The Master English and American Studies at the University of Bamberg includes two individual branches of study, the regular track and the Joint Programme. Depending on the personal focus, either of these two branches may be more suitable for an applicant. To get an overview of the differences between the branches, please see this comparison.
Academic support throughout the programme
Even before the beginning of this 4-semester programme, applicants and students of the Master English and American Studies will be in close contact with their academic advisors and student helpers. Together with their advisors, students decide on their individual study plans and get help on all matters related to the programme. Moreover, all students in the programme have access to a variety of services offered by specially trained student helpers, who offer workshops, help desks and general support in person and via e-mail. These services are described on our BASIS website - BASIS meaning “Bamberg Support for International MA Students of English and American Studies”!
High flexibility
Both branches of the Master programme allow for a high degree of flexibility. Instead of studying a fixed syllabus, students can decide individually which core subject area (linguistics, literary studies or cultural studies) they wish to focus on. To prepare for a professional career, students can choose to do an internship in both programmes and go abroad as a part of their 4-semester course of studies. In the Joint Programme branch, this semester abroad is obligatory whereas in the regular track, it is optional. In addition, both branches can be studied as a part-time programme.
Internationalisation
One of the core features of the programme is the high degree of cultural diversity within the group of students. During your two years in the programme, you will study with people from all over the world and thus experience different perspectives on the materials covered in classes and discussed in informal meetings. To strengthen the bonds between students, we regularly offer extracurricular activities with all Master students, such as potlucks or Career Days, where students and members of staff can meet informally.
Study abroad
During your obligatory (Joint Programme) or optional (regular track) semester abroad, you will experience different (university) cultures first hand and forge international and intercultural connections. As the Joint Programme is designed as an international programme, you will meet new visiting Joint Programme students in Bamberg every year.
Your intercultural soft skills, which you will develop by studying in such a diverse group, will help you in your professional life. If you study the Joint Programme, you will also receive a Double Diploma, issued by Bamberg University and your mobility university, which will also make the international job market more accessible to you.
Career prospects and Career Orientation Service
Both branches of the Master English and American Studies prepare the graduates for a professional career in academic or in other areas of employment. During the programme, we offer a Career Orientation Service for all Master students, which will provide individualised advice based on the students’ career plans. Please visit our career prospects page and our Career Orientation Service to find out more about your options after graduation.
Accessibility
Since the programme is fully taught in English and members of staff communicate in English, non-German students of the Master English and American Studies will be able to follow courses and administration easily. Most services at the university and all services within the Institute of English and American Studies are available in English and German and all students can receive support from German-speaking student helpers in case they need a (simultaneous) translation from English into German or vice versa.