Overview
This international Master’s programme is taught in English and combines advanced coursework in literary and cultural studies with English linguistics. The core curriculum consists of seminars and lectures in these areas, supplemented by courses to strengthen English-language academic skills and a range of elective options drawn from other disciplines (e.g., history, philosophy, art history, social sciences). Students can pursue a focused pathway in one of three areas—English studies, American studies, or English linguistics—or choose a general studies track that mixes elements from all three.
What you will study
In literary studies you will examine major topics, theories, and methods used to study literatures in English, from historical periods (Renaissance, Romanticism, Postmodernism) to the changing forms and functions of texts. Cultural studies considers cultural productions across English-speaking contexts and specific historical moments (for example, Colonialism/Postcolonialism, the Gilded Age, the Cold War), with attention to popular culture, film, new media, visual culture, and gender and ethnic studies. American studies also offers work in cultural legal studies, emphasizing the history of narrative forms in both law and literature; English studies options include areas such as Shakespeare, children’s literature, and young adult fiction.
Language, methods and skills
The English linguistics strand deepens understanding of language structure, use, variation, and acquisition, with opportunities to specialise in areas like cognitive linguistics or sociolinguistics and to learn contemporary research methods and debates. Dedicated language-practice courses focus on essay writing, rhetoric and debating, textual analysis, translation, and creative writing to improve both spoken and written English at an academic level. Free electives let you broaden or deepen your programme by taking modules from other departments, enabling an interdisciplinary profile tailored to your interests and career goals.
Program components and study requirements (concise)
Courses are delivered through lectures, seminars and research-project seminars that prioritize class discussion and research-driven written assignments completed both individually and in teams. All core modules are taught entirely in English, creating an advanced academic English environment; some free electives may be offered in German, so adequate spoken and written German is recommended if you plan to take those.
The curriculum is intentionally non-consecutive: you can take core courses in any order, which gives you flexibility to shape a self-directed study plan. This structure, combined with research seminars, aims to develop:
Programme coordinators help tailor course choices to your interests and prepare you for the Master’s thesis and career-relevant work.
Students can focus on English studies, American cultural studies, or English linguistics, and must complete a Master’s thesis in one of these areas or an interdisciplinary topic that crosses these fields (interdisciplinary work is actively encouraged—examples include law & literature or cognition & poetics). A compulsory, self-organised internship is also part of the programme; typical placements include editorial offices and publishing houses, museums, theatres, libraries, or media organisations. Organising institute events (summer schools, conferences) or tutoring undergraduates often qualifies for internship credit. Coordinators will assist in finding and arranging suitable internships.
Requirements (concise)
You should hold a relevant undergraduate degree with a strong focus on English-language scholarship. The program expects applicants to have completed a Bachelor's in English or American Studies; degrees from closely related fields are also considered if they include a substantial amount of coursework in English or American Studies. Typical adjacent subjects that can qualify include comparative literature, media studies, cultural studies, and similar fields.
For non-native or otherwise non-fluent English speakers, you must provide proof of English ability at the C1 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) or an equivalent qualification. When applying, be prepared to supply official documents—such as transcripts and course descriptions—to demonstrate both the content of your prior degree and your language proficiency, so the admissions team can assess whether your background meets the program’s requirements.
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Graduates acquire advanced skills in textual and cultural analysis, research design, academic writing and oral communication that prepare them for roles in publishing, editorial work, media and public relations, museums and cultural institutions, libraries and archives, and education. The programme's emphasis on English proficiency and international experience is also valuable for careers in international organisations, NGOs and cultural policy.
For those pursuing academic or research careers, the Master's provides a solid foundation for doctoral study (PhD) or research assistant positions. Internship opportunities and involvement in institute events also help build professional networks and practical experience relevant to a variety of cultural and communication-focused professions.