The courses in the MA programme are taught in English.
15 July for the following winter semester
15 January for the following summer semester
The focus of the MA British and American Studies programme is on intercultural knowledge and skills as well as on academic and research skills. It is centred around:
Within this spectrum, the Master of Arts programme in British and American Studies specialises in transculturation. Transculturation refers to processes of cultural exchange and intercultural phenomena. This allows students in this programme to broaden their horizons as well as to combine and connect linguistic, literary, and cultural studies to form a deeper understanding of these areas of research and life.
In this MA programme, students learn to do research independently and academically thoroughly and to grow further as writers of academic papers in literary and cultural studies as well as linguistics. In addition, students learn to connect these disciplines and understand English studies as one bigger interconnected area of studies rather than smaller insular areas of expertise. In the seminars of this degree programme, students get insight into different areas of English literary and cultural studies and linguistics, which they can apply and ground in a self-organised internship, in research projects they conduct themselves, in student conferences and in workshops they organise as a team.
Students interested in our MA British and American Studies programme should speak English on a very high level of proficiency and have existing knowledge of the discipline. They should also show a keen interest in all areas of study – albeit a focus can be chosen during their studies – and be open to working together with other students in this programme.
With a Master’s degree in British and American studies, students can work for international companies, cultural organisations, and foundations both in Germany and abroad. They can go into teaching adults or find jobs in media companies or publishing houses. Academia is another career sector, even if it is a small one.
Please note that all classes are conducted in English.
The Master's programme is organised in three basic and four main modules, one "Vertiefungsmodul" (advanced module) for the MA thesis and one module of individual supplementary study.
The three obligatory basic modules are (1) "Key Academic/Practical Skills", (2) "Theories of Language, Literature and Culture" and (3) "Contact Zones and Intercultural Studies". The basic modules should be taken in the first semesters.
The consecutive main modules are (1) "The English Language and the Processes of Culture", (2) "British Literatures and the Processes of Culture", (3) "North American Literatures and the Processes of Culture" and (4) Media and the Processes of Culture". Students may choose three of the four main modules.
The "Vertiefungsmodul" is dedicated to the MA thesis.
For the Individual Supplementary Study Module, students can choose seminars from any other subject at the university, but they can also fill it with an internship or with courses accredited from a semester abroad.
322 EUR per semester
Applicants must provide certified evidence of their proficiency in English:
15 July for the following winter semester
15 January for the following summer semester
Apply via our portal:
Basically, international students are allowed to work parallel to their studies for 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit once they have successfully completed preparations for their studies and started a programme.
A limited number of jobs are available at the university; however, jobs for students can also be found in companies in and around Bielefeld.
In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices. Halls of residence are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations.
Additionally, single apartments and rooms in shared flats with other students are available. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 to 300 EUR per month. The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.
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