English and American Studies

• Structure and use of the English language
• Phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics
• National and social varieties of English
• Historical development of English and language change
• language acquisition and multilingualism
• applied linguistics

• Knowledge of the most important developments and periods of British literature since the early modern period and of North American literature based on the reading of selected texts in the original language.
• In-depth knowledge of selected authors as well as exemplary insight into the more recent Anglophone literatures and transnational or global contexts.
• Knowledge of the most important theories, methods and problems in English and American Studies
• Training in the ability to independently analyse and interpret poetically texts of different genres and epochs and related media, taking into account important cultural, social and political contexts.
• Training in the ability to form theses in Literary Studies in the interrelation of literary and visual texts as well as texts on literary, cultural and media theory.

• situationally appropriate oral and written use of contemporary English.
• confidence in lexis, grammar, style, idiom, pronunciation and intonation
• consolidated listening and reading comprehension skills
• knowledge of the special features of the varieties of English, in particular the British and American language standards
• Reception of literary texts as well as relevant specialised texts, production of academic texts
• socio-cultural and intercultural language competence
• Translation from and into English.

• Knowledge of geographical, historical, political, social, economic and cultural issues of Anglophone countries.
• Reflection on own and foreign cultural perspectives, development of intercultural competence.

• foreign language teaching and learning processes
• foreign language didactics, literature didactics, cultural didactics and media didactics
• Second language acquisition of English in a school context
• Reading and analysing selected works of children's and young adult literature in the original language

Orientation phase (1st-2nd semester)

Compulsory modules:

• Fundamentals of English Linguistics (9 LP)
• Fundamentals of English and American Literary Studies (9 LP)
• Language practice
• Regional studies of Anglophone countries and interculturality (6 LP)

one compulsory elective module on English language practice:

• Language Studies English - B2.2 or higher (6 LP)
• Language Practice English - C2 (for native speakers) (6 LP)

Qualification phase (3rd-6th semester)

Compulsory modules:

• Advanced module in English Linguistics (9 LP)
• Advanced module in English and American Literary Studies (9 LP)
• Final module, for the preparation of a bachelor's thesis (12 LP)

You can choose the academic modules of the qualification phase with or without a teaching orientation.

Compulsory elective modules (18 LP):

Without teacher orientation

• Applied linguistics (9 LP)
• Literature and Media (9 LP)

With teacher orientation

• Core module applied linguistics (6 LP)
• Core module Literature and Media (6 LP)
• Fundamentals of English subject didactics/children's and youth literature (6 LP)

• Language Studies English - C1.1 or higher (6 LP)
• Language practice English - C2 (for native speakers) (6 LP)
• Language module, modern language other than English - B1.1 or higher (6 LP)

In the English and American Studies major, one compulsory elective module on the professional field and three compulsory elective modules (18 LP) on the Studium Fundamentale must also be completed.

Further information on the course of study

The major and minor subjects differ in terms of course content and scope. A Bachelor's thesis is written in the major subject. English and American Studies is offered as both a major and a minor subject.

Internships during your studies

• interdisciplinary internship for vocational field
• optional: career-oriented internship

Further internships for students aiming for a teaching profession:

• two school-related internships in the Bachelor's programme

After the Bachelor at the University of Erfurt

master degree programme Applied Linguistics – Acquisition, Processing and Use of Language 
master degree programme Literary Studies: Texts. Symbols. Media 
Master of Education Primary Schools 
Master of Education Secondary Schools 
Master of Education Special Needs Pedagogy 
Master of Education Vocational Schools

You might also be interested in these courses of study

bachelor degree programme German Studies 
bachelor degree programme Literary Studies 
bachelor degree programme Romance Studies 
bachelor degree programme Slavic Studies

Study English as a teaching profession

If you go on to complete a Master's degree programme in the teaching profession, you will acquire the teaching qualification for:

• English at Primary schools,
• English at Secondary schools,
• English at Special schools,
• English at Vocational schools.

If you would like to teach English at vocational schools, choose English and American Studies as a general subject on the Master of Education programme Vocational schools. In the event that you only have the vocational specialisation but not the requirements for a general education subject, you can catch up on the subject-specific basics parallel to the master's programme .

Study teaching profession vocational schools

If you would like to become a Special Needs Pedagogy teacher, you must choose Special Education and Inclusive Pedagogy as your major subject and English and American Studies as your minor subject in your Bachelor's degree. You will then study for a Master of Education programme in Special Needs Pedagogy and Inclusive Education.

Download flyer "How do I become a Special Needs Pedagogy teacher?"

Study teaching profession in Special Needs Pedagogy

If you would like to teach at Primary schools, you must choose the major subject Primary Education and the minor subject English and American Studies in your Bachelor's degree. You will then go on to study the Master of Education Primary schools.

Download flyer "How do I become a primary school teacher?"

Study teaching profession in primary schools 

If you would like to teach at secondary schools, you must choose English and American Studies as well as another subject relevant to teaching in your Bachelor's degree. You will then go on to study the Master of Education secondary schools.

Download flyer "How do I become a regular school teacher?"

Study teaching profession in secondary schools

Studying with A-Levels

For the Bachelor's degree programme in English and American Studies, you need a

• general higher education entrance qualification or subject-linked higher education entrance qualification or comparable previous education.

General information on the admission requirements (studying without Abitur):
www.uni-erfurt.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung-zulassung-einschreibung

Language requirements in English studies

With the start of the degree programme in English and American Studies:

• English at language level B2

By the end of the degree programme in English and American Studies:

• English at language level C1
• in a further modern foreign language at language level B1 (only in the main subject)

Information on language requirements and level examinations

Language Centre

The Language Centre offers around 140 language courses per semester in 16 modern and ancient (foreign) languages. It supports you in acquiring and improving your language skills.
www.uni-erfurt.de/sprachenzentrum

International applicants

International applicants whose native language is not German must provide proof of sufficient German language skills (level B1) upon application.

Information on required German language skills and the German language test for university admission (DSH):

Language and Admission Requirements 

At present, no admission limitation (without numerus clausus) is expected.

The programme requires good communication skills, both written and oral. Excellent English language skills are essential for the degree programme.

A strong interest in English language, literature and cultural expression is crucial. You will need to study many works of literature , develop analytical skills and understand cultural contexts.

If you are interested in English-speaking culture, literature, history and society, you will enjoy your studies. English and American Studies often covers a wide range of topics, from classical literature to modern pop culture phenomena.

The ability to read, interpret and analyse texts critically is crucial. This includes the ability to understand and interpret literary works, historical documents and cultural artefacts.

Studying English and American Studies often involves exploring different cultures and perspectives. Openness to diversity and the ability to understand different points of view are therefore an advantage.

Discovery Days

Discovery Days at the University of Erfurt mean experiencing "studying up close". Within a week (on as many days as you like) you can attend selected courses (lectures or seminars) in English and American Studies and get a taste of campus life.

Information and programme:

Discovery Days

Further information from the University of Erfurt

Download info pack

Don't want to wait for the post? Then download the English and American Studies flyer now.

Download the "English and American Studies" information pack

to the download centre