FAQ

• In accordance with the guidelines established by Swissunability, the University of Bern is committed to combating discrimination and promoting equal opportunities. If you have a disability or a chronic illness, please contact the Office for Equal Opportunities and the Directorate of the Institute of Spanish Language and Literatures as soon as you begin your studies so that they can work with you to determine how best to support or advise you on an individual basis throughout your studies.

1. What level of Spanish and German do I need?

• Spanish:
  All courses offered by the Institute are taught in Spanish. To follow them adequately, it is recommended that students have acquired at least a language level equivalent to B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). There is, however, the possibility of taking Spanish language courses at the Institut für Sprachwissenschaft.
• German:
  In principle, the University requires a C1 level of German for admission, since in most degree programs courses are taught in that language. In addition, communication within the University takes place mainly in German, which is also necessary for daily life in Bern. However, the Institute does not require any German-language certificate from incoming students. This means that all students are effectively exempt from the German test required by the University (waiver of the German test).
• Important:
  Each institute has its own admission requirements, including the required level of German. To obtain this information for the Major/Minor of your choice, please contact the relevant institute directly.

2. Is Latin a requirement for studying Spanish Language and Literatures?

The course “Einführung in die lateinische Sprache und Kultur für Romanisten” is part of the curriculum in the Major, but it is optional. Therefore, no prior knowledge of Latin is required.

3. Where can I obtain more information about the Bachelor’s program in Spanish Language and Literatures at the University of Bern?

• You can consult the website of the Philosophisch-historische Fakultät dedicated to our Bachelor’s programs (information available in German and Spanish).
• If you still cannot find answers to your questions, you may contact Lea Röthlisberger (Student Advisory Service).

1. What does the program in Bern consist of?

The Spanish Studies program is structured around two main branches: Spanish and Latin American Literatures, and Linguistics, both articulated around contemporary issues. The Linguistics section is the only one in Switzerland with a specific focus on sociolinguistics and discourse analysis. In the Literature section, in addition to an introduction to literary theory, a wide range of courses and seminars is offered, covering Spanish and Latin American literatures in their various genres. Particular emphasis is placed on prose texts (novel, essay, criticism) of Modernity (19th to 21st centuries).
 

2. How can I enroll in the program?

• You can enroll on the enrollment services website.

3. What is the Tag des Studienbeginns?

During the introductory day for new students (Tag des Studienbeginns), you will receive the necessary information to begin your studies and have the opportunity to meet the lecturers and staff members of the Institute. The two sections—Literature and Linguistics—will be presented, along with the Institute’s library and the Fachschaft Romanistik. You will also receive information about the upcoming semester and the timetable.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions to lecturers and to the student advisor. After the information session, the Institute offers a welcome reception for new students, providing the opportunity to meet fellow students and speak informally with lecturers. Finally, the Fachschaft Romanistik offers a guided tour of the Unitobler building and the Romance language institutes (French, Italian, Spanish) located on the third floor.

The Tag des Studienbeginns always takes place on the Friday before the start of classes in the autumn semester, around midday.

4. Where will my classes take place?

In general, classes of the Institute of Spanish Language and Literatures take place in the Unitobler building (Lerchenweg 36). Information on classrooms and schedules can be found in the annotated course program. In the other section of the Unitobler area (Länggassstrasse 49), you will also find the Mensa (ground floor), the Institute’s staff offices and secretariat (third floor), the Romance Languages Library, and the Kafistübli (fourth floor).

5. Which courses should I take?

In the first year, attendance at the Einführungen (introductory courses) and Übungen (practical classes), both in Literature and Linguistics, is mandatory. Detailed information on compulsory course offerings can be found in the BA study models document.

6. Do lecturers provide podcasts or materials?

Generally, courses are not available as podcasts, as many topics change every year. Lecturers upload bibliographical materials and/or presentations to the ILIAS platform. If you are unable to attend class, you should inform the lecturer to discuss how best to prepare for the exam.

7. When are timetables and syllabi available?

Timetables for the autumn semester are published around Easter, that is, in the middle of the spring semester. Detailed syllabi are made available at the end of the spring semester. Both are accessible on the website and in KSL, and students are additionally informed by email.

Timetables for the following spring semester are published in the middle of the autumn semester (towards the end of October). Detailed syllabi are made available before the end of the semester (mid to late December). Earlier publication is not possible due to logistical reasons specific to the Institute (external collaboration, staff availability, and the innovative nature of courses, whose content changes almost every semester).

