Program Overview

University of Fribourg English Language and Literature Program

Abstract

The English Language and Literature program at the University of Fribourg covers British and American literature, Medieval English language and literature, and English linguistics. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to read any text critically and present persuasive and evidence-based written arguments.

Profile of the Study Programme

• What are we like? The English Department at the University of Fribourg is the largest language and literature department, but it is small enough for professors and students to get to know one another. Professors are supported by doctoral and post-doctoral assistants and lecturers who also pursue their own research.
• What do we do? The department offers a comprehensive curriculum including English linguistics, Medieval English language and literature, and British and American literature. They also run funded research projects and publish their research, collaborating with colleagues from other departments.
• What can you do here? Students can learn about medieval women, act in plays, do linguistic fieldwork in pragmatics, study English literature and its relations to other media and/or technology, and discover the rich intellectual world of the English and European Renaissance. Students can also participate in exchange programs with universities in the US and the UK.

Studies Organisation

Structure of Studies

• The program consists of 120 ECTS credits + 60 ECTS credits in a minor study program, completed over 6 semesters.

Curriculum

• The curriculum includes English linguistics, Medieval English language and literature, and British and American literature.

Admission

• Swiss School-Leaving Certificates: Admission to bachelor programs is granted with a Swiss academic Maturity Certificate, Federal vocational or specialized Baccalaureate + supplementary examination of the Swiss Maturity Commission, or a Bachelor Degree from a Swiss university.
• Foreign Upper Secondary School-Leaving Certificates: These are recognized if they correspond substantially to the Swiss Maturity Certificate and qualify as general education. They must include at least six general education subjects, independent from each other.
• Language Skills: Foreign candidates must present proof of sufficient language skills in French or German.

Alternatives

• The program is also offered as a minor study program (60 ECTS credits).

Minor Study Programmes to be Chosen

• Art History
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Business Communication
• Business Informatics
• Chemistry
• Communication and Media Research
• Computer Science
• Contemporary History
• Earth Sciences
• Eastern European Studies
• Economics
• Education Sciences
• Environmental Sciences and Humanities
• French
• French as a Foreign Language
• Geography
• German
• German as a Foreign Language
• German Literary Studies
• Greek Studies
• History
• Interreligious Studies
• Italian
• Latin Studies
• Law
• Management
• Mathematics
• Musicology and History of Opera
• Pedagogy / Psychology
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Politics and Society
• Psychology
• Religious studies
• Rhaeto-Romance
• Slavic Studies
• Social Anthropology
• Social Work and Social Policy (DE)
• Social Work and Social Policy (FR)
• Sociology (DE)
• Sociology (FR)
• Spanish
• Special Education
• Sport Sciences and Motor Control
• Theology

Key Points

• Degree Conferred: Bachelor of Arts
• Languages of Study: English
• Commencement of Studies: Autumn Semester (September) or Spring Semester (February)
• Access to Further Studies: Master

Program Details

• The program ensures that students encounter many different facets of English literature and linguistics, not just a sliver here and there. It also offers training in methodology, bibliography, and theory, aiming to develop academic skills alongside knowledge.
• Modules are assessed by essay or exam; towards the end of the bachelor course, students can undertake an applied project or write a bachelor thesis with dedicated supervision, or opt for an oral exam based on independent reading.
• When appropriate, intensive weekend seminars and study trips are offered.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates can move on to master programs, doctoral study in Fribourg or elsewhere in Switzerland, or abroad—and thence to academic jobs.
• Graduating MA students can choose between French-speaking and German-speaking teacher education programs and secure desirable teaching jobs in Swiss schools.
• Other graduates work internationally in non-profit or governmental organizations, or in journalism, communication, event management, or publishing.