Master's in English and American Literary and Cultural Studies

This English-taught MA combines in-depth study of anglophone literatures and cultures with advanced language training and a compulsory practical component that includes work and teaching experience. Courses build a solid understanding of cultural, literary, historical, and political relations across English-speaking regions—with particular attention to Great Britain and the USA—while training students to communicate and write at a professional level in English.

The curriculum balances literary and cultural approaches. Literature modules place contemporary English and American writing in broader historical contexts and cover a wide range of fictional and non-fictional genres, while cultural-studies classes investigate media such as photography, film, fine arts, and music alongside case studies of larger cultural phenomena. Seminar topics have included Shakespeare’s stage, Old and Middle English literature, Victorian culture, Transcendentalism, photographic representations of Englishness, modernist American poetry, gender and power in American theatre, dementia and postcoloniality, progressivism, and queer theory—illustrating the programme’s breadth and the frequent overlaps between literary and cultural inquiry.

As a research-oriented master’s, the programme supports independent research projects and trains students to present their work in English at near-native proficiency. It emphasizes critical literacy and the application of cultural-studies methods and theory, and it cultivates intercultural competence and cultural empathy. Graduates are well prepared for doctoral study and for a range of careers in the cultural and knowledge economy—examples include roles in adult education, journalism and publishing, cultural or educational management, advertising, tourism, and international business and politics—where the ability to analyse texts and produce audience-appropriate communications is valued.

Key programme features and requirements

• All instruction is in English; the programme includes advanced English language practice.
• Programme includes mandatory practical experience (work and teaching placement).
• Students complete independent research projects and present them in English (aiming for near-native proficiency).
• Strong emphasis on cultural and literary theory, media analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Overview

This MA places a strong international emphasis and is designed to prepare graduates both for further academic work across borders and for careers on the global job market. Two experiential components are central to the curriculum: a compulsory one-semester study abroad and a required six-week internship in an English-speaking country. These elements give students sustained exposure to different academic cultures and workplace environments, boosting language skills and intercultural competence.

Support and professional preparation

Both the semester abroad and the internship must be organised by the student, but the university facilitates the process through a range of exchange programmes and informal contacts that can help identify suitable host institutions or employers. Students are encouraged to use their time overseas strategically to build professional networks, clarify career goals, and strengthen their CVs for international positions. In addition, each student must prepare and lead a tutorial for BA students in a literature, cultural-studies, or practical-language course at the university, providing hands-on teaching experience.

Key learning outcomes

• Competence for international academic work and employability in international contexts
• Practical professional experience through a six-week internship in an English-speaking environment
• Enhanced intercultural communication and language proficiency gained during the semester abroad
• University-level teaching experience, including lesson preparation and small-group instruction
• Improved classroom confidence, basic pedagogical skills, and academic mentoring experience
• Strengthened research, analysis, and presentation skills within English and American literary and cultural studies

Core requirements (concise)

• Mandatory one-semester study abroad (self-organised; university offers exchange options and contacts)
• Mandatory six-week internship in an English-speaking country (self-organised; support available)
• Preparation and delivery of a tutorial for BA students in a literature, cultural-studies, or practical-language course at the university

This MA prepares graduates for academic research (including progression to PhD programmes) and a wide range of roles in the cultural and media sectors. The combination of research skills, advanced English proficiency and interdisciplinary cultural analysis suits careers in higher education, research, publishing, journalism, and adult education.

Beyond academia, alumni can move into cultural or educational management, advertising, tourism, international business or politics, and media-related professions where the ability to produce targeted texts, analyse cultural materials, and operate across cultural contexts is valued.