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English and American Literary and Cultural Studies
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Überblick
Kurz und bündig
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. International students can complete all modules at Paderborn University.
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 submit applications for this study programme via Uni-Assist (deadlines: 31st May for the winter semester of the same year, 30th November for the summer semester of the following year).
Please check the admission requirements in advance, consult our departmental MA website or contact the academic advisor Prof. Dr. Merle Tönnies.
Studiengang
Worum geht's im Studiengang?
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. International students can complete all modules at Paderborn University.
The Master’s program is taught in English. All examinations are in English. The knowledge of German is not required for admission.
Studieninhalte
Wie ist der Studiengang aufgebaut?
The MA programme consists of a total of eight obligatory 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 (2) over three semesters to ensure the continuous development of your practical language skills. You can choose the elective module ‘Starting Out in MA Studies’ (module 1) for more individual support in transitioning from Bachelor’s to Master’s level, especially if you did not focus on literary and cultural studies in your BA degree in such great depth.
The three thematic modules – English Literatures, including Anglophone literatures from the Commonwealth (3), American Literatures (4) and Cultural Studies (5) – 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 literatures. 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 6 allows you to gain valuable teaching experience through a tutorial for one of the department’s BA courses, and in the ‘Studium Generale’ module (7), you take at least two courses of your own choice from across the university’s study programmes.
Modules (8) and (9) introduce an international perspective and are recommended for the third semester. The internship abroad module (8) consists of six weeks of work experience in an English-language environment of your choice, and the study abroad module (9) takes you abroad to study in an international environment 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. International students can complete the internship (module 8) in Germany and take the courses of the study abroad module (9) at Paderborn University.
The final semester is then devoted to the MA thesis, for which you select a topic according to your own interests. Before starting out on your thesis and/or while working on it, you attend an obligatory colloquium for advanced MA students. You can present your topic here and discuss it in depth with your fellow students and with lecturers from English and American Studies. Moreover, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of further areas from your studies in an oral examination and an invigilated essay.
Studienvarianten
If you choose the module ‘Starting Out in MA Studies’ (1) in your first semester, you only have to obtain 6 instead of 12 ECTS points in the ‘General Studies’ module (7).
Studienverlaufsplan
Der Studienverlaufsplan bietet dir eine gute Orientierung über deine Pflichtmodule und Wahlbereiche. Die hier abgebildete zeitliche Reihenfolge ist jedoch nur ein Beispiel und kann sich durch eine individuelle Schwerpunktsetzung ändern.
*If you choose the module ‘Starting Out in MA Studies’ in your first semester, you only have to obtain 6 instead of 12 ECTS points in the ‘General Studies’ module.
**In the literary studies modules, you can choose to focus more closely on English or American literatures; i.e., in your focus module, you will take one additional seminar. The choice of the focus module does not have any further consequences for your studies (e.g. it does not limit your choice of a topic for your final thesis).
*In the literary studies modules, you can choose to focus more closely on English or American literatures; i.e., in your focus module, you will take one additional seminar. The choice of the focus module does not have any further consequences for your studies (e.g. it does not limit your choice of a topic for your final thesis).
Study Regulations 2019: This study plan applies to all students who enrolled in the degree programme up to and including the summer semester 2026.
*In the literary studies modules, you can choose to focus more closely on English or American literatures; i.e., in your focus module, you will take one additional seminar.
Schwerpunkte
In the literary studies modules, you can choose to focus more closely on English or American literatures. In your focus module, you will take one additional seminar. The choice of the focus module does not have any further consequences for your studies (e.g. it does not limit your choice of a topic for your final thesis).
Praktikum
The internship abroad module allows you to gain 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.
International students can complete this module in Germany.
Auslandsstudium
The study abroad module takes you abroad to study in an international environment for one semester. You explore new academic perspectives in three seminars and also get an inside perspective on another university system and student culture.
You can apply to study at one of our many partner universities. The Department of English and American Studies has a number of exchange programmes with universities in English-speaking countries (for instance the US, the UK and Ireland) as well as exchange programmes with universities in many other European countries (for instance France, Poland and Sweden). We will also be happy to support you in organising your own stay.
International students can complete this module at Paderborn University.
Rechte und Pflichten
Die Prüfungsordnung (PO) ist Grundlage deines Studiums. Sie hilft dir bei der Planung deines Studiums und der Stundenplanerstellung, gibt aber auch alle Antworten zu den Rahmenbedingungen und rechtlichen Fragen im Zusammenhang mit deinem Studium.
