British and American Studies, Master of Arts

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: the English language and its varieties the diverse forms of literatures in English different media such as films, newspapers, radio, or the Internet English language cultures and their histories 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.

Course details verified 09 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source

1. Winter semester

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2. Summer semester

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English

E.G. TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 90 Reading: 23 Listening: 23 Speaking: 23 Writing: 23 IELTS Academic: 7

Prerequisites

Admission to the MA British and American Studies programme is based on an online application consisting of: an undergraduate university degree certificate (minimum six semesters; grade 2.5 or above) evidence of proficiency in English (details below) 15-page sample essay in English Reflection on your previous academic experience in English (for details, please visit: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/linguistik-literaturwissenschaft/studium-lehre/faecher/anglistik/degree-programs/master-of-arts/) On the basis of the applications received by the deadline, the admissions committee will decide on the suitability of individual applicants according to a point system. Only online applications will be considered. Please go to the application portal of the Studierendensekretariat and upload your files there.

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