British and American Studies

The Bachelor's degree program in British and American Studies at Bielefeld University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the cultures, literature, history, and societies of the English-speaking world. This program is designed for students who are passionate about the English language and want to deepen their understanding of the diverse cultural and political developments across Britain, the United States, and other English-speaking nations. Throughout the course of study, students engage with a broad spectrum of topics, including literary analysis, cultural studies, linguistics, and socio-historical contexts, enabling them to critically analyze texts and cultural phenomena.

The program emphasizes developing advanced language skills in English, combined with a thorough grounding in academic research methods and critical thinking. Students have the opportunity to explore classic and contemporary literature, film, media, and digital texts, alongside examining the social and political histories that have shaped the modern English-speaking world. The curriculum often includes modules on postcolonial studies, cultural identity, gender studies, and globalization, offering students a well-rounded and nuanced understanding of the contemporary issues within Anglo-American societies.

Bielefeld University’s British and American Studies program also encourages international exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration, providing students with opportunities to participate in international projects and study abroad experiences. The academic environment fosters active participation, independent research, and practical application of theories, preparing graduates for careers in education, media, international relations, public service, publishing, and further academic pursuits.

Graduates of this program will possess excellent communication skills, cross-cultural competence, and a deep appreciation of the literary and cultural diversity within the English-speaking world. They will be equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills that are highly valued in globalized job markets. Whether students aim to continue their education through master's programs or seek immediate employment in fields related to language, culture, and communication, the British and American Studies program at Bielefeld provides a solid foundation for a wide range of professional and academic paths.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme is organised in two basic and three main modules, two "Vertiefungsmodule" for further specialisation and one module of individual supplementary study.
The two obligatory basic modules are (1) "Language and Literature through the Prism of Culture" (five credit points per seminar) and (2) "Contact Zones and Inter-Cultural Studies" (four credit points per seminar). The basic modules consist of three seminars each and should be taken in the first semesters.
The consecutive main modules are (1) "Linguistics and the Processes of Culture", (2) "British Literatures and the Processes of Culture", and (3) "American Literature and the Processes of Culture". Students may choose two of the three main modules, take three courses in each of their modules, and write a comprehensive module paper.
The first "Vertiefungsmodul" is called "Cultural Exchange." In this module, students generally take two seminars, usually the regular summer schools or further courses that are offered in addition to the regular curriculum.
The second "Vertiefungsmodul" consists of the Master's thesis, which students write in their fourth semester.
For the Individual Supplementary Study Module, students can choose seminars from any other subject at the university, but can also fill it with e.g. an internship or courses accredited from a semester abroad.

Study abroad unit(s)

Study abroad is encouraged, but it is not obligatory for the programme.

Forms of assessment

ECTS:
Basic Module 1: five ECTS per seminar
Basic Module 2: four ECTS per seminar
Main Modules: four ECTS per seminar + one module paper per chosen module (six ECTS each)
"Vertiefungsmodul 1": eight ECTS
"Vertiefungsmodul 2" (Master's thesis): 30 ECTS
Individual Supplementary Study: 12 ECTS in total
The credit points are awarded for regular active participation in the seminars plus graded essays/term papers/oral tests.

Course objectives

The Master's programme aims to offer an innovative, interdisciplinary, and global approach to British and American studies and linguistics. Fields of specialisation include literary studies, literary and cultural theory, popular culture, visual culture, gender studies, minority writing, cognition, politics, and history. MA students are provided with a breadth of comparative training and a high degree of intercultural competence as well as the ability to integrate multiple perspectives and explore the connections between different genres, periods, traditions, places, and peoples.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide certified evidence of their proficiency in English and of a basic knowledge of German:

• English: TOEFL iBT 93, PBT 580
• German: at least TestDaf 3 or "Goethe Zertifikat B1"

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

• Undergraduate university degree certificate (minimum of six semesters; grade 2.5 or above)
• two- to three-page letter of motivation in English
• 15-page sample essay in English
• curriculum vitae/résumé

Enrolment fees

Currently approx. 270 EUR per semester, including a ticket for public transport in the city of Bielefeld and the whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Costs of living

The following monthly costs can be expected: the rent in a student hall of residence, in private halls, rooms, or flats amounts to about 300 EUR per month; health insurance is about 80 EUR per month; and a meal in the students' canteen (Mensa) costs less than 3 EUR. According to lifestyle, about 150 EUR per month can be expected to be spent on food. So the cost of living amounts to approx. 670 EUR monthly, i.e. some 8,000 EUR per year.

Job opportunities

Basically, international students are allowed to work parallel to their studies for 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit once they have successfully completed preparations for their studies and started a course.
A limited number of jobs are available at the university; however, jobs for students can also be found in companies in and around Bielefeld.

Funding opportunities within the university

VDAC (Verband der Deutsch-Amerikanischen Clubs e. V./Federation of German-American Cubs)
http://www.vdac.de/en/student-exchange/bewerbung.html

Arrival support

A personal tutoring programme is offered by the International Office (please see http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/International/Students/).

Services and support for international students

Bielefeld University offers a personal tutoring programme for all foreign freshmen and participants of the German language courses. The so called Brother-Sister Programme arranges for support from a more advanced student. This student accompanies the newcomer in getting to know the university campus and relevant institutions at Bielefeld University, in exploring the city, and in getting over the hurdles of registration and other bureaucratic formalities. The International Office of Bielefeld University also offers a wide range of cultural events and excursions for international students.
For further details, please see: http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/io.
Special support for international students focusing on everyday and academic language skills is provided by the university project "PunktUm". PunktUm offers a wide range of German courses, which provide students with knowledge of German culture and aim at helping them integrate into life at the university and in German society in general. Additional cultural activities are part of the programme.

Accommodation

In Bielefeld, 17 halls of residence are run by both the public "Studentenwerk" and private organisations. Additionally, both single apartments and rooms in shared flats with other students are available on the private market. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 to 250 EUR per month. The International Office assists students in their search for accommodation. Applications for a place in one of the student halls of residence can also be made from abroad.