English Studies — Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

The FAU Master of Arts English Studies is a taught course with a strong orientation towards research. Our specialisation Linguistics and Applied Linguistics focuses on the description and analysis of the English language in the light of current linguistic theories and teaching approaches. The following topics are covered in the course:

• the idiomatic element of language: construction grammar, valency theory, research on collocation and idiomaticity
• foreign language teaching: lexicography, grammar, contrastive linguistics, speech perception and production, literacy development, bilingualism and bilingual education
• first and second language acquisition and research on learner language
• corpus linguistics
• the English language: history and variation
• special advanced language classes

A number of places for studying at other European universities are available.
Furthermore, students can choose

• modules from other specified MA courses of the university
• language classes: The research-based part of the programme is complemented by additional courses in language and academic skills.
• courses in academic skills

These areas of research are embedded into a number of well-established research centres, e.g. the Interdisciplinary Centre for Research on Lexicography, Valency and Collocation (http://www.lexi.uni-erlangen.de) and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Research on Dialects and Language Variation (http://www.dialektforschung.phil.uni-erlangen.de).

Educational organisation

Programme format and module structure
MA English Studies is a consecutive two-year full-time course (or four-year part-time course) with a total of 120 ECTS points (60 ECTS/30ECTS points per academic year). The course is fully modularised.
As there is a large number of courses to choose from, we recommend that students explore the general structure of the programme on our website (http://www.anglistik.phil.fau.de/master) and take a look at the examination regulations (FPO) which comprise model courses (http://www.zuv.fau.de/universitaet/organisation/recht/studiensatzungen/phil.shtml#Master).

Study abroad unit(s)

A number of places for studying at other European universities are available. Please contact the programme adviser for further information.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams, seminar papers, active participation in academic discussions with invited guest speakers, Master's thesis

Course objectives

Students of MA English Studies acquire in-depth knowledge in the fields of linguistics and applied linguistics. They will acquire the ability to reflect critically on linguistic phenomena in the light of current theories.
Students gain media and intercultural competence and can expand their communicative skills (near-native speaker competence). Furthermore, they gain an insight into the intricate interdisciplinary connections within the field of study. They also acquire soft skills in student conferences, workshops, and academic networks (presentation and moderation skills, problem-solving strategies, the ability to carry out self-directed research by acquiring skills in the collection, organisation, and presentation of complex issues).
Graduates will have a wide range of career options, e.g. in the following fields: publishing, public relations, higher education, work in the cultural sector, PhD programmes/academic career.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills. Unless international applicants are English native speakers or have already completed a Bachelor's programme at a German university taught in English, thus certifying their language proficiency in English, they need to provide one of the following certificates:
IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL score of at least 570 (paper-based) or 230 (computer-based) or 95 (internet-based). For more details, see https://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/degree-programmes/international-degree-programmes/orientation-guide/

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in English and American Studies (or equivalent courses of study covering at least 60 ECTS in English philology). For all applicants, the final grade in the qualifying degree must be 2.5 or better (exceptions for students who achieved a final grade better than 3.5 may be made in well-substantiated cases and on the basis of a short letter of motivation and a 15-minute interview).

Enrolment fees

The contribution to student services currently amounts to 42 EUR per semester. An additional charge of 65 EUR per semester covers the mandatory basic "semester ticket", a transit pass that provides students with unlimited access to public transport in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg from 7pm to 6am on weekdays and at all times at weekends. (For an additional optional charge, the validity of the pass can be extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.)

Costs of living

The cost of living can only be approximated very generally, as the needs and living conditions of every student are different.
Rent: 250-600 EUR per month
Health insurance, doctor, medicine: approximately 70 EUR per month
Food: approximately 165 EUR per month
Study materials: approximately 30 EUR per month (depending on the subject)
Transport: minimum 65 EUR per semester
Student services: 42 EUR per semester
For more information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/financing-your-studies/costs-of-studying
General information on the average cost of living in Germany is available online: http://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/financing/costs_of_living

Funding opportunities within the university

The Central Office for International Affairs offers scholarships from Bavarian state funding to allow highly qualified international students in Master's, "Diplom", and State Exam degree courses to complete their degrees.
http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/bachelors-masters-state-examinations/during-your-studies/scholarships-for-international-students-about-to-graduate/

Arrival support

If students have any questions or queries, they are welcome to visit during the office hours of the respective programme advisers.

Services and support for international students

The Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) will provide you with detailed information on all important topics relating to your studies (study courses, subject combinations, application requirements, support with organising your study programme and complying with all assessment/examination requirements) and on settling in at the beginning of the semester (coping with particular difficulties, changing subjects or suspending studies). For more information, see http://www.fau.eu/study/prospective-students/student-advice.
The Career Service of FAU will provide you with information on career opportunities and the specifics of an application procedure in Germany. For information, see: http://www.fau.eu/study/current-students/career-service.
The Student Service Centres (SSC) and student advisers in the faculties will provide you with further advice on your particular course of study. Programme coordinators organise subject-related orientation events and guide you through the entire study period.
The Central Office for International Affairs (RIA) will provide you with detailed information on accommodation, visa issues, and scholarship possibilities. In cooperation with the IBZ, it also organises information events and general orientation courses for first-semester-students.
See: http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants.
The Alumni network provides students with many topics and events for professional advancement. See: http://www.fau.eu/alumni.

Accommodation

Erlangen and Nuremberg are attractive cities with a historic flair and modern infrastructure. Therefore, the housing market is quite tight. FAU will do its best to assist new students in finding accommodation.
Student halls in Erlangen and Nuremberg can only provide accommodation for a small number of students. Another option is the private housing market. If you extend your search to neighbouring towns, such as Fürth and Forchheim, your choice of accommodation is much larger and rents are lower, while the well-developed local public transport system ensures that you're never far away from the university. In addition, there is the option to sublet a room, or you can share a flat with other students. This option not only saves you money but also helps you settle in quickly and make friends in your new home. You can find information to help with your housing search on specialised websites and the university's notice boards.
Detailed information on finding accommodation is available at http://www.fau.eu/international/international-applicants/important-information.
If you need further assistance, you can also turn to the Accommodation Service of the Central Office for International Affairs (RIA). E-mail: accommodation@fau.de.