| The most important facts at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Degree: | |
| Standard period of studies: | 4 semesters |
| Start: | Winter and summer semester |
| Admission restrictions: | Open admission |
| Application: | You find information on the application procedure for international students here. |
| Applicants with foreign certificates: | Language of instruction: English |
| Deadlines: | Winter semester: April 1 - September 1 Summer semester: October 1 - March 1 |
| Required Bachelor's degree: | American Studies / Anglais (B.A.) under certain conditions (depending on courses taken): |
| Homepage: | |
| Faculty: | Faculty 05 - Philosophy and Philology |
| Accreditation: | The accreditation of study programmes for Bachelor and Master Degrees constitutes as a precondition for the granting of state approval. |
Subject Matter
The course lasts four semesters and, in seven modules, offers a program oriented to literature and cultural studies, which teaches advanced knowledge of the diverse manifestations of American society in literary, historical, political and cultural contexts. A special feature of the Master's program is the option to specialize in different fields of research, i.e. Early American Studies and New North American Studies. In addition, an interdisciplinary module offers students the opportunity to explore the traditions and diversifications of Anglophone literature, cultures and languages in more detail. The complementary and interdisciplinary orientation of the Master's program is supplemented by elective courses from cognate fields (e.g. History, Film Studies, Theater Studies, Ethnology, and Sociology). The aim is to complement and expand the desired research perspective in specific areas of American Studies with broad and interdisciplinary teaching and research options. Another important component of the research-oriented Master's program is the "Research Workshop" module, as well as the associated courses in literary and cultural theory and methodology. As with the "Professional Orientation" module, this module especially includes the early involvement of students in research projects in American Studies and an introduction to independent academic work.
Master entrance requirements
- The subject-specific entrance requirements for the Master's program American Studies include the completion of a bachelor’s degree in American studies or in a related field (B.Ed. English, B.A. British Studies, B.A. British and American Studies etc.) or an equivalent degree from a higher education institution in Germany or abroad. At least 10 credit points must have been earned in the field of American studies. The relevant proof must be provided with your application in the form of a notarized copy of your degree certificate, including a convincing and notarized overview of courses attended in the field of American studies (Diploma Supplements, Transcript).
- We expect the applicant to have a very good active and passive knowledge of English (level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) to read the specialist literature and participate in courses taught in English (no proof required). This especially includes the writing of papers and taking written and oral exams in English.
- If the applicant has earned less than 10 credit points in the field of American studies at the time of application, he or she may, by way of derogation from the standard rule in section 2 subsection 4 sentence 4 MAPO (examination regulations), be admitted to the program on the condition that he or she takes part in an obligatory individual advising session according to section 1 subsection 1. The 15-minutes individual advising appointment deals with the special requirements of the Master's program as well as the subject-specific knowledge and abilities of the applicant in the field of American studies. After the appointment, the applicant may be required to attend additional courses from the Bachelor's program American Studies in order to be admitted to the Master's program. The additional courses should be defined in a way that allows the credits to be earned in one semester.
- The obligatory individual advising according to section 1 subsection 3 normally takes place 14 days before the start of winter or summer semester. The applicant will be invited to the appointment by mail and/or by e-mail at least 14 calendar days before the appointment date. If the applicants fails to appear for no good reason, the condition according to section 1 subsection 3 is not met. If the applicant submits an acceptable excuse, the appointment will be rescheduled. In such cases, admission is subject to certain conditions or takes place next semester. The advising session is led by two persons appointed as examiners according to section 8 subsection 2 or one person appointed as an examiner in the presence of a qualified observer. Minutes are to be taken during the advising session. The minutes include:a) the names of the persons appointed as examiners,
b) the name of the applicant,
c) the date and time of the advising session,
d) subject and results of the advising session,
e) decision on further conditions for admission.The minutes are to be signed by the persons appointed as examiners and submitted to the examination committee. - Exemption from the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang): Applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degree at a non-German speaking institution do not have to provide proof of German language proficiency according to the “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang”. Proof of German proficiency seems unnecessary as the Master's program “M.A. American Studies” is offered in English.
- Coursework and examinations can only be recognized once per program of study. Multiple recognition of coursework and examinations is not possible.
Information
The International Office offers counselling for international students about the application process and general information.
The Academic Advisory Office offers specific information on the subject (List available in German only).
The Student representatives give information from a student perspective (List available in German only).