British Studies

Subjects: British Studies;Linguistics;Culture

M.A. | Master of Arts

Course description

The postgraduate course spans two years and offers an interdisciplinary teaching programme. In the first year, students complete the Certificate Phase, earning a British Studies certificate upon successful completion. The Certificate Phase includes about 30 weeks of teaching over two semesters. The first semester, known as the Core Programme, features a series of compulsory lectures and seminars. In the second semester, called the Options Programme, students select 3 out of 6 available options. They must attend at least 20 hours of classes per week, which may include relevant courses from other departments. In the Master Phase, students engage in advanced seminars and can choose transdisciplinary optional modules from other master programmes. They also complete a 3-month work placement with a firm or institution in Britain or Ireland. The final 6 months are dedicated to writing a thesis. Upon completing the entire course, students are awarded the degree M.A. British Studies.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

Applicants need to speak very good English. The application must contain proof of your proficiency in form of an ETS TOEFL certificate (minimum score of 600 for the paper-based test, 250 for the computer-based test, or 100 for the internet-based test), or a Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (any grade), or a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (grade A or B), or an IELTS test (level 7.0). Neither a degree in English language, nor English language teaching experience will be considered as adequate proof. Only native speakers are exempt from this requirement. Lower scores than those required will substantially reduce your chances of being accepted onto the course. Furthermore, a working knowledge of German is highly advisable

Qualification Requirements

Applicants need to have a university degree at the time of formal enrolment (October 2024). This first degree can be in any subject. With usually over 100 applications for 30 places, admission is highly competitive. The diversity in standards of university teaching and grading throughout the world makes it impossible to impose any formal requirements on the minimum grade to be obtained. As a rule of thumb, though, successful applicants with a Bachelor (e.g. BA, LLB, BSc) or similar degree tend to have graduated within the top 10-15%, successful applicants with a Master (e.g., MA, LLM, MSc) or similar degree within the top 15-20% of their class. We will, however, look at the individual circumstances of each case.

Document Requirements

a detailed CV (in English); □ a statement of motivation explaining why you would like to join this course; some 500 words are usually sufficient (in English); □ a copy of your secondary school leaving certificate which qualifies for university studies (e.g. A-Levels certificate, Abiturzeugnis, Baccalaureat, High School Diploma) including a breakdown of subjects and grades – together with an official English translation, unless the original is in English or German; □ a copy of your university degree certificate, including your final overall grade as well as a breakdown of subjects and grades (grade transcript) – together with an official English translation, unless the original is in English or German. If you have yet to receive this, uni-assist will require written confirmation of your expected final grade from your university, and the date when you are expected to complete your degree; □ an APS original, if you earned your university degree from a university in China, India or Vietnam; □ proof of your proficiency in the English language through ETS TOEFL, IELTS, CPE or CAE scores in original or copy. This does not apply to native speakers (Australia, Canada, Ireland, Liberia, Malta, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, USA); □ a copy of your passport – the page with your photo and personal details will suffice.