North American Studies

Within the MA programme in North American Studies, students undertake advanced academic work and may choose individual areas of specialisation in literary, cultural, and media studies. The degree programme prepares students for positions in journalism, in public service, or in other cultural institutions. Graduates are specifically qualified for careers in transatlantic contexts. Additionally, students planning to pursue further academic work at PhD level benefit from the strong focus on scholarly methodologies and the writing of extensive research papers.
Within the Göttingen MA in North American Studies, students have to select a second concentration ("Modulpaket"), for which they have to apply separately. For international students interested in Anglophone Literature and Culture, we recommend combining North American Studies with "Englische Philologie".

Educational organisation

The general research interest of the North American Studies programme is to describe and understand the cultural formation "North America" in its historical development, regional diversity, cultural complexity and transnational interconnectedness. The programme thus fosters a critical understanding of North American literature and culture in a very broad sense.
The Göttingen Master in North American Studies focuses on the study of cultural artefacts (literature, autobiographies, visual arts, media, etc.) in their respective historical, political, social, and cultural contexts. Students expand their knowledge of literary, cultural and media theory to refine their analytical skills. North American Studies is an interdisciplinary subject that combines thorough instruction in literary, cultural, and media studies with additional methodologies from related disciplines.
Within the MA programme, students are encouraged to independently select a specific focus of intellectual inquiry.
Part-time studies are possible. Applicants should contact the programme coordinator for details.

Forms of assessment

Students must complete 42 credits in (North) American Studies. 26 credits derive from the core curriculum, while 16 credits are obtained through interdisciplinary electives. As part of the core curriculum, students first complete two modules on North American literature and culture, as well as media studies. Additionally, they select two interdisciplinary modules from other cooperating programmes of study. At the end of their studies, students will research and write a final thesis. Work on this scholarly project is done during or after a concluding module.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of their studies, graduates have acquired profound scholarly expertise in the field of North American Studies. They have proven their ability to pursue academic work at postgraduate level, and are thus qualified for careers in various research institutions. They also possess skills which are especially useful for employment in journalism and media, the publishing industry, culture and tourism management, or internet businesses. Graduates' intercultural competence can make a valuable contribution to international companies active in the financial, political, and/or economic sectors. They have completed a core curriculum focused on literary, cultural, and media studies, which includes advanced instruction in North American literary and cultural history. Through this research-oriented programme, graduates are able to implement various research methodologies, as well as essential theories for scholarship in the Humanities. Beyond this, they are able to proficiently explore, analyse, and interpret literary texts, cultural phenomena, and media. Graduates are adept at independently planning, pursuing, and executing projects with scholarly or practical relevance. Having completed interdisciplinary elective modules, they have furthermore mastered transdisciplinary approaches and have acquired valuable professional skills.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their German and English skills.

English:
a) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
b) "International English Language Testing System" (IELTS) "Band 7"
c) TOEFL (paper-based) 587 points
d) "Institutional Testing Program for English Proficiency" (TOEFL ITP) 587 points
e) TOEFL (computer-based) 240 points
f) TOEFL iBT 94 points
g) Unicert (level 3)
h) C-1 Certificate according to CEF (Common European Framework)

German:
International applicants who are not native speakers of German must meet certain standards. This requirement is a university-wide regulation and cannot be waived. In most cases, students need to provide a DSH-2 and Test-DaF level 4 certificate. Students from abroad whose German language skills are not rated at least at level DSH-1 and who wish to combine American Studies with a module package taught exclusively in English also have to acquire some level of German. To that end, they are required to successfully complete DSH modules worth at least 12 ECTS. For further information, please visit http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/7710.html.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Completed BA degree with a grade point average of 2.5 or better (no additional testing necessary) in one of the following fields (please note the additional requirements below)
Students with a lower grade point average may qualify for admission through an additional oral exam.

• North American Studies/American Literature: applicants must provide proof of 50 credits obtained in this field.
• English/English Philology: applicants must provide proof of 50 credits obtained in this field, including at least 14 credits in North American literary and cultural history OR American literary and cultural theory.
• general literatures/comparative literatures OR
• social science OR
• history: applicants must provide proof of 50 credits obtained in this field, including at least 14 credits from courses pertaining to the study of North America.

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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

Enrolment fees are approx. 300 EUR per semester. Fees include a pre-paid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains free of charge within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen, as well as city buses. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books reach approx. 700-750 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Job opportunities

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available in the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Arrival support

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/49307.html
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html

Services and support for international students

The International Office assists international students with all administrative questions regarding their stay in Germany, e.g. enrolment, visa, foreigners' registration office, health insurance and financing of their studies. Furthermore, it features a broad cultural programme, e.g. international cultural evenings, language workshops, theatre courses, films, dance classes, theatre and opera visits. Trips to various tourist destinations in Germany are offered throughout the year.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/48483.html

Accommodation

The International Office, in collaboration with the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk"), helps students find adequate accommodation. Many international students live in student residences. These have single apartments or shared apartments with individual rooms. There are also apartments available for couples and families with children.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/364086.html