Master of Arts “Culture and Society” (Englischsprachige Literatur und Kultur)

Similarly to the MA English and American Studies, the programme “Englischsprachige Literatur und Kultur” (Master of Arts “Culture and Society”) has a strong focus on literary and cultural aspects of English-speaking countries and communities around the world. However, "Englischsprachige Literatur und Kultur" is part of a dual-subject Master of Arts, which means that you will have to choose a second, equally weighed humanities subject at the University of Paderborn which you will study at the same time. For this second subject, you need to apply separately and contact the respective department for further information.

Because the other taught courses in the humanities department are mostly in German, one major prerequisite for this programme is proficiency in the German language to ensure that the second subject can be completed within the recommended 4 semesters.

The principal component of this programme is the study of literature and culture in the English-speaking context and it aims at nurturing analytical thinking and academic skills such as research and academic writing. We offer courses in various fields from medieval literature to popular American culture and teach classes on all kinds of media representations—whether in fiction, non-fiction, art, film, television or music.

The “Sprachpraxis” (Practical Language Experience) module consists of three courses: Academic Writing, Oral Presentation, and Language Consolidation. The courses are taught to foster the advanced English language skills that are required at the master’s level.

In order to ensure hands-on experience, the programme features the module “Praxisorientierung” which consists of both a mandatory internship in an English-speaking country and a tutorial which our students are obliged to teach in relation to a BA level literature or cultural studies class or language course at our department. This way, our students can gain practical experience in an occupational field of their choice and acquire teaching skills at university level.

In case you decide for a combination of our programme and English linguistics, you will study the module “Vertiefungsbereich” (consolidation module) to avoid redoubling the “Sprachpraxis” (practical language experience) module. Module Vertiefungsbereich consists of two courses, one from each of your subjects.

The focus module (“Profilierungsmodul”) is studied in the subject in which you decide to write your Master’s thesis. In “Culture and Society”, this module gives you the chance to attend a colloquium which will allow you to present and discuss your work in progress for the Master's thesis.

For further information, please see the latest version of our German language study regulations.

  • German language proficiency
  • Bachelor degree with a major in English and American Literature and Culture
    (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 program.)
  • Proof of English language knowledge on an advanced level in writing and oral communication (TOEFL-Score of 250 points computer-based test or 100 points internet-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)

Depending on previous studies and diplomas, proof of English language knowledge might not be required.