Americas and Las Americas

The Bachelor's degree programme in Americas at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education focused on the history, culture, politics, and societies of the Americas. This programme is designed for students who have a keen interest in understanding the diverse and dynamic regions that make up North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Throughout the course of study, students will explore key themes such as indigenous histories, colonialism, modern political developments, economic transformations, and cultural expressions across the Americas. The curriculum combines classical humanities and social sciences to provide a well-rounded perspective, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Students will engage with a wide array of academic disciplines, including history, political science, cultural studies, and languages, enabling them to develop a nuanced understanding of the regional complexities. The programme emphasizes both theoretical approaches and practical skills, such as research methodologies, language proficiency, and intercultural communication, preparing graduates for careers in academia, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

International exchange programmes and internships are integral components of the degree, providing students with valuable hands-on experience and an opportunity to immerse themselves directly in the regions they study. The faculty comprises experts with extensive research backgrounds in Latin American studies, North American studies, and area-specific topics, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction grounded in current scholarship.

Graduates of this programme will be equipped with a deep understanding of the Americas' historical trajectories, societal shifts, and contemporary challenges. They will be capable of conducting independent research, analyzing regional issues critically, and contributing to cross-cultural dialogue and international cooperation. Whether students aspire to work in diplomatic services, international development, global commerce, or academia, the Americas programme offers a solid foundation for a broad spectrum of career paths.

Educational organisation

The programme comprises lectures, seminars, and language courses. In the first, second, and third semesters, the programme is divided into a basic module (introduction to North American Studies, Latin American Studies, and Inter-American Studies), language modules (English and/or Spanish), regional core modules (North America/Iberoamérica: Culture & Literature, Politics & Society), an interregional core module, and optional transregional modules (space and region, migration, human rights), or additional North American and Latin American Studies. In the fourth semester, students complete their Master's thesis within six months.

Study abroad unit(s)

Optional. For more information, see http://www.fau.eu/international/going-abroad
Information on partner universities is available at http://uni-erlangen.moveonnet.eu/moveonline/exchanges

Forms of assessment

Written and oral exams, research papers in the nine different modules (90 ECTS); Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

Course objectives

The programme trains and enhances

• the ability to apply general approaches and methods to specific research subjects
• the competence to analyse, in a comparative perspective, cultural practices and forms of expression in the context of the intellectual, cultural, and literary history of the Americas
• essential skills in the organisation and management of knowledge
• the command of academic discourse in English, Spanish, and German
• the ability to critically reflect on important paradigms of cultural and literary theory

Graduates of the MA "The Americas/Las Américas" may work in the following fields:

• education
• international organisations
• (inter-)cultural management, cultural institutions
• publishing and journalism
• archives and libraries

Graduates may also apply for a PhD and pursue an academic career in American Studies, Latin American Studies or Inter-American Studies.

Language requirements

Level C1 in English and B2 in Spanish (according to the Common European Framework of Reference)
or, alternatively,
Level C1 in Spanish and B2 in English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference)

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in modern languages (English or Spanish), American, Latin American, English, or Spanish studies
• overall grade of the prior degree minimum 2.5 (on a scale from 1 to 4 according to the German grading system); between 2.51 and 3.5: individual application 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

Departmental staff will provide you with individual advice and support.

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.