8. Library introductions

At the beginning of the autumn semester, the Romance Languages Library organizes introductory sessions on the proper use of the library, which are mandatory for students. The Universitätsbibliothek (UB) and the Basisbibliothek Unitobler (BTO) also regularly organize guided introductions. Dates are posted on our webseite and on notice boards of the BTO and the Spanish library.

9. Can I start my studies in spring?

Generally, yes, you may begin your studies in the spring semester. If you decide to do so, either before or after completing your registration at ZIB (Admissions Office), please contact the student advisory officer, Lea Röthlisberger (lea.roethlisberger@unibe.ch), to review which courses you may attend and under what conditions. Since the two Einführungen (introductions to Linguistics and Literature) take place only in the autumn semester, beginning in spring entails certain restrictions. Moreover, there is no introductory event for the spring semester.

10. Can I transfer credits from other universities?

For the recognition of studies completed at other universities, please consult Professor Bürki (Linguistics, yvette.buerki@unibe.ch) or Professor Vauthier (Literature, benedicte.vauthier@unibe.ch).

1. What are CTS (KSL) and ILIAS?

The electronic systems CTS (in german KSL) and ILIAS are essential tools for your studies at the University of Bern.

• CTS is the platform used for administrative management related to your studies, such as registering for exams and assignments. You will also receive your grades in this system and manage the ECTS credits you accumulate throughout your Bachelor’s degree.

• ILIAS is the University of Bern’s central teaching and learning platform. Here, you will receive all course materials, such as mandatory readings, PowerPoint presentations, and each course’s detailed semester program.

Consult the following links for a practical introduction to both systems:
What is CTS?
What is ILIAS?

2. How do I activate my email account?

You can access your email account at: https://outlook.office.com
Login is carried out using the Campus Account you receive upon enrollment.

3. Where can I obtain a VPN client?

The VPN client gives you access to the university’s internal resources when you are off campus. The software can be downloaded from the University of Bern’s IT services webpage. More information here.

4. I have a technical problem…

If you encounter technical issues with ILIAS, CTS, your email account, the VPN, or any other University of Bern applications, it is recommended that you contact the IT support service. They normally respond very quickly to any inquiry.

1. What is the Propädeutikum, and which courses are mandatory?

• The Bachelor’s program in Spanish Language and Literatures consists of two main parts: the Propädeutikum (introductory year) and the Hauptstudium (main phase of studies).
• The Propädeutikum comprises the first two semesters (autumn and spring) and consists of introductory lectures (Vorlesungen) and practical classes (Übungen) that provide the fundamental knowledge required for the study of Spanish language, linguistics, literatures, and cultures. All courses are held weekly.In the autumn semester, you will attend the Einführungen in Literary Studies (Literaturwissenschaft) and Linguistics (Sprachwissenschaft), which introduce you to the specificities, theoretical foundations, and methodologies of both disciplines. These theoretical courses are accompanied by a tutorial taught by an advanced student who will review the course content with you. Officially, attendance at the Einführungen and the tutorial is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, as they provide the essential foundations for your studies and are difficult to prepare independently.
• In the practical courses (Übungen Sprachwissenschaft I and Literaturwissenschaft I), you will deepen your basic knowledge in both areas in a more applied manner. In Übung Literaturwissenschaft I (autumn), you will become familiar with key events in the history of Spain through the analysis of short narratives. In Übung Sprachwissenschaft I (spring), you will study the geographical varieties of Spanish and their social variation.In both autumn and spring semesters, you will also attend two transversal practical courses (Übungen Kreatives und Wissenschaftliches Schreiben), which aim to improve your written and oral expression in both academic and creative contexts.All four practical courses are mandatory and include continuous assessment. You may not miss more than two classes in order to be eligible for the final assessment. After successfully completing the Propädeutikum, you may attend the courses of the Hauptstudium, which address more advanced topics.

2. What is the study plan, and where can I find it?

• The division of studies into the two areas of Literature and Linguistics accompanies you from the first semester onward. The Propädeutikum courses are mandatory for all students at the Institute; therefore, no choices are required at this stage.
• During the Bachelor’s program, you will attend courses and seminars in both Literature and Linguistics. Some are organized into thematic modules. If you are enrolled as a Minor student (60/30 ECTS), you will choose a dominant subject area from the third semester onward (beginning of the Hauptstudium).

• Please consult the following links: Study plan for all degree programs (BA Major/Minor, MA Major, Minor); Official regulations for the study of Spanish Language and Literatures.

