British and North American Cultural Studies

The Bachelor's degree program in British and North American Cultural Studies at the University of Freiburg offers students a comprehensive exploration of the rich and diverse cultural landscapes of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the historical, social, linguistic, literary, and media traditions that shape the cultures of these regions. Throughout the course of study, students engage with a wide range of topics, including literary analysis, film studies, media theory, cultural history, and contemporary societal issues, providing a well-rounded perspective on the cultural developments of the Anglophone world.

The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to examine cultural phenomena within their historical and socio-political contexts. Students have the opportunity to study a variety of texts, from classic literature and modern prose to films and digital media, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity and the complexities of identity, ethnicity, gender, and race. The curriculum also includes language acquisition courses to enhance students' proficiency in English, supporting their ability to conduct research and analyze cultural texts in their original language.

With a strong emphasis on research and independent study, the program prepares graduates for careers in fields such as education, publishing, media, cultural management, international relations, and further academic research. The program involves lectures, seminars, workshops, and project work, often including opportunities for internships and exchange programs to broaden students’ practical experience and global perspective. Graduates leave equipped with the analytical tools, cultural awareness, and linguistic skills necessary to navigate and interpret the dynamic cultural landscapes of the Anglophone world, making them valuable contributors in a variety of international contexts.

Educational organisation

The Master of Arts in British and North American Cultural Studies is a modularised course of study. Each module consists of an integrated teaching and learning experience. Students select courses pertaining to the following modules:

• Theoretical and Methodological Foundations of Cultural Studies
• Britain: Cultural Texts and Contexts
• North America: Cultural Texts and Contexts
• Transdisciplinary Perspectives
• Media Studies
• Multilingualism and the Politics of Language
• Cultural Theory
• Core Texts Basics / Advanced
• Research and Teaching
• Practical Experience

Course types vary from lecture to seminar to independent study. In addition, participants are required to attend an academic conference or workshop. To gain practical experience, students are expected to do an internship at a cultural institution, to run a tutorial, or to assist in a research project.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants can choose between a field trip relevant to their course of study and a research visit. If they opt for the research visit, they have to spend at least six weeks in an Anglophone country to do research during the semester break.

Internships

An internship is optional, since students can choose between internship, tutoring, or assistance in a research project. The internship should be completed during the semester break. It is the student's responsibility to secure an appropriate place. However, some assistance can be offered. Any cultural institution and some business companies are eligible.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams, academic papers/essays, in-class presentations, Master's thesis

Course objectives

Graduates acquire the ability to do research independently within and beyond their area of specialisation. They qualify for all jobs that require an excellent knowledge of English, high-level writing skills, familiarity with the literatures and cultures of the English-speaking world, and the analytic abilities acquired in their studies. Thus they are well equipped for a career in the media, journalism, publishing and documentation, besides qualifying for an academic career.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: TOEFL 575-600 (paper-based), 100 or more (Internet-based). IELTS with a minimum score of 7.0 and the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English are also accepted. In addition, proficiency in German is highly recommended since administrative matters have to be dealt with in German. Some assistance is offered, and ALU Freiburg is well under way to becoming a polylingual university, but e.g. some study guidelines are still only available in German.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Cultural Studies, English, American, Canadian Studies, Literature or Linguistics, Media Studies, or a similar field

Enrolment fees

The university charges approx. 65 EUR for social services and another 40 EUR for administration per semester.

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Job opportunities

Even though Freiburg has a thriving job market for students, in view of the highly demanding curriculum of the Master's programme it is not recommended that students work in order to secure their living. This means that the costs of living should be taken care of before students take up their studies.

Arrival support

Newcomers are provided with a how-to manual for in-processing and getting set up in Freiburg, which they receive together with their letter of acceptance.

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session, which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library) and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club" (coordinated by the Studentenwerk (Student Social Services)) offers a great variety of events, trips and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at Freiburg University for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small proportion of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (Student Social Services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de).