Intercultural Anglophone Studies

Program overview

This English‑taught MA programme invites students interested in the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Anglophone world to join an international academic community. The degree offers advanced training in one of two focal research areas: Anglophone literatures and cultures (covering American Studies, British Studies, and Postcolonial and Diaspora Studies) or English linguistics. Coursework trains you to analyse complex questions in language, literature, and culture, and takes a broad approach to cultural expression—literature, film, theatre, music and other popular-cultural forms are all valid objects of study.

Structure and specialisations

You can customise your studies by selecting classes across many thematic fields that emphasise inter- and transcultural perspectives and cultural diversity. Teaching and research in the department address topics such as ecocriticism and the environmental humanities; intersectionality, diaspora, and planetarity studies; literature and knowledge; science fiction, utopianism and risk fiction studies; World Englishes; contact linguistics; and electronically mediated communication. Throughout the programme you will develop scholarly skills through written assignments that sharpen academic writing and argumentation, culminating in an independent, substantial Master’s thesis that demonstrates your ability to carry out sustained research.

Outcomes and career paths

Graduates who complete the programme with distinction can consider doctoral study and an academic career. The knowledge and skills gained—critical analysis, intercultural competence, written and research proficiency—also prepare alumni for careers in business, international trade and services, cultural institutions, media and journalism, publishing, new media, intercultural consulting, and cultural management.

Programme requirements (academic milestones)

• Choose one of the two research areas: Anglophone literatures and cultures or English linguistics
• Complete coursework across selected thematic modules reflecting department research
• Produce multiple written assignments to refine academic writing and analytical skills
• Submit an independent, comprehensive Master’s thesis that evidences scholarly competence
• Achieve distinction (where applicable) to qualify for doctoral study paths

Curriculum overview

The MA in Intercultural Anglophone Studies is organised into five interconnected module areas that balance literary/cultural studies and linguistics. The programme is designed to take students from foundational knowledge through intermediate and advanced study, culminating in an independent Master’s thesis. One of the five areas specifically develops competence in a second foreign language to enhance intercultural communication skills.

Key module areas follow a clear progression:

• A: Intercultural Anglophone Studies in Literature and Language — Foundations
• B: Second Foreign Language
• C: Intercultural Anglophone Studies in Literature and Language — Intermediate Level
• D: Intercultural Anglophone Studies in Literature and Language — Advanced Level
• E: Intercultural Anglophone Studies in Literature and Language — MA Thesis Module

Modules are organised into two to five separate units within each area and are delivered through a variety of teaching formats, including core-issues seminars, intensive seminars, advanced and elective seminars, lectures, and a Master’s thesis seminar. Learning outcomes include advanced knowledge of Anglophone literatures and language, strengthened intercultural awareness and foreign-language ability, critical and comparative analysis skills, and independent research competence demonstrated by the MA thesis.

Requirements (at a glance)

• Complete all five module areas (A–E) as structured in the programme
• Each module area comprises 2–5 separate modules that must be taken as prescribed
• Attend and participate in the programme’s teaching formats (core-issues, intensive, advanced and elective seminars, lectures)
• Complete the Master’s thesis module, including the Master’s thesis seminar, and submit the MA thesis
• Fulfil the Second Foreign Language module to develop additional language and intercultural skills

Graduates gain research and communication skills suited for doctoral study or academic careers. Outside academia, the programme prepares you for roles in cultural institutions, international organisations, media and journalism, publishing and new media, intercultural consulting, and cultural management. The emphasis on interdisciplinary analysis, advanced writing and languages is valued in both public and private sectors.