Book Studies
Book Studies (B.A.)

Discover the fascinating world of book studies! Delve into the diverse communicative processes that underlie text-based media. In our degree program, we study not only books, but also newspapers, magazines and the latest electronic formats such as ebooks, apps and blogs. Our focus is on understanding how these media are created, distributed and used. Come with us on an exciting journey into the past to gain a better understanding of reading and writing in today’s world.
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 6
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 50-150
- Subject group
- Language and Cultural Studies
- Special ways to study
- 2-subject Bachelor, Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Keywords
- Book Studies, Book Studies, Digital Education, Grammar, Media
What is the degree program about?
Book Studies explores the communicative processes underlying text-based media. We consider books, newspapers and magazines, and are just as interested in printed versions as in electronic media such as ebooks, apps and blogs. The key question is how text-based media are created, distributed and used. We look back at the past to allow us to understand the present.
If you are interested in books, newspapers and magazines and would like to discover more about the processes behind them, then this is just the course for you.
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- Module 1: Introduction
- Module 2: Theoretical foundations of media
- Module 3: Methods
- Module 4: Socio-technical constellations
- Module 5: Business in media and publication
- Module 6: Reception and utilization
- Module 7: Marketing and marketing management
- Module 8: Organizations and services
- Module 9: Research perspectives
- Module 10: Bachelor’s thesis
In the first two semesters, students learn the fundamentals of the subject in modules 1 to 4. Here, you will learn what text-based media are, how communication via written media is structured and which resources are required for this to work. You will learn theoretical approaches that will help you to understand what writing, media and communication actually are, for instance, and you will receive an introduction to methods that will act as tools for you to answer questions relating to book studies.
The first study phase is completed with the Grundlagen- und Orientierungsprüfung (GOP) examination at the end of the second semester. This requires you to complete modules 1 to 3 successfully by passing the relevant examination achievements.
In the next two semesters, you will gain a more in-depth knowledge of the subject by completing core modules 6, 7 and 8. During lectures, you will receive an introduction to the essential aspects of the communication processes behind text-based media, and continue to explore these in more depth in seminars. You will learn about communication processes and their influencing factors and controlling mechanisms, discover more about the cultural technique of reading and learn about the various actors who are involved in ensuring the continued manufacture and distribution of text-based media.
In the last two seminars it is your opportunity to show what you have learned. In module 9, you work independently to develop questions relating to everyday life and strategies for answering them. This can then lead to your Bachelor’s thesis. Module 5 and internships you complete during your studies give you the necessary practical experience. You can choose to complete your internships either in Germany or abroad.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Book Studies is an undergraduate degree completed after three years of study (six semesters). -
The following modules are planned:
- Introduction to book studies
- Theoretical foundations of media
- Methods
- Sociotechnical systems
- Business in media and publication
- Organizations and services
- Reception and utilization
- Marketing and marketing management
- Research perspectives
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The most important thing is that you are interested in the subject and its content, that you are enthusiastic and open to tackling new or challenging concepts, and that you are fully committed.
We would like you to take an open approach to media that we take for granted and often encounter with preconceived notions. During the program, we take a critical approach to books, magazines and newspapers and investigate how they became what they are today, which opportunities and risks are linked to the various formats, distribution channels and cultural techniques, and which status they have had in the past, have now and may possibly have in the future.
You should have the desire and the will to work independently: we are not teachers driving you from one test to the next, it is up to you to motivate yourself and tailor your studies to suit your own interests.
We also expect you to enjoy reading academic texts. This includes engaging with them and feeling elated at how they produce insights that help you progress – not just in the current seminar or semester, but even going beyond your studies. -
In media companies, especially in publishing houses, there are openings for graduates in all departments such as editing, marketing and sales, press or licenses, but attractive opportunities are also available in executive positions such as an executive assistant or in corporate development. IT departments are becoming increasingly important. At the distribution level, i.e. in the book, press or general media trade, the focus today is on the logistics of physical and digital media, information management and customer service. Other specialized alternatives are communications agencies, communications departments of large companies or cultural institutions. Additional specialization comes from your second subject in the Bachelor’s degree program and from internships you have completed during your studies.
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Degree program combinations
- Archaeological Sciences
- Art History
- Business and Economics
- English and American Studies
- French Studies
- German studies
- Greek Philology
- History
- Indo-European and Indo-Iranian Studies
- Islamic Religious Studies
- Italian Romance Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Latin Philology
- Medieval Latin and Neo-Latin
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Scandinavian Studies (BA)
- Sociology
- Theater and Media Studies
Das Lehrangebot dieser Kombination ist so aufeinander abgestimmt, dass die Fächer in der Regel überschneidungsfrei miteinander kombiniert werden können.
Limited degree program combinations
- Chinese Studies
- Computational Linguistics
- Cultural History of Christianity
- Digital Humanities and Social Sciences
- Education
- Geography: Cultural Geography as a two subject Bachelor's degree program
- Hispanic Studies
- Oriental Studies
Diese Kombination kann nur nach einer diesbezüglichen Studienberatung studiert werden. Die Überschneidungsfreiheit kann jedoch nicht garantiert werden. Die Studierenden tragen selbst die Verantwortung für die Studierbarkeit der Kombination und die Einhaltung der Fristen des § 10. Der Nachweis einer Studienberatung ist bei der Immatrikulation vorzulegen.
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Application deadline winter semester
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30.09.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
- General language skills
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Nachweis ausreichender Kenntnisse in mindestens 2 Fremdsprachen (darunter Englisch) bis zum Ende des 4. Semesters
- Details and notes
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The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.