African Studies MA

The primary study areas covered by the program focus on one of three key linguistic regions of Sub-Saharan Africa: East Africa (Swahili language), West Africa (Hausa language), and the Horn of Africa (Amharic language). Students will learn one of the continent’s most important languages—Swahili, Hausa or Amharic. The program also emphasizes the challenges faced by the entire African continent in the 21st century.

The program is open to Polish and international post-graduate BA and MA students. It enables students to expand their knowledge, while the skills acquired provide a foundation for further research development, in line with the University of Warsaw’s strategy as a research institution. The program also facilitates the practical application of the acquired knowledge and skills in multicultural environments, including Africa.

Graduates will have a strong methodological foundation in African Studies, enabling them to conduct research, including international research, and will be familiar with the cultural artefacts of the studied regions. They will be well-equipped to educate society about the cultural diversity of Africa and its impact on societal development.

Applicants to the program should be open to new challenges and show a willingness to explore and understand the uniqueness of African culture and its social and political influence.

The knowledge acquired during the program will enable graduates to process material and express themselves confidently on general issues related to the theory and practice of African cultures. Moreover, graduates will gain an understanding of the cultural and civilizational diversity of Africa, which will allow them to participate in the process of intercultural understanding and cooperation. As a result, they will contribute to the enhancement of theoretical reflection on African cultures. Graduates will also be able to analyse key phenomena related to African culture, using their language skills and methodological expertise in the fields of African religious studies, linguistics, history, and literature.

Where you can find a job after completing studies

The African Studies program is of particular interest to students who wish to pursue a professional career in Africa, as well as those interested in African cultural issues (e.g., journalists, economists, entrepreneurs, doctors, managers, diplomats, and humanitarian organization workers). Additionally, the program helps develop competencies that prepare students to undertake independent research during their Ph.D. studies.

Upon completing African Studies, the graduates will gain knowledge and skills that will open up a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates of the program find employment in international institutions and the diplomatic sector, working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, or European Parliament delegations, where intercultural competencies and knowledge of the African region are highly valued. These studies also prepare graduates for work in non-governmental organizations and foundations, where they manage aid projects and initiatives supporting the development of the continent. The knowledge acquired during the program also enables pursuing a career in the public sector and education, both at universities and research institutions, where the interdisciplinary approach allows for analyzing both historical and contemporary challenges. Graduates can also successfully develop careers in media, tourism, or translation, and companies operating in African markets seek specialists who can navigate cultural and language barriers. The skills acquired, such as a good knowledge of an African language and the ability to analyze intercultural processes, are appreciated not only in work directly related to Africa but also in the global business and institutional environment. African Studies allow you to become a specialist who combines traditional knowledge with modern analytical methods, playing a key role in building intercultural bridges and developing international relations.

What will you learn during the studies

Our programme covers African cultural and linguistic diversity, focusing on modernity. Our Students learn one of three African languages (Swahili, Hausa, or Amharic) at beginner or advanced level. Other courses include: Modern methods of academic research, Postcolonial perspectives in African studies, Cultural linguistics and cultural codes, and African popular and mass culture, among many others.