British, American and Postcolonial Studies

The Bachelor's degree program in British, American, and Postcolonial Studies at the University of Münster offers students an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of the literary, cultural, historical, and linguistic developments of the English-speaking world. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide a broad understanding of the major literary currents, cultural phenomena, and socio-political contexts that have shaped Britain, the United States, and postcolonial regions from the early modern period to the present day.

Throughout the course of study, students will engage with a diverse range of texts, including classic and contemporary literature, films, media representations, and critical theories. The program emphasizes both historical analysis and contemporary debates, enabling students to develop critical thinking skills and a nuanced understanding of cultural identities, power dynamics, and global influences. Special focus is given to issues such as colonialism, postcolonial identities, migration, and multiculturalism, reflecting the ongoing relevance of these themes in current societal discourses.

The curriculum combines language proficiency with literary and cultural analysis, ensuring that students deepen their command of English language skills while becoming adept at interpreting complex texts and cultural artifacts. Methodologically, students will be introduced to various approaches, including literary theory, cultural studies, and historical analysis, to equip them with versatile analytical tools.

Students also have opportunities for practical experience and international exchange, enhancing their intercultural competence and preparing them for careers in education, translation, media, publishing, international relations, and cultural management. The program fosters a vibrant academic community where students can participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members.

Graduates of this program will acquire not only comprehensive knowledge of English-speaking cultures but also transferable skills in critical thinking, research, and communication. These competencies will enable them to pursue diverse career paths in academia, media, non-governmental organizations, or further postgraduate studies. The University of Münster’s commitment to a global perspective makes this program an ideal choice for students interested in understanding the complexities of the English-speaking world within a broader postcolonial framework, fostering open-mindedness and cross-cultural understanding.

Educational organisation

This MA programme gives students the opportunity to deal with and specialise in a wide variety of focus and research areas, including British, American, and postcolonial studies as well as literary and cultural studies, linguistics, and book studies. Throughout the programme, group projects, workshops, independent study, and work experience enhance students' research, social, and practical skills and contribute to their career development. Advanced academic and professional skills courses further improve their writing, presentation, and research skills and prepare them for the job market.

In the first semester, following an initial "Orientation Week", modules are tailored to introduce students to the advanced study of literature, culture, language, and the book via lectures, seminars, and research workshops.

In addition, the two-semester module "Work Experience" provides professional skills training and hands-on experience in potential fields of employment. Students interested in pursuing an academic career may also organise an academic event (e.g., a student conference or a lecture series) and/or apply to tutor undergraduates for credits.

The second semester offers the opportunity for in-depth study in two separate modules which focus on the historical, social, and systematic dimensions of selected sub-disciplines.

In the third semester, a module on "Interdisciplinary Perspectives" within English studies and an "External Module" comprising courses in related fields such as history, anthropology, or sociology enable students to broaden their knowledge and skills and to develop interdisciplinary research projects. A year-long research module (including a postgraduate class) is provided to facilitate preparation for MA thesis and accompany the writing process of the thesis.

The final semester sees the completion of the research module and the MA thesis.

An extended stay abroad is a highly recommended, integral part of the programme (see below).

Modules:

• Survey, Tools and Methods
• Advanced Studies in Literature, Culture, Linguistics, and Book Studies
• Work Experience
• Historical and Social Perspectives
• Systematic Perspectives
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives
• External Module
• Research Module

Study abroad unit(s)

The international orientation and practical dimension of this MA programme are reflected in the possibility of spending one semester abroad to study thematically relevant subjects at another university or to complete the mandatory module "Work Experience" there. This module can also be completed in Germany. Credit transfer from the host university is possible.

Internships

As part of the module "Work Experience", all students have the opportunity to gain practical experience, qualifications, and skills in relevant professional fields. Options include the following:

• serving as an intern in firms or organisations either at home or abroad (e.g., museums, publishing houses, the media, theatres, cultural festivals, advertising agencies, consultancies, etc.);

• planning and organising an academic event (e.g., a student conference, lecture series, film festival, art exhibition, etc.);

• co-organising an academic event and gaining teaching experience by offering tutorials for BA students at the English Department.

Internships must consist of a minimum of 240 hours. They can either be part-time (during the semester or the semester break) or full-time (during the semester break, approx. six weeks).

Forms of assessment

Credit for modules is awarded through a variety of assessments:

• written and oral examinations
• research papers
• critical evaluations
• portfolios
• annotated bibliographies for select research fields
• reading lists
• presentations

A total of 120 ECTS credits is awarded, including the MA thesis.

Course objectives

This MA programme covers all major fields of English studies: British studies, American studies, postcolonial studies, book studies, and linguistics. Its comprehensive approach allows for in-depth specialisation, helping students gain expertise in one (or more) of the literatures, cultures and disciplines involved. The curriculum moreover focuses on professional and transferable soft skills such as career development, self-organisation, independent study, and team work, which are instrumental in a wide spectrum of employment areas.

The programme is intended to prepare students for national and international careers in both academic and non-academic settings. Through sound scholarly training and the opportunity to gain teaching experience, graduates pursuing an academic career will be well-equipped to continue their research, typically in the form of a PhD. Graduates aiming at the non-academic sector will be especially qualified for professions requiring intercultural competence and expertise in the fields of language, literature, and communication (e.g., cultural management, publishing, media, advertising, and public relations).

Language requirements

Applicants must have an excellent command of the English language. For non-native speakers, this must be documented by one of the following tests:

• CPE
• CAE (grade A or B)
• TOEFL pBT 620+
• TOEFL iBT 109+
• IELTS 8.0+

German language skills are desirable.

Academic requirements

We welcome applicants with a three-year undergraduate degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) that is thematically related to this MA programme. In addition to documenting their language skills and previous academic achievements, prospective students are required to submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of intent.

For detailed admission requirements, please refer to: http://www.uni-muenster.de/Anglistik/BAPS/admissions_regulations/index.html.

Enrolment fees

Social semester fee of 240 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport for the greater Münster area and the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Costs of living

Approx. 700 EUR per month to cover accommodation, insurance, and personal expenses

Arrival support

The programme includes an "Orientation Week" at the beginning of the first semester.

Services and support for international students

International Office: http://www.wwu.de/internationaloffice/en/
Further support is offered by the university's International Students' Centre "Die Brücke": http://www.wwu.de/diebruecke/en/