - what now?

After you completed the StEOP you can start with the Emphasis Phase (Advanced Course African Linguistics, Advanced Course African Literature, Advanced Course African History) and the course History of African Studies.

In addition you continue the study of the chosen African language (Grammar 2 - consisting of two dates per week - and Exercises 2).

Please note: The Emphasis Phase takes place only during the summer semester!
Is there a minimum number of credits I have to obtain?

You have to obtain at least 16 ECTS credits in every bachelor’s and diploma programme within four semesters. This applies to all programmes to which you are admitted for the first time in the winter semester of 2022/2023 or later, and to all programmes that you resume at this time.

Otherwise, the admission to the degree programme expires. If you would like to apply for re-admission to the same degree programme (= resumption of studies) at the University of Vienna, you can only do so after two academic years (= four semesters). This also applies if you want to make a change of degree programme, complete an additional degree programme, or resume your studies.

Information on minimum number of credits (University of Vienna website)
Information on change of degree programme (University of Vienna website)
Information on additional degree programmes (University of Vienna website)
Information on resumption of studies (University of Vienna website)
I finished my first year – how does the "specialty" work?

Normally you start your specialization in the third semester. You can choose between African Linguistics, African Literature and African History and Societies. You complete 46 ECTS in your special field, including lectures, proseminars and Bachelor seminars. Please note the guidelines in the study plan where you can see how many courses of each type you need. In addition you have to complete the UE African Studies readings (UE Afrikawissenschaftliche Lektüren (AWL)).
Study Plan Bachelor African Studies (in German) (PDF)
How does the language teaching work?

You can choose between two versions:

In the first version the language teaching consists of the two modules "Basis of an African Language" and "Perfection of an African Language" and lasts four semesters. Please note that language courses always start in the wintersemester and continue in the following three semesters.
When you complete the two modules you reach the language level B2. You can find the languages that are offered in the basis- and perfection-modul in the course directory.

In the second version you can choose two African languages. You complete the module "Basis of an African Language" for both languages (duration: 2 semesters each). You reach language level A2 in both languages.
What does the time specification 10.00-12.00 mean?

The course begins at 10.15 and ends at 11.45.

One course session lasts 45 minutes, the courses at the department of African Studies normally consist of two course sessions (= 1,5 hours teaching session).
Some courses have different time units, i.e. when the course only takes place every second week.
What are extension curricula (EC)?

In addition to the compulsory subjects and the optional subjects the completion of extension curricula (60 ECTS in total) is prescribed.

Extension curricula (EC) comprise either 15 or 30 ECTS, depending on the respective EC. Before you start an EC, you need to register for it on u:space. You can only register for an EC, if you are enroled into a Bachelor's degree programme of the University of Vienna that prescribes the completion of an EC.
Nearly every department offers EC and you can coose freely from the list.

Please note: You can NOT choose the EC in African Studies, because the courses offered in the EC African Studies are part of the normal study plan.

Further information on Extension Curricula (University of Vienna website)
What does "Alternative extensions" (AE) mean?

Instead of an EC you can complete alternative extensions of a maximum number of 15 ECTS. You can choose freely - the courses don't need to fit together and can also be courses that are offered in the BA African Studies. You can use the alternative extensions to deepen your chosen specialty or to complete courses from another specialty.

Further information on Alternative Extensions (University of Vienna website)
How and when do I register for courses?

You can register for courses online on u:find (course directory). You find the registration-button by clicking on the course in the course directory. Please consider the relevant registration period, listed in u:find. The registration period is important if you want to register for "prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltungen" (pi) (continous assessment of course work). If you register for a lecture (course with non-continuous assessment), please note that you need to register for the exam extra. Please also consider the registration period for exams, and - if needed - the deregistration period.
How and when do I register for exams?

The registration for exams works like the registration for lectures. You can register for exams on u:find. The examination dates are listed in the course directory at the particular course. You can only register within the registration period. Please consider to choose the correct modul when you register for exams.
Due to an impairment I want to request exam adaptations/alternative modes of assessment. Where do I find further information?

You can find further information about accessible studying for students with impairments, disabilities and/or illnesses on the website of the Accessible Studying Team (University of Vienna website).

Please also inform your lecturers about your request.
I missed the De-/Registration period for an exam - what can I do?

If you missed the registration period for an exam, and it's urgent to complete that exam, you can ask the administrative staff in the office for help.

If you missed the deregistration period or missed the exam for unforeseen reasons (e.g. illness or traffic obstruction), please inform your teacher immediately via e-mail. Your teacher will induce the deregistration.
Lecture exams?

You can take part in lecture exams, even if you didn't attend the lecture. Please note that you need to register for the exam.

If required, four examination dates are offered for each lecture: at the end of the semester in which the lecture was held, and at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the following semester.
Please consider the deadlines and the modalities for the registration (via u:find)! Within the registration period you can deregister independently and without giving reasons.

For information about the particular exam please ask your teacher/lecturer. If you are registered for an exam and can't participate (e.g. due to an illness), please also inform your teacher/lecturer immediately. If you fail to take the exam without an excuse, you will be assessed as "did not appear" and will be blocked for the next exam date.
What does continuous assessment of course work (pi-LV prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltung) mean?

