British and American Studies, Master of Arts

This MA places intercultural competence and rigorous academic research at its core. Teaching and seminars revolve around the English language and its varieties, literatures written in English, and a wide range of media (film, newspapers, radio, the Internet), alongside the histories and cultures of English-speaking communities. The programme has a particular emphasis on transculturation — the study of cultural exchange and intercultural dynamics — enabling you to link linguistic, literary and cultural perspectives into an integrated view of English studies.

You will be trained to design and carry out independent research, and to write academically within literary and cultural studies as well as linguistics. Coursework and seminars encourage cross-disciplinary thinking rather than isolated specialisms. Practical learning opportunities include a self-organised internship, student-led research projects, participation in student conferences, and collaborative workshops that you help to plan and run, all designed to ground theory in practice and build professional experience.

The programme suits students with very strong English skills and prior knowledge in the field who are curious about the full range of anglophone studies (you may narrow your focus during the MA). Graduates typically move into roles with international firms, cultural organisations, foundations, media companies or publishers, or into adult education; a smaller number pursue academic careers. All instruction is delivered in English, making the degree accessible to international students ready to study and work in that language.

Entry and study requirements (concise)

• Very high level of English proficiency (program taught entirely in English)
• Prior knowledge of the discipline (undergraduate background in English/related fields)
• Strong interest across the programme’s thematic areas; ability to choose a focus during study
• Willingness to work collaboratively on team projects, conferences, and workshops
• Capacity to arrange and complete a self-organised internship and independent research projects

Curriculum overview and structure

The programme is built around a compact, flexible structure that balances foundational training with opportunities for specialization. It comprises three compulsory basic modules, four consecutive main modules from which you choose three, an advanced module devoted to the MA thesis (Vertiefungsmodul), and a module for individual supplementary study. The three basic modules are normally completed in the early semesters to provide the conceptual and practical groundwork for later specialization.

Key modules and what you will learn

The basic modules—Key Academic/Practical Skills; Theories of Language, Literature and Culture; and Contact Zones and Intercultural Studies—equip you with scholarly methods, academic writing/presentation skills, theoretical frameworks and an understanding of cultural contact and exchange. The main modules allow you to focus on one or more thematic areas: The English Language and the Processes of Culture; British Literatures and the Processes of Culture; North American Literatures and the Processes of Culture; and Media and the Processes of Culture. By choosing three of these, you tailor your profile toward linguistic analysis, literary-historical approaches, comparative cultural studies, or media-focused research.

Thesis and flexible breadth options

The Vertiefungsmodul is dedicated to preparing and writing your MA thesis, consolidating research skills and subject-specific knowledge into an independent project. The Individual Supplementary Study Module adds important flexibility: you can broaden your perspectives by selecting seminars from any other university subject, undertaking an internship, or crediting courses taken during a semester abroad. This allows you to combine disciplinary depth with applied experience or interdisciplinary breadth.

Requirements (concise)

• Complete three compulsory basic modules (taken in the first semesters):
  • Key Academic/Practical Skills
  • Theories of Language, Literature and Culture
  • Contact Zones and Intercultural Studies
• Choose and complete three of the four main modules:
  • The English Language and the Processes of Culture
  • British Literatures and the Processes of Culture
  • North American Literatures and the Processes of Culture
  • Media and the Processes of Culture
• Complete the Vertiefungsmodul (advanced module) for the MA thesis
• Complete one Individual Supplementary Study Module, which may include:
  • Seminars from any other university subject
  • An internship
  • Courses accredited from a semester abroad

Graduates leave the programme with strong research and intercultural communication skills that are valued in a variety of international settings. Typical career paths include roles in international companies, cultural organisations, foundations, media and publishing houses, and adult education.

For those interested in academia, the MA also prepares students for research and further postgraduate study, though competition for academic positions remains selective. The combination of subject knowledge, advanced writing and project experience also suits consultancy, cultural management and similar professions.