Study English Studies, American Studies in Germany

English and American studies programmes are typically comprised of four or five sections, depending on the exact programme:

• Linguistics: You study the “system” of the English language and its use in communication. You also acquire skills for analysing the English language.
• Literary studies: In this subsection, you focus on English literature. You acquire the knowledge to classify it in terms of literary history and to analyse it scientifically.
• Language practice: Here you will deepen your knowledge of English and expand your skills for use in academic and work-related contexts.
• Cultural studies: You will study the history of Anglophone countries, especially the history of Great Britain and North America.
• Teaching methodologies: Only students who wish to become teachers learn teaching methodologies. This involves learning the basic processes of foreign language teaching and learning as well as the special subject of teaching methodologies for learning English as a second language.

A rather obvious requirement to study English and American studies is having a knowledge of English. Therefore, there will be aptitude tests at some higher education institutions to check your English level. Others will ask for proof of your language skills through evidence of classes you might have taken in secondary school.  

English and American studies is a classic university degree programme; it is not offered at universities of applied sciences. This means that a general entrance qualification is required. Also, a minimum grade point average, or Numerus clausus, is required at some universities. The required grade can vary widely from university to university. A pre-study internship is not usually required before beginning the programme.

English and American studies will usually last about six semesters for a Bachelor’s degree and four semesters for a Master’s. While you won’t need a pre-study internship, it is most likely that you will need to accomplish one during your studies. This period of practical work experience can help you seek out a career path after graduation. A stay abroad, especially in an English-speaking country, is highly suggested, as you receive an immersion that’s hard to duplicate.

It is also wise to know which focus you want to undertake. The different focuses of English and American studies can take you in different directions not only academically, but career-wise as well. The list above can give you an overview of the various focuses that are available. Contact your university to find out more details.

Studying in Germany can be very inexpensive. Public universities are often tuition-free. However, you will still have to pay a semester contribution, which usually costs you between 100 and 400 euros per semester. Sometimes your semester contribution covers a ticket for local public transport or you can purchase a discounted ticket. Depending on where you study, this may be valid for the city, the region or even for all of Germany. Ask your higher education institution whether such an offer is currently available.

Housing expenses depend on a lot of factors. Cheaper options are usually prevalent in smaller populated university towns. Studying in a large city or in one that is very popular with students will give you more challenges both financially and when it comes to searching for accommodation. Residence halls or student apartments will be your cheapest option. Once you know where you are studying, begin your search immediately, as housing will fill up quickly. Here, you can find information on local halls of residence and the respective application process for most cities. Other costs in your everyday life will depend on your lifestyle and how you choose to budget.

To finance your studies in Germany, you should also find out about scholarships. There are many different scholarship programmes and excellent grades are not the only deciding factor. You can learn more about scholarships here and find suitable programmes directly on My GUIDE.

English and American studies offer a variety of career paths. With your expertise in the English language and culture, you can enter the field of education, cultural institutions such as museums, journalism, and other fields where your Anglo expertise could come in handy. It can be challenging, however, to find a job if you don’t set a direction you want to go early, as employers will look for skills that match. If you already know what career field interests you, you can tailor your academic experience to give you a head start. It is difficult to pinpoint or say what salary awaits you, as this can vary due to the various exciting career fields you can enter.