3. How do I register for courses?

• To participate in courses and seminars, you must register in KSL at the beginning of the semester. There are sufficient places for all Spanish students. During the semester, you must register again in KSL (using your Campus Account login) in order to sit the final exams. You will receive an email notification when the registration period opens. During the first session of each course or seminar, you will receive the password to access the corresponding ILIAS page.

4. How do I prepare for courses?

• Before the semester begins, it is recommended that you consult the detailed semester program. This document contains the class schedule and the required bibliography for each course. It is advisable to obtain the books and begin reading before the semester starts.

5. My courses overlap—what can I do?

• In case of timetable conflicts, you are advised to prioritize Major courses. Important: Propädeutikum courses are offered annually. In general, you may only attend or advance to Hauptstudium courses after completing the Einführungen and, in Linguistics, the Übung Sprachwissenschaft I (Varieties of Spanish), which is offered in spring. It is therefore recommended to complete the Einführungen in Literary Studies and Linguistics during your first semester, as they are prerequisites for advanced courses.

6. What types of assessment are there?

• The Propädeutikum courses include various forms of assessment. At the end of the two Einführungen (lecture format), you will sit a written exam. The four practical courses (Übungen) are more applied and interactive. They usually include continuous assessment, such as oral presentations, creative tasks, written assignments, and sometimes a final evaluation. Detailed information will be provided at the beginning of the semester.
• Important: Registration in KSL is mandatory in order to sit exams and submit final assignments. Even if you cannot attend the first examination session, you must register in order to be eligible for the second session. If you do not attend the exam (due to illness or other reasons) without formal withdrawal, you will receive an insufficient grade (1.0), which automatically entitles you to register for the second session.

7. When do exams take place?

• First-session exams take place shortly after the end of the semester and are scheduled over the course of one week. Dates are listed in the semester program. In the autumn semester, exams take place approximately one week after the end of the Christmas break (around January 10). In spring, they take place about one week after the semester ends. Second-session exam dates are announced once the first-session exams have been graded. Lecturers usually coordinate dates directly with students who must retake the exam or who were unable to attend the first session. Registration for the first session remains mandatory.

8. What happens if I fail a Propädeutikum course?

• Propädeutikum courses are mandatory and cannot be compensated by other grades. If you fail the first examination session, you should contact the lecturer to review your exam and discuss how to prepare more effectively for the second session. If you fail the same Propädeutikum course twice, you will no longer be allowed to continue the Bachelor’s program in Spanish Language and Literatures.

9. Can I take advanced (Hauptstudium) courses early?

• In the second semester of the Propädeutikum, and with prior agreement from the lecturers in the respective area, students may take a maximum of two advanced courses: one lecture and/or one seminar.

10. What is the Wahlbereich?

• Major students in the Faculty of Humanities earn 15 ECTS credits in the elective area (Wahlbereich) of their Major. All courses listed in KSL may be credited toward the Wahlbereich. The purpose of the Wahlbereich is to promote interdisciplinarity and provide the opportunity to take courses in other areas of interest. The Faculty publishes a list of recommended transversal courses for the Wahlbereich. You may also take courses offered by the Institute of Spanish Language and Literatures that you have not yet completed, or other university courses (with the exception of certain language courses), and include them in your elective area.

1. Which courses follow after the Propädeutikum?

• After successfully completing the introductory courses of the Propädeutikum, you may proceed to the more advanced courses of the Hauptstudium. The Hauptstudium is structured according to a modular system addressing cultural and social issues of the Hispanic world, alongside additional courses.
• There are four thematic modules: “History and Society” (HIS), “Migration and Interculturality” (MIG), “Genres and Gender” (GEN), “Media and Materialities” (MED)
• Each academic year, two modules are offered. Every module approaches transversal themes in an interdisciplinary way through courses and seminars in Linguistics and/or Literature. In addition to completing thematic modules, you may freely combine other courses (from both the Linguistics and Literature sections) to fulfill the requirements of your Minor or Major. For further details regarding recognition, consult the modular study sections in the program.
• You may choose among different types of courses: Lectures (Vorlesungen) provide a more theoretical introduction to a topic. Assessment typically consists of a written or oral exam. Seminars are more interactive. After an introduction by the lecturer, you will develop your own research project or interpretation, present it orally in class, and submit a written paper at the end of the course.
• In addition to regular courses and seminars, you may participate in colloquia or study days with external guest speakers. Participation may be recognized upon submission of a final written assignment. There is also the possibility of completing independent research projects related to topics taught at the Institute. Furthermore, it is possible to attend and request recognition for a course or seminar from another institute related to the thematic focus of Spanish Studies (maximum 6 ECTS), for example: Spanish or Latin American history, courses from the CSLS or other Romance language institutes, seminars from the Dürrenmatt Professorship, or courses in Digital Humanities.

