This interdisciplinary MA combines in-depth study of English and American literature with English linguistics. Course offerings span from medieval texts to postmodern writing, including specialized modules on postcolonial literatures. The programme is designed to give graduate students a professionally oriented education across English and American studies, literary and cultural studies, and linguistics.
The curriculum adopts a comparative perspective, asking students to place literary and linguistic phenomena in changing historical and global contexts. It foregrounds contemporary theoretical approaches that attend to socio-cultural variables such as class, gender, ethnicity, technology, and media, and it connects closely with current research while reaching beyond traditional philological boundaries.
Students can shape their degree to match academic interests and career goals, selecting modules across the Institute’s six departments or concentrating on a single area. The programme aims to develop both academic and transferable professional skills, preparing graduates for careers in domestic and international academic as well as non-academic environments.
Requirements / key facts
This Master's curriculum provides a balanced foundation in literary and linguistic theory alongside practical training in academic methods. In the first year you build core knowledge through an introductory module covering literature, linguistics and research methodology, while parallel Professional English courses sharpen advanced language and communication skills across the same semesters. Throughout the first three semesters you tailor your profile by selecting from a broad palette of elective modules — each consisting of two courses and an exam — with possible specialisations including modern English literature, American literature, medieval literature and linguistics.
The programme emphasizes applied research and transferable skills. In the third semester you work on a project module that combines coursework with a project management class and hands-on experience organising and presenting at a conference, giving you practical event, presentation and dissemination experience. The final semester is dedicated to advanced study and independent research: two courses, a colloquium to discuss your work, and the Master’s thesis, which demonstrates your ability to carry out sustained, original research in the field.
This program requires a completed undergraduate degree and demonstrable prior study in English-language/Anglophone literature or linguistics. Admissions look for a solid overall academic record by German grading standards and expect that a meaningful portion of your bachelor’s studies focused on English-language skills, literature and/or linguistics. You will also need to show evidence of academic writing in English on a relevant topic.
If your degree was completed outside Germany, be prepared to document your final grade in a way the admissions office can interpret (official transcripts, grading scale explanations or a conversion to the German equivalent). Transcripts should also make clear how many credits or modules you completed in English-language practice, literary studies and/or linguistics.
Requirements (bullet points)
Practical note: provide official transcripts that show ECTS/credit breakdown and module titles so the admissions team can verify the ECTS totals and the 25% subject-related requirement.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for a range of academic and non-academic career paths. The programme’s emphasis on comparative methods, research training and academic English makes it suitable for those aiming to continue in research or doctoral studies, or to pursue roles in higher education and research institutions.
The combination of disciplinary breadth and practical skills (project management, academic communication, conference organisation) also equips graduates for careers in cultural institutions, publishing, media, education, international organisations, NGOs, and communication or consultancy roles in domestic and international contexts.