English and American Literary and Cultural Studies
Master of Arts (M.A.)
English and American Literary and Cultural Studies
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Overview
In a Nutshell
To those inspired by the diversity and openness of the English-speaking world, this study programme offers an academic home. Literary studies and cultural studies interconnect here, providing a broad perspective on the transatlantic world. Our interdisciplinary MA programme explores literatures and cultures in a close-knit, supportive environment. You will study academic subjects in combination with an international internship and study abroad experience.
A Bachelor’s degree in English and American Studies (students who have completed their degree in related fields are also welcome to apply; depending on their background in English and American Studies they might have to complete additional courses before beginning the programme)
- Minimum result 2.3 according to the German grading system (or equivalent)
- Proof of advanced knowledge and use of the English language (TOEFL-Score of 250 points computer-based test/ Cambridge Advanced Certificate graded A and B or Cambridge Proficiency Certificate graded A, B or C as well as level C1 Certificate/ IELTS-Score 7.0 Academic Module
*Note: No German language knowledge is required for this programme, since this course can only be studied in English (we nonetheless recommend beginners to attend German language courses as part of the “Studium Generale” module).
Admission requirements will be verified by the audit committee (Prüfungsausschuss).
You can find all details about deadlines and your next steps on the general Paderborn University Application Information websites.
Please check the admission requirements in advance, consult our departmental MA website or contact the academic advisor Prof. Dr. Merle Tönnies.
Course of Study
What’s this Course about?
To BA graduates in English, our MA programme offers a thematically broad, interdisciplinary course of study which allows you to focus on central aspects of Anglo-American literatures and cultures. Current developments like Brexit, Black Lives Matter, #MeToo are as important as the literature and popular culture of the English-speaking world. The programme also offers practical experience, for instance through the obligatory internship abroad and a tutorship in one of the department’s BA courses.
We are looking forward to working together with you in analysing literary texts, film, TV series, photographs, comics and their historical contexts. The strong Cultural Studies elements which are characteristic of the Paderborn programme mean that topics like gender, social structures or postcolonial issues are examined from interdisciplinary perspectives. A wide variety of current research perspectives informs our teaching.
During your studies, you will familiarise yourself with key theoretical concepts, apply them in your own work and use different formats to discuss your results with your fellow students as well as national and international experts.
The programme is taught completely in English. By taking specifically designed language courses, you will reach a near-native competence in this language.
The combination of individual projects with international and intercultural experiences fosters our students’ team orientation as well as their ability to work independently, think critically and keep up a high level of motivation. As one of our master’s students, you will be ideally prepared for a broad spectrum of occupations in research, education and other professional fields after obtaining your degree.
The Master’s program is taught in English. All examinations are in English.
Study Contents
What is the structure of the course?
The MA programme consists of a total of eight thematic and practical modules and a final examination module. You can decide yourself how you would like to distribute modules over different semesters, but certain recommendations will help you to make the most of your studies: Try to complete the three courses of the language module (1) over three semesters to ensure the continuous development of your practical language skills.
The three thematic modules – English Literature, including Anglophone literatures from the Commonwealth (2), American Literature (3) and Cultural Studies (4) – can be completed in any order and combination. With regard to literary studies, you can decide whether to focus more closely on English or on American literature. Generally, you are free to choose topics according to your own interests, while the cultural studies module contains one obligatory seminar with a historical orientation. Module 5 allows you to gain valuable teaching experience through a tutorial for one of the department’s BA courses, and in the ‘Studium Generale’ module (6), you take at least two courses of your own choice from across the university’s study programmes.
Modules (7) and (8) introduce an international perspective and are recommended for the third semester. The internship abroad module (7) consists of six weeks of work experience in an English-language environment of your choice, and the study abroad module (8) takes you to a university in an English-speaking country for one semester. Choose from our various exchange programmes or organise your own stay. At the host university, you will complete three seminars in literary and cultural studies, and you can also start preparing for your MA thesis.
The final semester is then devoted to the MA thesis, for which you select a topic according to your own interests. Moreover, you have the chance to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of further areas from your studies in an oral examination and an invigilated essay.
Study Options
In the literary studies modules, you are free to decide to focus more closely on English or American literature. In your focus module, you will take one additional seminar.
Exemplary Study Plan
The study plan offers you a good orientation about your required and optional modules. However, the chronological order shown here is only an example and may change due to individual focus areas.
*In modules 2 and 3 you can choose between English and American literary studies as your focus. In the module you choose as your focus (‘Schwerpunkt’), you have to obtain 12 credits, and 9 credits in the other module. Please note that irrespective of your choice of focus, you have to complete both an English and an American literatures module.