2. Which courses require mandatory attendance?

• As in the Propädeutikum, a distinction must be made between lectures (Vorlesungen) and seminars. Attendance at lectures is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Lecturers provide materials on ILIAS, though podcasts are generally not available. Attendance at seminars is mandatory. You may not miss more than two sessions in order to receive credit and submit the final paper. Part of the grade is based on continuous assessment. Attendance and participation in colloquia are also mandatory. Depending on the total number of hours, you may generally miss no more than one session.

3. Is a stay abroad mandatory?

• For Major students and Minor 60 students, a stay in a Spanish-speaking country is mandatory. It offers the opportunity to improve language proficiency, experience a new university environment, and establish international networks. You may apply for the stay after completing the Propädeutikum. Students from Spanish-speaking countries or holders of a DELE diploma at level C1 or C2 may apply for exemption. In this case, the ECTS credits linked to the stay (3 or 8 ECTS) must be compensated by taking additional courses at the Institute. Please note that completion and accreditation of a six-month stay abroad is required for obtaining a teaching qualification at the PH – Pädagogische Hochschule Bern. For information about partner universities, deadlines, and procedures, consult the relevant section of the website. For further questions, you may contact Prof. Dr. Bénédicte Vauthier (benedicte.vauthier@unibe.ch).
• Please note that it is only possible to start your stay abroad after having completed all Propädeutikum courses.

More information about the stay abroad.

4. What is the difference between a SEMP/Erasmus stay and a language stay?

• A SEMP/Erasmus stay takes place within the framework of agreements established with Spanish-speaking universities in Spain or Latin America. You pay tuition fees in Bern, attend courses at the host university, and may request recognition of the completed coursework within your Swiss study plan. Upon return, you may also apply to have the stay recognized as a “language stay.” This requires submission of a written report (see program for details).
• A “language stay” (3 or 6 months) may also be accredited if you have held an employment contract (company, NGO, etc.) or carried out professional activity in a Spanish-speaking country while enrolled at the University of Bern.

5. Can I take Spanish courses at other Swiss universities?

• Within the framework of the BeNeFri agreement (cooperation between the Universities of Bern, Neuchâtel, and Fribourg), and subject to prior approval by the lecturers, students may attend selected Hauptstudium courses at the Universities of Fribourg and Neuchâtel. The list of available courses is published in the semester program. Approval must be obtained from Prof. Dr. Yvette Bürki (yvette.buerki@unibe.ch).

6. Can I change my dominant field during my studies?

• Minor students choose a dominant branch (Literature or Linguistics) from the third semester onward, after completing the Propädeutikum. In general, it is possible to change the dominant field, though you may need to complete additional courses in the newly chosen branch.

7. When must I apply for an extension of my study period (Studienzeitverlängerung)?

• The standard duration of studies is six semesters for the Bachelor’s degree and four for the Master’s degree. If you are unable to complete your studies within this timeframe, you must officially apply for an extension from the ninth Bachelor semester onward and from the sixth Master semester onward, in order to prolong your studies by one or two additional semesters. The acceptable grounds for extension (e.g., employment contract, family obligations) are listed on the website of the Faculty of Humanities (Philosophisch-historische Fakultät).

8. Can I take Master’s courses in advance (Vorgezogene Masterleistungen)?

• As indicated in the study program, you may formally enroll in no more than two Master’s courses (one in Linguistics and one in Literature) before submitting and passing your Bachelor’s thesis and the complementary oral examination.If you are a Minor student and have completed the courses in our section, you should contact the director to clarify whether you may attend additional courses at the Institute while completing your Bachelor’s thesis in your other subject.

1. What are the requirements for pursuing an MA?

• To enroll in the Master’s program in Spanish Language and Literatures at the University of Bern, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literatures or in an equivalent discipline. To formalize your enrollment, you must request the recognition of your previous studies through the admissions office (ZIB: Zulassung, Immatrikulation und Beratung). Your dossier will then be examined by the relevant bodies (faculty and institute), which will inform you whether any additional requirements must be fulfilled before you can proceed with your MA studies.
• Important: The Master’s program consists of a major and a minor, which means that two Bachelor’s degrees (major and minor) are required.

