Do you like speaking? Then why not study it! Warming up your voice, speaking clearly, analysing language, arguing convincingly, leading conversations, giving speeches, performing confidently in front of the microphone - can this really be a (degree) subject?
Yes! In the Bachelor's supplementary subject »Speech Science and Phonetics« you will learn exactly that. It combines in-depth knowledge of spoken language and oral communication with plenty of practical experience. Cicero already knew that »speech can only be learnt by speaking.«
The subject »Speech Science and Phonetics« prepares you for careers in which communication takes centre stage - whether in the media, education, business or advisory services(s)|consultations. You will learn how to use your words in a targeted manner and be convincing with your voice. And best of all, you can actively try out, train and develop your skills - provided you are not a mouthful.
Oscillogram and sonogram of the word phonetics
Image: Professur für Sprechwissenschaft und PhonetikSpeaking, hearing, understanding - seemingly self-evident, but behind this lies a fascinatingly complex interplay of articulation, sound transmission and perception. Phonetics researches how speech is created, sounds and is understood - and shows how the subtlest differences in voice and pronunciation shape meaning. Discover what our speech reveals - scientifically sound and practically orientated.
Two rhetors in ancient garb face each other
Image: Professur für SprechwissenschaftWhether on stage, in a seminar or in everyday life - you can learn to speak. The speech science programme in Jena teaches you the rhetorical tools you need to communicate convincingly, clearly and empathetically. Theory and practice go hand in hand: from ancient basics to modern forms of dialogue, you will develop your rhetorical skills - through reflection, analysis and above all: through speaking.
Livehörspiel mit Studierenden
Image: Professur für SprechwissenschaftMaking texts audible, unfolding the power of the spoken word: In the art of speaking, you will work with literature, media and your voice. You will learn how to create atmosphere, emphasise meaning and touch your audience using speaking funds - live or in the studio. Speaking becomes an art here. In Jena, you will learn how to create literary and media texts with voice, expression and presence.
Frau flüstert einer anderen etwas ins Ohr
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)Voices can fascinate, move and inspire - because the sound makes the music. Training your own voice is like learning to play an instrument: it requires technique, sensitivity and practice. In speech and voice training in Jena, you develop your vocal potential - with body awareness, articulation and expressiveness. For a healthy, sonorous and effective use of your voice.
Multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Picture: Sophie BartholomeThe Bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study|regular programme length is six semesters in total, during which various forms of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or tutorials) are offered for the individual modules.
A multi-subject Bachelor's degree consists of a major subject with 120 credit points (abbreviation: LP / 1 LP = 30 hours of attendance, preparation and follow-up work|follow-up activity, learning and assessed coursework and examinations) and a supplementary subject with 60 LP. The programme comprises seven compulsory and two required elective modules.
The following table shows you an example of the programme structure for the supplementary subject »Speech Science and Phonetics«:
| Semester | Modules |
|---|---|
| 1. to 2. |
|
| 3. to 4. |
|
| 5. to 6. |
|
Abbreviations: CP = credit points (ECTS)|ECTS credits
You can find more detailed information in the recommended study plan de and module catalogue for the degree programmeExternal link.
Speech Studies and Phonetics is not a mass subject - and that is exactly what makes it special. In Jena, you learn in small groups, receive personal support and can fully realise your creative potential. Theory and practice are perfectly intertwined here: you develop your sense of language, your voice and your appearance - with scientific depth and plenty of room to try things out.
Instead of starting out anonymously among 5000 first-year students, you will become part of a committed, informal community of around 20 »SpreWis«. Welcome to Jena - here, speaking becomes science!
You don't just learn to speak in a seminar - you also learn to speak on stage. At our summer and Christmas parties, you can show what you're made of: whether in live radio plays, presentations or creative performances. Here we don't just celebrate, we try things out, present and laugh together. Discover your creative potential - and experience how much fun speech science can be!
Speaking will get you further! What do a state theatre, a research laboratory, a political stage and a classroom have in common? Our alumni! A degree in Speech Studies and Phonetics opens up a wide range of paths - from media and education to forensics, advisory services(s)|consultations or the stage. Take a look at where our graduates are working today - and what they recommend in retrospect.
Frau im Tonstudio
Image: Adobe StockEloquent behind the scenes
In editing, production and media conception, what counts is how content sounds and works. Studying Speech Studies and Phonetics gives you a keen sense of language, voice and impact. Today, our alumni work at exciting interfaces between editing, culture and communication. And they show how speaking technique, presence and authenticity open doors to creative professional fields.
Schreibtisch mit Laptop
Image: Adobe StockAnalysing language, reading traces
What does identity sound like? And what does a speech signal reveal about a person? Research, acoustic analysis and forensics are all about questions like these. Using methods from phonetics, Linguistics and Psychology, you will learn to record and interpret linguistic data - and sometimes even solve puzzles.
Vortrag eines Redners
Image: Adobe StockCommunicate effectively - with voice and strategy
In politics, administration and PR, it's all about being heard and understood. The Speech Studies and Phonetics degree programme provides you with tools for clear, convincing communication - from voice and appearance to the strategic communication of complex content. Our alumni show you how to succeed.
Image of a group in silhouette
Image: Adobe StockLanguage works - in school, training and business
Whether in the classroom, in coaching or in a business context: communication is the key to success. By studying Speech Studies and Phonetics, you will learn how language shapes relationships, supports learning processes and makes presentations effective. Our alumni show how versatile this can be.
Logotherapiesitzung mit Kind
Image: Adobe StockLanguage as the key to support
Whether in therapy, advisory services(s)|consultations or conflict support - anyone who works with people works with language. Studying Speech Studies and Phonetics will teach you how voice and conversation can be used in a targeted way to promote healing processes and make communication possible.
Speaking will get you further! What do a state theatre, a research laboratory, a political stage and a classroom have in common? Our alumni! A degree in Speech Studies and Phonetics opens up a wide range of paths - from media and education to forensics, advisory services(s)|consultations or the stage. Take a look at where our graduates are working today - and what they recommend in retrospect.
A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.
More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
two foreign languages recommended
Please submit an up-to-date and complete CV in tabular form. Please provide full details regarding your schooling and academic education to date. You can find more information hereExternal link.
Please upload the school certificate confirming your university entrance qualification to our application portal. You can find more information hereExternal link.
Please upload transcripts of records for all previous periods of study and degrees, as well as, if applicable, your degree certificate, to the portal.
Proof of sufficient German proficiency must be provided for all German-language degree programmes. The following certificates are recognized as proof of proficiency by Friedrich Schiller University Jena:
Please note: We strongly recommend that you submit the required proof of German proficiency at the time of your application.
If you do not yet have the required language certificate, you may apply for our DSH course starting from German level B1. This course ensures optimal language preparation and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Jena while benefiting from student status.
A translation into German or English must be submitted for every application document that was not originally issued in German or English. These translations must be prepared by an authorized translation office.
Applicants with university degrees from India, Vietnam, or the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.
Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of their university entrance examination:
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