*In den Modulen 2 und 3 wählen sie entweder Anglistische oder Amerikanistische Literaturwissenschaft als Ihren Schwerpunkt. In dem Modul, das Sie als Schwerpunkt wählen, erbringen Sie 12 LP; in dem anderen Modul 9 LP.
Internship
The internship abroad module allows you to complete six weeks of work experience in an English-language environment of your choice, strengthening your intercultural expertise and giving you the chance to explore possible career paths more closely.
Study abroad
The study abroad module takes you to a university in an English-speaking country for one semester. You explore new academic perspectives in three seminars and also get an inside perspective on another university system and student culture.
The Department of English and American Studies has a number of exchange programmes with English-speaking universities (for instance in the US, the UK and Ireland). We will also be happy to support you in organising your own stay.
Rights and Obligations
The Examination Regulation (Prüfungsordnung = PO) is the basis for your studies. It can help you with planning your studies and your semester schedule, but also answers all questions concerning regulatory framework and legal questions relating to your studies.
The Examination Regulation (PO) for this course of studies consists of two parts: General Regulations (Allgemeine Bestimmungen) and Specific Regulations (Besondere Bestimmungen).
Please take care to always refer to the most recently published version!
The General Regulations contain the framework conditions for this course of studies.
Note: The legally binding Examination Regulations are only available in German.
The Special Regulations contain descriptions of the modules, an exemplary study schedule and specifics of this course of studies.
Note: The legally binding Examination Regulations are only available in German.
For your convenience, we've provided a translation of the Examination Regulation. The translation can be found on the website linked here or as a download further down on this page.
Possibilities
Extracurricular Activities in the Department
- Student initiatives (book, film & conversation clubs, workshops)
- International conferences on current topics
- Regular events with international scholars and authors
- Creative writing workshops
- Informal MA-meetings with students and staff
Future Perspectives
After graduation Master ?
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MA programme work across a variety of professions, both nationally and internationally. Our advanced courses give you the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge of different literatures and cultures in the English-speaking world. As part of your degree, you will learn about cutting-edge theories and methodologies that enable you to express your own ideas confidently in spoken and written English. Studying at postgraduate level also allows you to develop qualities of time management and self-motivation that are essential to future employment. This expertise will serve you well whether you go on to work in the public sector or for an NGO, in cultural institutions such as museums, theatres and archives, or in a job in adult education, advertising, journalism, publishing or event management.
Throughout the course of your degree, you may have some questions regarding vocational guidance and goal-setting. As the gateway between university and working life, the Career Service is on hand to answer all your career planning questions. Want to find out about potential careers, forge contacts with employers, identify your personal strengths and interests or clarify specific questions about starting out in a given career? Then make sure that you take advantage of the university’s comprehensive range of talks and workshops, practical projects, job and career portal and vocational preparation certificate upb+.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
PhD
The MA programme may also serve as a first step towards an academic career. For those who wish to become professional scholars, the department offers a Ph.D. path in English and American Studies.
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities provides students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with support. The team at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Postgraduate Centre will be more than happy to provide you with information and advice.
Our “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme gives female students in the final stages of their degree the chance to discuss doing a PhD and to prepare for a PhD. Participants are teamed up with a female PhD student, who, based on her own experience, gives them tips and strategies to assist them with their decision to pursue a PhD. The aim of the programme is to give participants insights into the kind of academic and research work involved in a PhD and for them to talk to their mentor about her experience in order to build on their personal and professional skills and broaden their development opportunities.
Get to Know
The right fit?
This course is especially well-suited to your needs and interests if...
- you would like to learn more about English-language literatures and cultures
- you wish to arrive at a better understanding of their historical and contemporary contexts
- you’re interested in exploring and applying theoretical concepts
- you would like to improve your academic writing and presentation skills in English
- you’re thinking about a career in research/academia.
We hope to be able to welcome you soon as a new student of the MA programme English and American Literary and Cultural Studies!
Study Start and Orientation
Orientation week
We're happy to welcome you to Paderborn!
Our orientation week takes place before the semester starts and is open to any new students. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities also offers a few orientation events to provide you with information and the opportunity to get to know other international and German students. We offer an official welcome, study introduction and campus tours that are exclusive to international students, as well as a welcome party that is open to both German first-semester students and international students.
More information, dates and events can be found on our website.
