This two-year Master’s programme is taught in English and designed for motivated students who already hold a BA (or equivalent) in English and American Studies and have a strong academic record. It provides specialised academic training across the three core areas of the field: literature, linguistics and cultural studies. The curriculum is delivered through an international consortium of universities, combining high academic standards with regional perspectives.
Each year up to 60 applicants are admitted and begin at the partner university they choose. Students are required to spend one semester abroad (30 ECTS) at another consortium institution or at one of the programme’s associate partners, ensuring genuine international exposure. Consortium members are located in Bamberg (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Graz (Austria), Krakow (Poland), Paris (France) and Venice (Italy); associate partners include the City College of the City University of New York and the University of Pécs. While all teaching is in English, partner universities offer courses in their national languages, encouraging students to acquire at least one additional European language during their studies.
There is also an exclusive Bamberg variant of the MA taught in English. This local option does not require a DSH certificate and replaces the compulsory consortium mobility semester with exchange opportunities coordinated by the Bamberg International Office.
Entry requirements (concise)
For more details, see: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/ma-eas/.
This two-year, 120 ECTS Master's curriculum is organised to combine core training in linguistics, literature and cultural studies with opportunities for focused specialisation and independent research. Students complete at least four semesters, with a requirement that 60 ECTS are taken at their home university. The degree culminates in a research thesis and an oral defence, and the programme includes mobility elements (a semester at a partner university), which should be kept in mind when planning part-time study.
Core modules (40 ECTS) build a shared foundation across the programme: English Linguistics, English and American Literary Studies, British and American Cultural Studies, and English Language Proficiency (each 10 ECTS). These modules develop advanced theoretical knowledge, analytical and interpretive skills, and higher-level English academic language competence. Restricted electives (38 ECTS) let you specialise by choosing courses within one or more focus areas — Linguistics, Literary Studies or Cultural Studies — enabling you to tailor your academic profile. Free electives (12 ECTS) may be taken from other disciplines or additional English and American Studies offerings, allowing interdisciplinary breadth.
The programme emphasises independent study and research: the master’s thesis (26 ECTS) plus its defence (4 ECTS) together account for 30 ECTS and assess your ability to design, conduct and present sustained research. Ten-credit modules are commonly structured as an 8 ECTS seminar plus a 2 ECTS lecture or tutorial, and course offerings change semester to semester so you can assemble a personalised timetable aligned with your interests. An optional internship (6 ECTS) provides practical experience in relevant professional settings. Part-time enrolment is possible except for the semester that must be spent at the partner university.
Key requirements and credit breakdown
Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor's-level degree (or an equivalent qualification) in English and/or American Studies to be considered for this Master's programme. This means your undergraduate degree should focus on topics related to English and American literature, language, culture, or closely related areas that the programme recognises as equivalent.
In addition, you are required to demonstrate your English language ability by submitting an approved language certificate. Accepted certificate types and minimum scores are defined by the programme and must be evidenced with your application.
For the complete list of recognised English language certificates and detailed information on all required application documents, please consult the programme’s admissions page:
Key requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
30 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
30 April 2026
Graduates will be well prepared for careers that require advanced analytical and communication skills in English-language contexts, such as research and doctoral studies, higher education and teaching, cultural institutions (museums, archives), publishing, media and public relations, and international organisations. The programme’s combination of specialised modules, an optional professional internship and international experience enhances employability in both academic and non-academic roles.
The research-oriented training and thesis work also provide a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue PhD programmes or academic careers, while the mobility semester and consortium network open pathways to international job markets and collaborative projects.