Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Arts in Global British Studies

The Master of Arts in Global British Studies is a research-oriented program that builds upon the corresponding Bachelor's degree. It aims to enhance students' knowledge and skills in the fields of literature, culture, and linguistics, with a focus on British studies.

Overview

• Study Direction: Geistes- und Sprachwissenschaften (Humanities and Language Sciences)
• Study Type: Further education
• Degree: Master of Arts
• Language of Instruction: English
• Study Form: Full-time, part-time
• Start of Studies: Winter semester, summer semester
• Admission Restrictions: No restrictions
• Standard Study Period: 4 semesters
• Credit Points: 120

Admission Requirements

• A professionally qualifying university degree in English or a teaching degree in English
• Proof of at least 60 credit points in English, including at least 10 credit points each in English linguistics, English literature, and British cultural studies
• English language proficiency at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Knowledge of another foreign language at the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or basic knowledge of Latin

Program Content

The Master's program in Global British Studies encompasses 120 credit points, distributed as follows:

• 30 credit points for three compulsory modules (Methods and Theories of Anglo-American Literature and Cultural Studies, Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, The British Colonial Empire and its Influence on Literature, Culture, and Language)
• 60 credit points for six elective modules (two of which can be replaced by modules from other disciplines or by internships)
• 30 credit points for the Master's thesis

Central Themes in British Literature and Cultural Studies

• Methods and theories
• Texts, media, and society
• The British Colonial Empire and its legacy - identities in British and postcolonial Anglophone literatures and cultures
• Alterity in literature and culture
• Science in literature and culture
• Early English and Renaissance studies

Central Themes in English Linguistics

• Methods and theories of modern linguistics
• Analysis of language structure
• Historical, national, regional, and social varieties of English
• Applied linguistics

Special Features

• The study of English literature, British culture, and the English language is embedded in a global context that reflects the historical and current international relations of Great Britain
• All three fields of study are compulsory, and their close connection is demonstrated in two joint modules; specializations are possible through the choice of different elective modules
• The language of instruction is English
• A study abroad period is recommended, and relevant modules can be recognized

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master's program in Global British Studies can find employment in various fields that require solid English language skills and in-depth knowledge of British culture and/or English literature. These fields include:

• Academic careers
• Educational institutions (universities, private schools; excluding German state schools, which require a teaching degree)
• Journalism/media
• Public relations
• Advertising
• Publishing
• Cultural institutions
• International relations

Internships and Study Abroad

• A study abroad period is recommended, and relevant modules can be recognized

Application

• Start of Studies: Winter semester and summer semester
• Admission Restrictions: No restrictions
• Application Deadline: May 2 - September 15 for the winter semester; December 1 - March 15 for the summer semester
• Application Portal: AlmaWeb