- All courses offered
- Bachelor
- English Studies: British and American Studies
- Major Subject (Academic)
English Studies: British and American Studies Major Subject (Academic)
Overview
Contents of the subject English Studies: British and American Studies
If you are interested in the world of English-language literature and media, the English Studies: British and American Studies programme is for you. Authors such as William Shakespeare, J.K. Rowling, Mark Twain and Jack Kerouac are examined, researched, analysed and discussed in this programme.
At the beginning of the programme, students gain a broad grounding in the fields of language, literature and culture. In the second half of the programme, students then focus on a particular area of specialisation, which should be geared towards their future career aspirations. Throughout the degree programme, the teaching of subject-specific skills is closely linked to the teaching of intercultural and communicative key skills.
English Studies: British and American Studies can be studied with different specialisations. Depending on their career aspirations and subject interests, students can choose further modules in linguistics, British and North American literatures and cultures, global Anglophone cultures, media and communication, and literature and culture in education. In all cases, students deal with Anglophone linguistic, cultural and literary forms from different regions of the world and thus acquire intercultural and interdisciplinary skills in addition to text and media analytical competences. The academic focus of English Studies at Bielefeld is not limited to Great Britain and the USA. Rather, it also includes the language, culture and literature of linguistic and cultural communities in Africa, the Caribbean or India and of countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or Scotland in its research and teaching.
Students who complete a degree programme in English: British and American Studies have many different career options. Like many other humanities subjects, this Bachelor's degree programme is not geared towards a specific career goal. The skills acquired during a degree programme in English Studies are used by our graduates in a variety of ways, for example in cultural institutions such as museums or archives, in adult education and in municipal institutions or private companies in public relations, communication or media analysis.
Contact persons
Advantages of the subject at Bielefeld University
Academic methods
The programme equips students with the ability to use academic theories and methods to explore the structures, content and contextual meanings of the English language and literature. This analytically sharpened perspective fosters close reading and critical thinking, thereby enabling students to increasingly explore complex issues independently.
Diverse cultural perspectives
The English Studies programme at Bielefeld University considers not only the UK and the USA but also the English-speaking cultures of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In a globalised world, this approach to postcolonial issues fosters intercultural understanding.
A love of reading and discussion
A vibrant culture of reading and discussion is essential in the study of English, as the joy of exchanging questions, observations, ideas, analytical findings and so on makes a decisive contribution to the academic culture of the discipline. Through this exchange, communication skills are developed: arguing, weighing up options, comparing, developing and defending one’s own point of view, including by drawing on academic texts and positions.
High level of language proficiency
Good to very good command of English, both spoken and written – acquired, for example, through an advanced English course or an extended period abroad – ensures a high standard of study, ideally right from the basic practical language module. Throughout the course, language proficiency in the academic register is continuously developed.
Career prospects
Cultural management: Graduates can work in cultural institutions such as museums, archives or libraries, where they can apply their knowledge and skills.
Public relations: Graduates are in demand in the field of public relations to develop communication content and support the public relations work of companies or organisations.
Publishing: Expertise in English-language literature and media opens up opportunities in publishing houses, where content is edited and published.
Media and communications sector: Graduates find employment in media analysis or production, where their skills in creating, critically analysing and discussing content tailored to specific target audiences are in demand.
Adult education: Graduates can also pursue their educational interests and apply their skills in the non-school sector, for example in part-time, target-group-specific English courses or in museum education.
What are the access requirements?
Access to the Bachelor programme is granted to those who have a university entrance qualification suitable for Germany (e. g. German ‘Abitur’).
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Likewise, special conditions apply to those qualified in vocational education and training.
What formalities are important?
Course start
Studies can be commenced in both winter and summer semesters. Courses are targeted to commencing studies in winter semester. Student counselling to plan the course of studies is recommended.
Length and scope of studies
The standard period of studies is 6 semesters. Information on studying part time.
The studies Major Subject (Academic) English Studies: British and American Studies comprise 120 credit points.
Find out about the academic structure model and note the possible combinations as well as the rules regarding the individual supplementary area.
Application, admission, and enrolment
The study places are not subject to any admission restrictions (numerus clausus). Nevertheless, you need to apply within the currently applicable application deadlines. Afterwards, however, you can submit your application for enrolment directly in the application and status portal, provided that you meet the access requirements.
Step by step to a bachelor programme without NC
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Likewise, special conditions apply to those qualified in vocational education and training.
The courses
You will find the programme of lectures for this course in the eKVV.
An overview of the introductory and information events is provided by the central student counselling services.
Possible Combinations
Possible Combinations
Possible combinations for Combined Bachelor
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The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2026/27 and summer semester 2027.
Information on NC values from previous years