English Studies and English Philology

Students can choose between a Single Honours Master's programme and a Joint Honours Master's programme.

For the Single Honours MA programme, students have to complete a total of 78 credits (plus 30 for the MA thesis) from the curriculum offered by the Department of English. In addition to two obligatory modules on Life and Institution and Practical English Language, students are offered a range of modules on Anglophone Literature and Culture, American Studies, Medieval English Studies, and Modern English Linguistics. Students may specialise in particular areas, which may be certified:

• Anglophone Literature and Culture
• Studies in (American and English) Literature and Culture
• Literary and Cultural Management, an area of study that includes modules on literary analysis as well as practical modules in the literature industry
• English Language in Focus (Linguistics and Medieval English Studies)

Students may also opt to combine modules from all areas in order to cover a broad range of various topics. Basic modules tend to stress the survey aspect of training, while advanced modules focus on in-depth analysis. This study option is suited for anyone who wishes to broaden his/her knowledge in various fields relating to English before deciding which field to choose for an MA thesis.

For the Joint Honours MA in English Studies/English Philology, students have to choose at least one other subject. This can be closely related (e.g. American Studies) or completely unrelated (e.g. Law or German History); any combination is acceptable, provided that the subject is offered as a 36-credit module package at Göttingen University.

In their course of study, students can choose between four study varieties:

• across the disciplines
• with a focus on either literary or language studies
• with a focus on Anglophone literature and culture
• with a focus on English language theory and history

Obligatory modules include advanced courses on English language and on culture and institutions of the UK or the USA. Elective modules depend largely on the kind of specialisation students wish to acquire. In studying across the disciplines, students can choose between basic and advanced modules in English and postcolonial literature and culture, American literature and culture, modern English linguistics, and the history of English. Students whose interests lie in either English/American literature or in language studies can opt for a large variety of modules on offer in the respective disciplines. Thus, students can take English linguistics, for example, and supplement them with a module on the history of English; likewise, students interested in focusing on American literature and culture can take the respective modules on offer and supplement them with a module on (e.g.) postcolonial literature.
The Department of English also offers three module packages (minor subjects) to be taken in combination with a 42-credit (Joint Honours) MA programme:

• English Philology, which meets the same criteria as outlined above
• Anglophone Literature and Culture
• Linguistics and Medieval Studies (Language in Focus)

English-language MA programmes at Göttingen University include American Studies and Modern Indian Studies.

Educational organisation

Students are relatively free in their combination of courses and modules. We suggest that basic modules be taken before advanced modules are tackled, but there is no obligation to do so. The organisation of modules depends largely on which study option is chosen.
Part-time studies are possible.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students are not required to spend a semester abroad, but are strongly advised to do so. A transfer of credits and exams is possible if students are counselled in advance about which modules/courses to take.

Internships

Students opting for the Literary and Cultural Management area are required to complete a 12-week internship in Germany or the UK (e.g. in house museums, at the management of a literary festival, in a publishing company, etc.). Students can be assisted in finding a suitable place.

Forms of assessment

Most core curriculum modules are worth 6 ECTS; some modules on offer (e.g. a module focusing on changes and contrasts in Anglophone literature and culture, the practical modules in Literary and Cultural Management and in Medieval English Studies as well as a module on tools and skills in English Linguistics) earn students 12 ECTS.
Assessment is through a range of exam types, including written end-of-term exams (mostly in the basic modules), term papers (advanced modules), and oral presentations (advanced and research modules).

Course objectives

Depending on the chosen study option, students

• have an in-depth knowledge of the developments inherent in the various disciplines of the area of study
• deepen their knowledge in English and American language, literature, culture, and in practical English studies
• develop an insight into and understanding of the theoretical and practical sides of the literature and culture industries
• improve their methodological skills and competence in analysis, interpretation, connecting ideas and knowledge
• improve their research and practical skills with regard to assessing texts and ideas, facts and changes in and across the various disciplines

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of English skills. We accept any of the following: Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English ("pass"), IELTS (band 7.0 minimum), TOEFL (587 points minimum), UNICert band III or other proofs of English at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference.
Applicants who wish to combine English Philology with a module package NOT taught in English must also provide proof of German proficiency if their native language is not German. Please enquire. Candidates without German language skills who choose an English-only module package are exempt on condition that they successfully complete basic German classes during their course of study.

Academic requirements

BA degree in English or a related subject (180 ECTS)
A minimum of 50 ECTS in modules relating to English as an academic subject are required. See also the section on language requirements.

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 at 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.

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.
At the department, students can fall back on a counselling and help network run by both lecturers and the departmental students' association. In addition, help and advice is provided with regard to all subject-related problems, from choosing the right variety of modules to drawing up timetables and sitting exams. It is strongly advised, however, that students recognise their needs for advice and make contact themselves.

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.