This MA programme gives students the opportunity to deal with and specialise in a wide variety of focus and research areas, including British, American, and postcolonial studies as well as literary and cultural studies, linguistics, and book studies. Throughout the programme, group projects, workshops, independent study, and work experience enhance students' research, social, and practical skills and contribute to their career development. Advanced academic and professional skills courses further improve their writing, presentation, and research skills and prepare them for the job market.

In the first semester, following an initial "Orientation Week", modules are tailored to introduce students to the advanced study of literature, culture, language, and the book via lectures, seminars, and research workshops.

In addition, the two-semester module "Work Experience" provides professional skills training and hands-on experience in potential fields of employment. Students interested in pursuing an academic career may also organise an academic event (e.g. a student conference or a lecture series), and/or apply to tutor undergraduates for credits.

The second semester offers the opportunity for in-depth study in two separate modules which focus on the historical, social, and systematic dimensions of selected sub-disciplines.

In the third semester, a module on "Interdisciplinary Perspectives" within English studies and an "External Module" comprising courses in related fields such as history, anthropology, or sociology enable students to broaden their knowledge and skills and to develop interdisciplinary research projects. A year-long research module (including a postgraduate class) is provided to facilitate the preparation of the MA thesis and to accompany the writing process of the thesis.

The final semester sees the completion of the research module and the MA thesis.

An extended stay abroad is highly recommended (see below).

Modules:

• Survey, Tools and Methods
• Advanced Studies in Literature, Culture, Linguistics, and Book Studies
• Work Experience
• Historical and Social Perspectives
• Systematic Perspectives
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives
• External Module
• Research Module

• International guest lecturers
• Training in intercultural skills
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

As part of the module "Work Experience", all students have the opportunity to gain practical experience, qualifications, and skills in relevant professional fields. Options include the following:

• serving as an intern in firms or organisations either at home or abroad (e.g. museums, publishing houses, the media, theatres, cultural festivals, advertising agencies, consultancies, etc.)
• planning and organising an academic event (e.g. a student conference, lecture series, film festival, art exhibition, etc.)
• co-organising an academic event and gaining teaching experience by offering tutorials for BA students at the English Department

Internships must consist of a minimum of 240 hours. They can either be part-time (during the semester or the semester break) or full-time (during the semester break, approx. six weeks).