Courses with continuous assessment of course work require registration. In courses with continuous assessment of course work (e.g. introductory seminars, exercises, seminars) you must provide oral and/or written partial performances. These partial performances become the total score calculated. Attendance is compulsory for courses with continuous assessment of course work, a maximum of 3 missed appointments can be tolerated. In the case of prolonged illnes or other reasons leading to more than 3 missed appointments, please speak to your lecturer to find a solution.

If you are registered for a course with continuous assessment of course work, but are absent from the first appointment without giving an important reason, you will be deregistered.

Students who are on the waiting list can be admitted to a course with continuous assessment of course work if places become available in this course. If you are on the waiting list, we recommend that you attend the first appointment of the course, as places that have become vacant at short notice are allocated.

The status of your registration shows you whether you are "registered", "on waiting list", or wheter an "alternative place is available" or whether you have "not received a place". If you have been offered an alternative place in another group, you can accept it or decline it within a set period of time.
I missed the registration period for a pi-LV (course with continuous assessment of course work) - what now?

The registration period for courses with continuous assessment of course work (exercises [UE], introductory seminars [PS] and seminars [SE]) can be found in the course directory u:find. If you missed the deadline, we recommend that you attend the first appointment of the course and ask the lecturer to register you - if there are still places available and you meet the requirements, this should usually be possible. Please inform the lecturer for which module you want to use the course - this is the only way that your grade will appear in the right place in your electronic examination pass after the late registration.

Please note, that if you miss the registration deadline through your own fault, you are not entitled to a course place and that late registration is only a gesture of goodwill.
I can't attend the pi-LV (course with continuous assessment of work) that I registered for. But the deregistration period is already over. Who can deregister me?

If you find that you can't attend a course with continuous assessment of course work (introductory seminars, exercises, seminars), after the deregistration period has expired, please tell your lecturer es soon as possible. The lecturer can deregister you from the course.

Please note: If you don't deregister in time, the lecturer must enter a negative grade.
I would like to have exams from another course recognized for my African Studies. How does that work?

You need to download and fill in the forms "Ansuchen" (word-document) and "Auflistung" (excel-table) from the section "recognition of courses" (Department website).

Send the forms and your transcript of records to the Studies Service Unit (StudienServiceStelle) SPL 14: service.spl14@univie.ac.at. Please keep in mind that any e-mail correspondence may only be maintained between u:net-addresses (astudentIDnumber@unet.univie.ac.at).

Attention: For recognition of courses for an EC, the directorate of studies that offers the EC is always responsible for the recognition of courses. (That means: If an EC is offered by the Department of History, the department's directorate of studies has to decide if courses that were completed anywhere else are recognized for this EC).

Recognition of the two ECs that the Department of African Studies offers are edited by the directorate of Studies - African Studies.
My grade is in the wrong module - how can I assign it correctly?

The assignment (choice) of the module already happens when you register for the exam or exam-immanent course. A drop-down list will appear in the registration screen and you can select as required. When registering, please always make sure to select the correct module. If you make a mistake and the grade entered appears in the wrong module in the electronic record of examination, please contact the StudiesServiceUnit (service.spl14@univie.ac.at) and ask for the assignment to be corrected.
Completion of my Bachelor degree - what should I do?

Check your electronic "record of examinations" ("Prüfungspass") including extension curriculum and alternative extensions (marked on u:space: „relevant für Abschluss“), to make sure that each exam matches with the right module. You can check the matching with the form "Prüfungspass/Record of examinations Bachelor African Studies" (in German) (Word). In case of doubt or changes, please contact the StudiesServiceUnit ("StudienServiceStelle") per e-mail (service.spl14@univie.ac.at)

Fill in the survey form UHSTAT2 from Statistik Austria and save the confirmation document.

In order to get your final documents, please send your updated transcript of records and the Statistik Austria confirmation per e-mail with the subject „Request for Bachelor's Degree [name] [matriculation number]“ to service.spl14@univie.ac.at.

ATTENTION: this application can only be sent from your u:account e-mail address: [aMatrikelnummer@unet.univie.ac.at]. Applications from private e-mail addresses will not be processed.

With this application you guarantee that no changes will be brought to the transcript of records as you sent it.
I am finishing my BA in African Studies and would like to be directly admitted in Master. What should I do?

In order to be admitted as a master student after you're finished with your BA (!it doesn't run automatically!), you have to fill out the form "Tagesaktuelle Zulassung" and send it to the Admission Office through the Servicedesk: click on "Direct admission to the consecutive master programme", write to the admission office and attach the form.
Form "Tagesaktuelle Zulassung zum konsekutiven Masterstudium" (in German) (PDF)
Contact the Servicedesk of the University of Vienna

Imagine that your last BA work/exam has been recorded on April 3rd. Then, after a successful "Direct Admission" (Tagesaktuelle Zulassung), you will be registered for master retroactively from April 4th on. You will be able to download the registration confirmation from u:space ("Personal Documents" or "Persönliche Dokumente") as soon as the registration is completed by the admission office.