Die PO gliedert sich in diesem Studiengang in die Allgemeinen Bestimmungen (AB) und Besonderen Bestimmungen (BB) auf. Achte darauf, dass du die für dich relevante Fassung der PO von Beginn an im Blick hast!
In den Allgemeinen Bestimmungen (AB) sind die Rahmenbedingungen des Studiengangs enthalten.
Hinweis: Die rechtskräftigen Prüfungsordnungen liegen nur in deutscher Sprache vor.
In den Besonderen Bestimmungen (BB) sind die Modulbeschreibungen, Studienverlaufspläne und Spezifika des Faches enthalten.
Hinweis: Die rechtskräftigen Prüfungsordnungen liegen nur in deutscher Sprache vor.
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.
Note: This translation contains information for students who enrolled in the programme up to and including the summer semester 2026. We are currently working on a translation of the new Examination Regulations for student who enrolled in the winter semester 2026/27 or later.
Möglichkeiten
Extracurricular Activities in the Department
- Student initiatives (book, film & conversation clubs, workshops)
- English Drama Group
- International conferences on current topics
- Regular events with international scholars and authors
- Informal MA-meetings with students and staff
Perspektiven
Wie geht's nach dem Master weiter?
Tätigkeitsfelder
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.
Im Laufe des Studiums tauchen immer mal wieder Fragen zur beruflichen Orientierung auf. In Veranstaltungen, Praxisprojekten und Unternehmensbesuchen sowie im Job- und Karriereportal kannst du mögliche Berufs- und Tätigkeitsfelder kennenlernen und deine persönlichen Interessen und Stärken herausarbeiten.
Du interessierst dich für die Start-up Szene? Dann komm zu uns in die garage33! Wir unterstützen dich auf dem Weg in die Selbstständigkeit und treiben die Start-up-Mentalität in Paderborn voran. In jeder Phase deines Gründungsprozesses stehen wir dir zur Seite – völlig kostenlos und unverbindlich! Die garage33 ist unser Freiraum für Kreativität und Austausch, zum Netzwerken und Arbeiten. Unser Angebot hält neben individuellem Coaching, auch Workshops und Veranstaltungen bereit, um in einem innovativen und kreativen Umfeld, Theorie und Praxis zum Gründen kennenzulernen, deine Idee auszuarbeiten, weiterzuentwickeln und zu validieren.
Du möchtest gern gründen, aber dir fehlt das Startkapital? Wir unterstützen dich bei der Beantragung von Stipendien und bringen dich mit unserem Netzwerk aus Business Angels und Investor*innen in Kontakt. Oder möchtest du einfach nur mal Start-up Luft schnuppern, dich inspirieren lassen und dich mit Gründer*innen vernetzen? Besuche unsere Lehrveranstaltungen oder Events, wie den CALL FOR IDEAS, bewirb dich auf einen Start-up Job oder komm einfach zu uns in die garage33 – wir freuen uns auf dich!
Promotion
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.
Das Peer-Mentoring-Programm „Einblick!“ bietet angehenden Absolventinnen die Möglichkeit, sich über die Perspektive Promotion auszutauschen und eine Promotion vorzubereiten. Begleitet wird der Austausch durch eine Doktorandin, die anhand ihrer eigenen Erfahrungen Tipps und Strategien zur Entscheidungsfindung gibt. Ziel des Programms ist es, den Teilnehmerinnen Einblicke in die wissenschaftliche Arbeit zu bieten und durch den Erfahrungsaustausch mit den Mentor*innen ihre persönlichen und beruflichen Fähigkeiten sowie Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten auszubauen.
Die Fakultät für Kulturwissenschaften unterstützt dich bei deiner wissenschaftlichen Weiterqualifikation. Das Team des Graduiertenzentrums KW berät und informiert dich hierzu.
The Paderborn PhD & Postdoc Support Office offers support throughout your PhD studies. From deciding whether or not to pursue a PhD to figuring out what to do after passing your exams, we are here to help with individual counselling, welcome and networking events, peer coaching and much more!
Kennenlernen
Passt das zu mir?
We hope to be able to welcome you soon as a new student of the MA programme English and American Literary and Cultural Studies. 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.
Studienstart
As a student in the MA programme in English and American Literary and Cultural Studies, you have the opportunity to choose the “Starting Out in MA Studies” module at the beginning of your studies.