Campus life
Campus life
There’s far more to studying at Paderborn University than just your degree course. Those thirsty for knowledge, those seeking discussion and debate and all those looking for something new can, for example, benefit from the opportunity to learn a new language or build on their existing language skills at the university’s Centre for Language Studies or brush up their software skills on a doIT course. IMT:Media offers dedicated media workstations on which you can give your creativity free reign, while the university’s wide and varied sports programme ranges from Aikido to Zumba. Or why not get involved with the university’s radio station L’UniCo or its “universal” magazine or join one of our multitude of project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular programme of plays and shows performed by our University Drama Group, poetry slams and readings, our big band and university choir are just a few examples of the diverse cultural activities and events on offer at Paderborn University. One particular highlight is our AStA (German General Students’ Committee) summer festival: Up to 15,000 people each year attend what is probably Germany’s largest outdoor campus festival, to enjoy the summer party vibes to the beats of a host of local student bands, plus well-known headliners on a number of stages.
Campus
Almost all of Paderborn University’s buildings are located on campus, with ample green spaces for relaxing and plenty of places to eat: “Mensa Academica”, “Mensa Forum”, “Grill | Café” and “Caféte”, as well as “Lädchen”, our small campus kiosk. Everything is within easy reach, within just a short walking distance. Our library is also centrally located, and a great place to study, thanks to its handy opening hours.
Accommodation
If you’d like to live on or close to campus, you can apply to Paderborn University’s Student Union for a place in university accommodation. You can also find private accommodation to rent, both near the university and city centre and in Paderborn’s various residential areas though the usual housing portals.
Finance
Students who need or wish to work alongside their degree should easily be able to fit a part-time job around their studies. A scholarship or BAföG federal student grant or loan are further options to help you fund your course and living expenses.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every question and concern. Our advice and service centres, for example, are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your academic or research work, applying for your dream job, funding options and much more.
Our university is a cosmopolitan university, with a clear gender and diversity policy. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender and family-friendly work and study culture for a number of years now. This includes helping students achieve a better study-life balance and supporting students with health issues.
Campus life in the Department of English and American Studies
There’s a lot more to studying at Paderborn than your coursework. Learn a new language at the centre for language studies (ZfS). Or brush up on your software skills with the training supplied by doIT. The IMT media centre is the place for you if you want to get creative, and the university sports on offer range from from aikido to zumba. You might also want to contribute to the campus radio station or newspaper, or join one of the many student initiatives.
When it comes to cultural activities on campus, you’re spoilt for choice. The university’s theatre programme includes contemporary plays, literary readings and slam poetry, and then there’s the campus big band and symphonic orchestra.
If you have any questions about how to do academic research, applying for your dream job or financing your studies, you’ll have numerous people to talk to.
You’ll find almost all of the university’s buildings on the main campus, whose green spaces invite you to relax and which offers several places to eat: the student canteens Mensa Academica and Mensa Forum, the Grill Café and cafeteria for a quick bite, and the campus kiosk – “das Lädchen”. Everything is within easy walking distance, including the library, whose central location makes it a convenient place to study.
Any questions?
Chat with us
The right contact for every concern
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
You are in the right place with the following concerns
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
Internship Coordination Faculty of Arts and Humanities
E-Mail: praktikumskoordination@kw.upb.de
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Information and consultation concerning internships
- Crediting of previously performed internships
Student Council for Romance, English and German Studies
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- What's this course of studies about?
- What does the "student-life" look like? What does a week at uni look like?
- What can I do, if I face academic/ social/ personal problems within the department?
- How much do students like what they do at uni?
- What social activities and possibilities are there next to the formal university studies?
- What fields of specialisation do other students recommend?
- What happens in the first weeks at university? (Orientation week)
Registrar’s Office
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Information and advice on application, admission and enrolment matters
- Processing of applications for change of degree programme, change of subject, leave of absence, exmatriculation, secondary enrolment
- Registration for the qualifying examination
- Health insurance matters
- Re-registration matters
Uni-Assist
You are in the right place with the following concerns
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinländer*innen
You are in the right place with the following concerns
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinländer*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- How do I apply as an international student? Which prerequisites do I have to bring?
- What opportunities do I have to go abroad during my studies?
- Where can I get information about studying abroad (application deadlines and procedures, internships, scholarships)?
Examination Office
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Counselling on examination-related questions of the study programme
- Processing of admissions and registrations for examinations with limited repeatability
- Processing withdrawals from examinations due to illness
- Recording examination results
- Administration of study performance accounts, certificates of grades and module assignments
- Transfers to the current version of the examination regulations
- Issuing certificates, diplomas, diploma supplements and transcripts of records
- Issuing duplicates and certificates to internal and external university administrative offices
- Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Advice on all questions related to studying
- Procurement and rental of aids
- Barrier-free campus tours
- Provision of information on the barrier-free campus
- Advice on compensating for disadvantages
FamilienServiceBüro
You are in the right place with the following concerns
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.