Core-curriculum courses are held in English only. Students with no or few German language skills are required to take German language courses, which are taught in German. Students are advised that with no or little German it may be difficult to find employment in Germany.
Students can choose between a Single Honours Master's programme and a Joint Honours Master's programme.
For the Single Honours MA programme, students complete a total of 78 credits (plus 30 for the MA thesis) from the curriculum offered by the Department of English. In addition to modules on Academic Writing, Cultural and Institution or Advanced Practical English Language, students can choose from modules on Anglophone Literature and Culture, North American Studies, Medieval English Studies, and Modern English Linguistics. Students may specialise in the following particular areas that may be certified:
- Anglophone Literature and Culture
- Studies in (North American and English) Literature and Culture
- Literary and Cultural Management, a study focus which includes modules on literary analysis as well as practical modules on the literature industry
- English Language in Focus (Linguistics and Medieval English Studies)
Students may also combine modules from all areas in order to cover a broad range of various topics. Basic modules stress the survey aspect of training, while advanced modules focus on in-depth analysis. This study option is suited for anyone who wishes to broaden their knowledge in various fields relating to the subject before deciding which field to choose for an MA thesis.
For the Joint Honours MA in English: Language, Literatures and Cultures, students have to choose at least one other subject. This can be closely related (e.g. North American Studies) or completely unrelated (e.g. Law or German History); any combination is acceptable, provided that the subject is offered as a 36-credit module package at the University of Göttingen.
In their course of study, students can choose between four study varieties:
- across the disciplines
- with a focus on either literary or language studies
- with a focus on Anglophone literature and culture
- with a focus on English language theory and history
Obligatory modules include advanced courses on English language and on culture and institutions of the UK or the USA. Elective modules depend on the kind of specialisation students wish to acquire. In studying across the disciplines, students can choose between basic and advanced modules in English and postcolonial literature and culture, North American literature and culture, modern English linguistics, and the history of English. Students whose interests lie in either English / North American literature or in language studies can opt for a large variety of modules on offer in the respective disciplines.
The Department of English also offers three module packages (minor subjects) to be taken in combination with a 42-credit (Joint Honours) MA programme.