English Studies

Subjects: English Studies;Literature;Linguistics

M.A. | Master of Arts

Course description

The Masters in English Studies spans four semesters and is conducted entirely in English. The program offers courses in Linguistics, both synchronic and diachronic, Literary and Cultural Studies, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Students also have the chance to enhance their English language skills further. This Masters program awards a total of 120 credit points, meaning there is no minor subject included. Students can tailor their studies to cover all disciplines within English Studies, choosing to specialize only in the fourth semester through their thesis topic. Alternatively, the curriculum allows for specialization from the start. Students can select all their modules from either Linguistics or Literary Studies. For those interested in TEFL, it is possible to take classes in this field. However, a full focus on TEFL alone is not allowed. Students must combine TEFL modules with those from English Literary and Cultural Studies or English Linguistics. This flexible structure ensures that students can pursue their specific interests while gaining a comprehensive understanding of English Studies.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

TOEFL (internet-based): 100 TOEFL (computer-based): 250 TOEFL (paper-based): 600 Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency: C Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C IELTS: 7 points

Qualification Requirements

At the first stage, the initial prerequisite is the final grade of your first degree. Your first degree must be in a course in (or closely related to) English Studies (not, e.g., in "Translation"), and the grade must be 2.5 or better (or the equivalent thereof). We also need proof of your competence in English at level C 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). (If you cannot provide a certificate, you will usually be admitted to a 30-minute written proficiency test (C-Test) in phase 2 of the procedure. In that case please get in contact with Prof. Ruge before submitting your application.) And you will need to submit an essay (critical review) in English (about 1,000 words) on one out of several topics which will be announced on our application platform (see below) during the application period (1 June until 1 July). Your essay will be evaluated by the selection commission. If a decision can be made at this stage already whether you can be accepted or not, the result will be communicated to you in writing.

Document Requirements

The application should include the following: your complete personal information in the online application form a curriculum vitae in tabular format a copy of your first academic degree (if necessary with an official translation) alternatively, if this is not part of your degree certificate or if your first degree is not yet completed, a list of your credits to date (Transcript of Records), if necessary with an official translation a 1,000-word essay in English on one out of several topics to be announced on the application platform from 1 June onward proof of your competence in English on level C 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (see 2.2 below). If you cannot provide a certificate, you will be admitted to a 30-minute written proficiency test (C-Test) in phase 2 of the procedure.