English (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
The English programme at Humboldt-Universität combines American studies, English literature and cultural studies, and linguistics. It offers an overview of current developments, practical orientation, and close supervision by highly motivated teachers.
Please choose
- Major Field of Study
- Minor Field of Study
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The course combines and integrates the disciplines of American Studies with English Literature and Cultural Studies as well as Linguistics. It also prepares you for your future career. The subject gives students an overview of the essential, current developments in the associated sub-disciplines, drawing on the specific academic expertise and special fields of competence of the teaching staff. The students are taught by highly-motivated lecturers at an institute that can trace its roots back to the oldest university English department in Germany, which also had a pioneering role in American Studies.
Major field of study (113 CP)
Mandatory modules (75 CP)
| Module no. | Module | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Introduction to Linguistics | 5 CP |
| 02 | Introduction to Literature | 7 CP |
| 03 | Introduction to Culture | 7 CP |
| 04 | Literary History | 10 CP |
| 05 | Linguistics, History and Variation of English | 6 CP |
| 06 | Linguistics, Grammar | 7 CP |
| 07 | Advanced Language Studies | 8 CP |
| 10 | Research Methodology and Research Skills | 8 CP |
| 15 | Didactics of English | 7 CP |
| 16 | Bachelor's thesis | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (22 CP)
Select 1 module from each of the following areas:
Linguistics
| Module no. | Module | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Focus Module Linguistics I, Cognitive Linguistics | 11 CP |
| 12 | Focus Module Linguistics II, Language in Context | 11 CP |
Literature Studies
| Module no. | Module | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Focus Module English Literature and Culture | 11 CP |
| 14 | Focus Module American Literature and Culture | 11 CP |
Teacher Training (16 CP)
Teacher training for students who wish to enter the teaching profession consists of the Educational Sciences Modules (11 CP) and a Language Training Module (5 CP), see Study and examination regulations for the Teacher training Modules.
General elective course offerings (ÜWP) for students coming from other courses of studies
| Module no. | Module | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Introduction to English Literatures and Cultures | 5 CP |
Special features
Evidence of the English language skills required (level B2) should be submitted in one of the following four formats:
- School certificates: Performance level averaging at least 5 points over the last four semesters of the university admission qualification (Abitur) (qualification stage) on the English advanced course or
- Cambridge First Certificate in English (B-C) or
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Certificate (min. 5.0) or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, www.ets.org/toefl/): internet-based test with min. 87 points, paper-based test with min. 560 points or
- UNIcert® II-Zertifikat: 3,0.
- Solid proficiency in the English and German languages (oral and written)
- An interest in language and texts and the basic ability to analyse them
- A particular interest in engaging with other cultures/literatures and in inter-cultural exchange
- Enjoyment of reading widely and engaging with linguistic and cultural forms, including in student projects
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
You can apply to HU for a master’s programme such as English Literatures, American Studies, European Literatures or German as a Foreign Language, plus Linguistics and German Literature.
If you have chosen the teacher training option, at Humboldt-Universität you can apply for the Master of Education in English for teaching.
Find out more in the overview of HU study programmes or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
A successful degree in English qualifies graduates for professional fields where working with the English language, its literatures, and cultures is a central or supplementary task. Furthermore, the Bachelor's degree in English aims to establish a foundation for future academics.
To become a teacher, choose the teacher training option in your Bachelor's programme. Afterwards, you will enroll in a Master's degree programme, followed by an induction service as a trainee teacher (Referendariat) and a final examination (state examination).
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study subject counselling and recognition of credits
Dr. phil. Andrew John McIntyre
PD Dr. Florian Schäfer
Department of English and American Studies
Institutsgebäude, Dorotheenstraße 28, 10117 Berlin