Program Overview

Cognitive, Digital and Empirical English Studies M.A.

Overview

The Cognitive, Digital and Empirical English Studies M.A. program is an innovative, interdisciplinary study program that combines literary and linguistic research with cognitive science, computer-based methods, and empirical approaches. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the functions and cognitive conditions of communication in various cultural contexts.

Program Structure

The program consists of five study areas:

• Basisbereich (Foundations): This area focuses on literary and linguistic research, introducing students to the most important theories, models, and methods of both disciplines.
• Kernbereich (Core): This area is oriented towards the overarching commonalities of the two disciplines, providing students with an overview of empirical methods in language and literature research, as well as cognitive semiotics.
• Interdisziplinäre und anwendungsorientierte Perspektiven (Interdisciplinary and Application-Oriented Perspectives): This area allows students to expand their knowledge by choosing modules from other disciplines, such as cognitive psychology, sociology, and computer science.
• Praktikum (Internship): Students can apply their acquired competencies in a practical setting, such as in research institutions, companies, or media and advertising agencies.
• Masterarbeit (Master's Thesis): The program concludes with a master's thesis, in which students investigate a research question from the areas of cognitive, digital, or empirical literary studies or linguistics.

Admission Requirements

• A first university degree in a relevant field
• Excellent English language skills (productive and receptive)
• Fulfillment of the subject-specific admission requirements as specified in the examination regulations

Career Prospects

The program prepares students for a career in the Empirical Humanities, such as in research institutions, universities, or companies. Graduates can also pursue careers in fields like language technology, digital humanities, market and opinion research, publishing, journalism, and international institutions.

Modules and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides an overview of all modules in the program, while the examination regulations govern the study objectives, prerequisites, study sequence, and examinations.

Faculty and Partners

The program is offered by the Institute of English, American, and Romance Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Partners include the Aachen Center for Cognitive and Empirical Literary Studies (ACCELS).