Intercultural Anglophone Studies

MAIAS is an innovative postgraduate MA programme for research in American, British, and Anglophone Studies, offered at the precise geographical centre of Europe. Directed toward advanced scholarly competence, the programme focuses on the theoretically and methodologically informed study of the literatures and cultures of the English-speaking world as well as the exploration of linguistic phenomena of English in its varieties.
The programme addresses a wide range of forms of cultural expression such as literature, film, theatre, music, and other forms of popular culture. It focuses on core issues and concepts such as interculturality, transculturation, globalism, transnationalism, postcolonialism, diaspora, and cosmopolitanism. Moreover, students will be introduced to the scope, interconnections, and possible future specialisations in the fields of American, British, and/or other Anglophone literary and cultural studies and in the field of English linguistics. The range of seminars offered will help students develop thesis topics, beginning the process that will lead each student to the completion of an independent and comprehensive thesis.

Educational organisation

MAIAS is structured in five module areas: "Foundations", "Second Foreign Language", "Intermediate Level", "Advanced Level", "MA thesis module". The module areas consist of two to five separate modules.
Modules are taught as "core issues" seminars, intensive seminars, advanced seminars, elective seminars, lectures, and as a Master's thesis seminar.

Study abroad unit(s)

• Postgraduate study exchange with several British universities and with George Washington University (Washington, USA) and research centres; tuition waiver in most exchanges mostly for EU students, occasionally also for non-EU students
• Dual degree programmes: Shanghai International Studies University (PR China); Fu Jen Catholic University (Taipei, Taiwan); University of Chester (UK); Moscow City Pedagogical University (Russia, only linguistics)

Forms of assessment

Term papers, academic essays, written assignments, written exams, oral presentations, oral exam, MA thesis

Course objectives

As the MAIAS programme is geared toward advanced competences and skills, students are well-prepared for careers and positions in the academic world, in business, or the increasingly important forums of cross-cultural exchange. In particular, they find attractive career options in research and teaching, media and journalism, publishing, new media, international cultural institutions, cultural management, intercultural consulting, service, and trade.
The programme is designed to enable students to work independently toward research goals, to present their results coherently and effectively, and to critically evaluate scholarly contributions from other authors. After the successful completion of the Master's degree programme, students have the option to pursue a doctorate. Possible doctorate programmes for graduates include the international doctoral programme "Cultural Encounters" or the International Graduate School of African Studies at the University of Bayreuth.

Language requirements

English proficiency: TOEFL iBT minimum 92, IELTS 7.0.
German is not compulsory. German language modules may be taken in a language learning module.

Academic requirements

Bachelor of Arts in English/American Studies or related disciplines (with clearly above-average success)
TOEFL, minimum 92 points (iBT) or IELTS 7.0 or equivalent

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Social fee: approx. 65 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Due to the intensive nature of the programme, students will have only limited time for part-time jobs.

Funding opportunities within the university

Students coming to Bayreuth from a partner university may have the opportunity to receive some financial support from the University of Bayreuth.
http://www.international-office.uni-bayreuth.de/en/05_Grants/index.html

Arrival support

The International Office with its Service for International Students (SIS) assists students before and upon arrival (mailing of information, pick-up service from the station). It offers assistance in all administrative matters including registration and enrolment.

Services and support for international students

The International Office with its Service for International Students (SIS) offers administrative, academic, and social support before and during the semester.

Accommodation

The International Office offers assistance in finding accommodation in a student residence (rent approx. 120 EUR to 200 EUR per month) or private accommodation (250 EUR to 400 EUR).
However, a search on the private market as a backup is advisable. You can find links to the private market on our website.