Studierende vor dem Hauptgebäude der Universität Jena

Speech Studies and Phonetics

What gender-specific differences are there when speaking? How can we make a speech or an argument appear particularly effective? If you are interested in these questions, then you have come to the right place!
Studierende vor dem Hauptgebäude der Universität Jena
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
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Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
minor in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
60
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 305,05
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Arts
Institute of German Linguistics
Application & Deadlines

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.

  • Phonetics
    Oscillogram and sonogram of the word phonetics

    Oscillogram and sonogram of the word phonetics

    Image: Professur für Sprechwissenschaft und Phonetik

    Speaking, 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.

    Learn more de
  • Rhetoric
    Two rhetors in ancient garb face each other

    Two rhetors in ancient garb face each other

    Image: Professur für Sprechwissenschaft

    Whether 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.

    Learn more de
  • Art of speaking
    Livehörspiel mit Studierenden

    Livehörspiel mit Studierenden

    Image: Professur für Sprechwissenschaft

    Making 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.

    Learn more de
  • Voice and speaking
    Frau flüstert einer anderen etwas ins Ohr

    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.

    Learn more de

Multi-subject bachelor’s programme

Picture: Sophie Bartholome

The 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.
  • General phonetics (10 CP)
  • Speech training (5 CP)
  • Fundamentals of rhetoric (10 CP)
3. to 4.
  • Experimental Phonetics (5 CP)
  • Art of Speech (5 CP)
  • Voice and speech disorders (5 CP)
5. to 6.
  • Didactics and methodology or areas of application of experimental phonetics (10 CP each)
  • Rhetorical communication and its areas of application (10 CP)

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!

  • View from above of a poster session at a conference
    Image: Maik Schuck
    Research in Jena And another plus point: people don't just talk in Jena - they do research here! The study centre is a leader in sociophonetics. The focus is on exciting questions about the voice as a social expression - for example, how sex|gender, profession or hormones shape our linguistic impact. Find out more on our research page.

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!

  • Excerpt from the live radio play: Somehow Jorinde and Joringel
    Video: University of Jena
  • Excerpt from the live radio play: Army of the last days
    Video: University of Jena
  • One person as a band? - Beatboxer Alessandro with Jingle Bells
    Video: University of Jena
  • Excerpt from the live radio play: Blacksmith Schmitt's Hole
    Video: University of Jena

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.

  • Media, culture and theatre
    Frau im Tonstudio

    Frau im Tonstudio

    Image: Adobe Stock

    Eloquent 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.

    Learn more de
  • Research, acoustic speech analysis and forensics
    Schreibtisch mit Laptop

    Schreibtisch mit Laptop

    Image: Adobe Stock

    Analysing 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.

    Learn more de
  • Public relations, politics and administration
    Vortrag eines Redners

    Vortrag eines Redners

    Image: Adobe Stock

    Communicate 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.

    Learn more de
  • Education and economy

    Image of a group in silhouette

    Image: Adobe Stock

    Language 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.

    Learn more de
  • (Medicine) social services
    Logotherapiesitzung mit Kind

    Logotherapiesitzung mit Kind

    Image: Adobe Stock

    Language 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.

    Learn more de
  • “Welcome” lettering in phonetic transcription
    Image: Professur für Sprechwissenschaft und Phonetik
    News from speech science Here you will find news, dates and insights from teaching - everything important about Speech Studies and Phonetics in Jena.

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.

Admission requirements

  • University entrance qualification

    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.

  • Language requirements

    two foreign languages recommended

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