2. In which language are the courses taught? What level is expected?

All courses at the Institute of Spanish Language and Literatures are taught in Spanish. Students are expected to have a C1/C2 level at the beginning of their studies. Knowledge of German is not mandatory at the Master’s level for this particular program. However, it may be required or recommended in other programs, as the majority of courses at the University are taught in German.

3. What are the study models of the Master’s programs offered by the Institute?

You can find the study models and curricula of the Master’s programs here.

4. Are there scholarships available?

All information regarding scholarships can be found on the University of Bern’s website under Scholarships.

5. Where can I obtain more information about the Master’s program in Spanish Language and Literatures at the University of Bern?

You may consult the section of the Faculty of Humanities dedicated to our Master’s programs (information available in English).

If you still cannot find answers to your questions, you may contact Lea Röthlisberger (Student Advisory Service).

1. Is it compulsory to have a C1 level of German to start my Spanish studies?

• Spanish:
  All courses offered by the Institute are taught in Spanish. To follow them adequately, it is recommended that students have acquired at least a language level equivalent to B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). There is, however, the possibility of taking Spanish language courses at the Institut für Sprachwissenschaft.

  German:
  In principle, the University requires a C1 level of German for admission, since in most degree programs courses are taught in that language. In addition, communication within the University takes place mainly in German, which is also necessary for daily life in Bern. However, the Institute does not require any German-language certificate from incoming students. This means that all students are effectively exempt from the German test required by the University (waiver of the German test).

  Important:
  Each institute has its own admission requirements, including the required level of German. To obtain this information for the Major/Minor of your choice, please contact the relevant institute directly.

2. What are the requirements to do an MA?

• A degree in Spanish Language and Literature or an equivalent subject is required to enroll in our MA program at the University of Bern. In order to finalize your enrollment, you must apply for recognition of your previous studies from the Admissions Office (ZIB: Zulassung, Inmatrikulation und Beratung). Your dossier will then be examined by the appropriate authorities (the department, and the Faculty of Humanities); they will let you know whether you have fulfilled the prerequisites, and can continue your studies at the MA level.
• Because the MA degree must be combined with a second subject (either as a Minor or Major), international students must also enroll in another field of study, and fulfill the registration prerequisites for that particular department. Please be aware that you might have to complete some additional introductory courses in your second subject if you have not studied it before.

3. Are there scholarships available?

All information regarding scholarships can be found on the University of Bern’s website under Scholarships.

4. Can I enroll with my foreign diploma?

• All information regarding the acceptance of foreign diplomas and the corresponding requirements for each country of origin can be found here.
• For any questions related to the recognition of foreign diplomas, please contact the Admissions Office (ZIB: Zulassung, Immatrikulation und Beratung).

1. I have another question that is not in the FAQs…

If you cannot find an answer to your question regarding the Spanish Language and Literatures program in these FAQs, in the detailed program, or on our website, please contact the student advisor, Lea Röthlisberger (lea.roethlisberger@unibe.ch).

If you have questions related to the general administration of your studies (Major/Minor enrollment, semester registration, etc.), contact the Admissions Office (ZIB).

If your questions concern your email account, VPN access, or the electronic systems KSL and ILIAS, please contact the university’s IT services.

2. Where is the Romance Studies Library?

The library of the Institute of Spanish Language and Literatures is located on the 4th floor (Länggassstrasse 49). Here you will find the relevant books for your studies and can request a free semester-long reserved workspace.

You can search the library’s holdings via the online catalogue Swisscovery of the University of Bern. If you have questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to ask the library staff—they will be happy to help you.

3. What is the Fachschaft?

The Fachschaft Romanistik is composed of all students enrolled in the Institutes of French, Italian, and Spanish Language and Literatures. Each semester it organizes leisure activities (such as theatre or museum visits) and events (such as film nights or competitions).

It also represents students’ interests within the SUB (Studierendenschaft der Universität Bern) and enables student representation on professorial appointment committees.

4. What is the Kafistübli?

On the 4th floor of Unitobler, next to the library, you will find the Kafistübli of the Fachschaft Romanistik. Here you can heat your food, make yourself a coffee, and meet fellow students from Spanish, French, and Italian studies.

The Kafistübli is open on weekdays from 11:30 to 14:00. You may also store your food in the refrigerator.

5. Where can I find support related to my studies?

The University of Bern Counselling Centre is available if you experience personal difficulties or challenges related to your studies. It offers free general counselling services, various workshops, and crisis support.