Whether you completed your Bachelor's degree at Paderborn University, are joining us from another university in Germany, or come from abroad, starting a new Master's programme often comes with many questions. Adjusting to a new academic environment, a different university system, or even a new country can be both exciting and challenging. What are the expectations for Master's-level coursework? How do research papers and other assignments work in this programme? How is the programme structured, which options are available to me, and how can I plan my studies effectively? Where can I find academic resources, how do I navigate the University Library, and who can I turn to if I need support?
Whatever questions or concerns you may have, the “Starting Out in MA Studies” module is designed to address your individual needs and help you settle into the programme with confidence. By introducing you to the academic culture and expectations, resources, and support available at Paderborn University, the module aims to provide you with the best possible start to your Master's journey.
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.
Campusleben
Neben studienbezogenen Inhalten bietet dir die Universität Paderborn eine Menge mehr: für Wissbegierige, für Austauschsuchende und für alle, die über den Tellerrand schauen wollen. Erlerne und vertiefe Sprachen am Zentrum für Sprachlehre und frische deine Software-Kenntnisse mit den Kursen von doIT auf. Das servicecenter-medien bietet spezielle mediale Arbeitsplätze zum kreativen Austoben, und das Angebot des Hochschulsports reicht von American Football bis Zumba. Engagiere dich beim Uniradio L‘UniCo oder der Unizeitung universal und werde Teil einer der zahlreichen Projektgruppen oder Initiativen.
Kultur
Ein regelmäßiges Theaterprogramm an unserer Studiobühne, Slams und Lesungen, Big Band und Hochschulchor sind nur einige Beispiele unseres vielfältigen kulturellen Angebots. Ein besonderes Highlight ist unser AStA-Sommerfestival: Bis zu 15.000 Personen pilgern jedes Jahr zum vermutlich größten Outdoor-Campus-Festival Deutschlands und genießen die sommerliche Partystimmung mit zahlreichen lokalen studentischen Bands aber auch namhaften Headlinern auf verschiedenen Bühnen.
Campus
Die Gebäude der Universität Paderborn liegen fast alle auf dem Campus. Es gibt grüne Wiesen zum Entspannen und reichlich gastronomische Angebote, um sich zu stärken: die Mensa Academica und die Mensa Forum, das Grill|Café und das Café Bona Vista. Alles ist durch kurze Laufwege gut erreichbar. Auch unsere Bibliothek liegt zentral und ist durch die guten Öffnungszeiten ein toller Ort zum Lernen.
Wohnen
Das campusnahe Wohnen ist möglich: Das Studierendenwerk Paderborn bietet dir Wohnheimplätze direkt auf dem Campus oder in unmittelbarer Nähe an. Aber auch in den gängigen Wohnraum-Portalen wirst du fündig: Sowohl in direkter Nachbarschaft zu Uni und Innenstadt, als auch in den einzelnen Paderborner Stadtteilen.
Kosten und Finanzierung
Der Studienalltag bietet dir ausreichend Gelegenheiten, um neben dem Studium zu jobben. Aber auch BAföG oder ein Stipendium sind Möglichkeiten, mit denen du deine Kosten decken kannst.
Beratungsangebote
Wir haben zu jedem Anliegen die passende Anlaufstelle. Dir stehen z.B. unsere Beratungs- und Serviceeinrichtungen bei Fragen zum wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten, zur beruflichen Orientierung und Zielfindung, zu Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten und vielen weiteren Anliegen zur Verfügung.
Unsere Universität ist eine weltoffene Hochschule, die sich auch im Themenbereich Gender und Diversity klar positioniert. Wir setzen uns seit vielen Jahren aktiv für Chancengleichheit sowie eine geschlechter- und familiengerechte Arbeits- und Studienkultur ein. Dazu zählt die Unterstützung für eine bessere Vereinbarkeit von Studium und Familie sowie eine Unterstützung beim Studieren mit gesundheitlichen Beeinträchtigungen.
Du willst ein paar Einblicke haben? Entdecke die Uni und die Stadt Paderborn.
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.
Hast Du noch fragen?
Chatte mit uns
FÜR JEDES ANLIEGEN, DIE RICHTIGE ANLAUFSTELLE
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Telefon:05251/60-2007
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
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
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
- Information and consultation concerning internships
- Crediting of previously performed internships
Student Council for Romance, English and German Studies
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
- 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)
Student Service
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
- 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
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
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
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
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
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
- 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)?
Examinations Management
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
- 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
Telefon:05251/60-5498
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
- 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
Mit folgenden Anliegen bist Du hier richtig
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.