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Ibero-American Studies: Master's Program 'Communication and Society in Ibero-America'Application

Admission to the master’s program Communication and Society in Ibero-America at the HCIAS is access-restricted, which means that you have to fulfill certain requirements in order to be eligible for the program. In order for your application to be considered, the application requirements listed on this page must be fulfilled and all documents must be submitted on time. The four-semester program starts in the winter term (October) only.

The application documentation differ depending on your profile:

  • International applicants with a previous degree from a non-German university
  • German applicants/international applicants with a previous degree from a German university

All applicants must submit the application documents specifically required for the master's program 'Communication and Society in Ibero-America' as described on this site. International applicants with a previous degree from a non-German university have to additionally submit general documents required by Heidelberg University. All application documents have to be submitted electronically via the online platform heiCO.

This website details all the steps required to apply for the master's program. Please read the information thoroughly, paying special attention to the applicant profile which applies to you. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the program coordinator.

Application period

  • April 01st until September 30th of each year

We strongly recommend that international students from non-EU countries submit their applications by mid-June, as this will provide you with ample time to prepare for a successful and timely start to your first semester. 

Application Requirements

  • An above-average undergraduate degree in the humanities or social sciences. As a rule, 50% of the classes (or 74 ECTS) of your undergraduate degree should correspond to subjects from the humanities or social sciences. The degree program should have a study duration of at least three years.
  • Proficiency in English (C1 CEFRL)
  • Proficiency in Spanish (B2 CEFRL)

Application Documents for the Master's Program

The following documents are required for the master’s program and must be submitted by all applicants:  

  • University degree certificates and transcript of records
  • Letter of motivation
    The letter of motivation (in English or Spanish; max. 2 pages, Arial 10, line spacing 1,5) must explain the applicant’s specific motivation in applying for the master’s program Communication and Society in Ibero-America, referring to the applicant’s thematic and regional areas of interest. It should answer the following questions:
    • Why do you want to participate in this master's program and what interests you especially about the program?
    • What is your educational/scientific background and how does it relate to the master's program?
    • What do you expect from the master’s program?
  • Proof of proficiency in English
    Applicants need proof of proficiency in English with at least level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The following certificates are admissible as proof of proficiency:
    • University entrance qualification or University degree from an English-speaking country or an English-language university degree
    • An undergraduate university degree with at least 50% of English philology (or related subjects)
    • A minimum score of 90 in the internet-based TOEFL
    • A minimum score of 7.0 in the IELTS
    • Certificate of a C1 level from the Heidelberg University's Language Centre 
    • Other certificate (if you have a certificate that is not listed above, please contact us at study(at)hcias.uni-heidelberg.de)
  • Proof of proficiency in Spanish
    Applicants need proof of proficiency in Spanish with at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The following certificates are admissible as proof of proficiency:
    • University entrance qualification or University degree from a Spanish-speaking country or a Spanish-language university degree
    • An undergraduate university degree with at least 25% of Spanish philology (or related subjects)
    • DELE from the Instituto Cervantes certifying a B2 Nivel Avanzado
    • A certificate of a B2 level from the Heidelberg University's Language Centre
    • Other certificate (If you have a certificate that is not listed above, please contact us at study(at)hcias.uni-heidelberg.de)
  • Statement about ongoing examinations
    A statement as to whether the applicant has definitively failed an examination in this master's program or in related programs with essentially the same content or whether the applicant is no longer entitled to participate in the examinations for other reasons, or whether the applicant is in an ongoing examination process for a similar program. This form can be found in the download center.

Additional application documents for international applicants

International applicants with a previous degree from a non-German university must submit additional general documents required by Heidelberg University.

Follow this link for more information about the documents

Application Procedure

  • To apply for the master’s program, applicants must submit the application documents via the online platform heiCO.
  • Please be aware that on heiCO you can only upload one PDF document per category. That means for example in the category “Proof of language proficiency in accordance with the admission regulations (Master)” you have to upload the proof of proficiency in English and the proof of proficiency in Spanish in one document.
  • For information on which documents you have to admit, see the section “Application Documents for the Master's Program” above.
  • Please check the application status on heiCO regularly, after a positive evaluation of the application documents you will be able to download the letter of admission there as well.

The HCIAS study coordinator would be happy to assist you through the application process!

Contact and Support

HCIAS STUDY COORDINATOR

Martha Rudka, M.A.
Heidelberg Center for Ibero-American Studies - HCIAS
Brunnengasse 1 69117, Heidelberg
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 54-19334
E-Mail: martha.rudka(at)uni-heidelberg.de

OFFICE HOURS

  • Online or at the HCIAS (Brunnengasse 1), room 105
  • Advice in English, Spanish, or German
  • Please register via email: martha.rudka(at)uni-heidelberg.de
Martha Rudka