English and American Studies
Degree Profile
Course Details
English and American Studies comprises much more than intensive language study to acquire advanced knowledge in oral and written English. It encourages critical thinking, expands discursive skills in both mother tongue and foreign language and increases intercultural competence.
In addition to an in-depth study of current English, which includes an intensive examination of its structure, varieties and origins, our departments enable students to develop skills in the analysis of and reflection on literature and to acquire a broader knowledge of the cultures, literatures and history of the Anglophone countries.
On this basis, English and American Studies brings applied perspectives to all subject areas. These relate, for example, to the learning and teaching of foreign languages, but also to the inclusion of media study aspects in the treatment of issues in literary and cultural studies.
People, study organisation and tools
Job & Career Perspectives
One field of activity is teaching at different schools and colleges.
Moreover, many graduates of English and American Studies work in the following industries:
- Tourisms
- Translation (interpreting, translating)
- Publishing (editorial department)
- Documentation and archiving (libraries)
- Journalism (print media, news agencies)
- Radio and television (editing, writing)
- Public relations (PR agencies, consultancy)
- Marketing and advertising (copywriter)
- Diplomacy (NGOs, embassies)
- Politics (parties, associations)
English and American Studies in Detail
Structure of the study programme
The bachelor's degree programme at the University of Erfurt comprises a major and a minor subject (two-subject bachelor's degree) as well as the fundamental course of study. It aims to impart specialist content and occupational field orientation as well as interdisciplinary skills. The standard period of study is six semesters.
Orientation Phase (First Year)
- Fundamentals of English Linguistics
- Fundamentals of English and American Literature
- General Language Practice and Cultural Studies
Qualification Phase (Second/Third Year)
- deepen and apply knowledge of the English language, literature and culture
Two-Subject-Bachelor
The major and minor subjects differ in terms of the content and scope of the course. In the major subject a Bachelor thesis is written.
Examinations regulations major subject English and American Studies 2021 (pdf)
Examinations regulations minor subject English and American Studies 2021 (pdf)
Possible combinations
At the University of Erfurt, you will study a major and a minor subject (two-subject bachelor) in the bachelor's programme. You may have to observe combination rules.
Combination rule:
- English and American Studies can be combined with all fields of study except Literary Studies.
Online-Tool Studimat
The STUDIMAT supports you in combining the major with the minor subject. Try it out now!
www.was-studieren.info
Study abroad
Spending a semester abroad is a valuable experience and a must for any language student.
The International Office is the contact for both German students wishing to study abroad as well as for foreign students visiting Erfurt. As part of the university agreements, tuition fees are waived for exchange students. Additional incurring charges can be minimised through scholarships and the Erasmus mobility allowance.
more information about studying abroad
The International Office will be happy to assist you in organizing your stay abroad.
Internships
Internships during studies
- Interdisciplinary Internship for Vocational Field
- optional: Internship for Vocational Field
Further internships for students with the professional goal of becoming teachers:
- two school type-related school internships in the Bachelor's program
Study teaching profession
Information about study teaching profession
Teacher training takes place in the Bachelor-Master study system. The degree is equivalent to the 1st state examination. Following the Master's programme, you will complete the preparatory service, which concludes with the 2nd state examination.
Teaching profession at the University of Erfurt
Relevance for teacher training
If you follow a master's degree course in teaching, you will acquire the teaching qualification for the subject English at the following schools:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Special Needs Pedagogy
- Vocational schools
Studying to become a primary school teacher
- Combination of the major subject Primary and Elementary Education with the minor subject English and American Studies
Download Flyer "Studying to become a primary school teacher" (in German)
Studying to become a secondary school teacher
- Combination of the major subject English and American Studies with a minor subject relevant to the teaching profession
Download Flyer "Studying to become a secondary school teacher" (in German)
Studying to become a teacher for special needs pedagogy
- Combination of the major Education for Special Needs Pedagogy with the minor English and American Studies
Download Flyer "Studying to become a teacher for special needs pedagogy" (in German)
Studying to become a teacher for vocational schools
- English and American Studies (English) as a general subject
Admissions qualification
Studying with Abitur
- general qualification for university entrance or the subject-related higher education entrance qualification or a comparable previous education
General information on the admission requirements (study without Abitur):
www.uni-erfurt.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung-zulassung-einschreibung
Language requirements
Beginning of Studies:
- English: Before beginning their studies, all students (major or minor subject) need to take the Oxford Placement Test (OPT) during the introductory days. Without a test result, students cannot attend any classes! Only English native speakers are exempt. In the OPT, students need to reach 66 points. If the result is lower, the test can be re-taken in January.
- German: Upon application, international applicants must prove German language skills at level B1.
End of First Year:
- Before entering the Q phase, students need to prove their language proficiency at B2 level. The B2 examination counts as the module grade for all language practice classes of the O phase. Without the B2-test the continuation of the BA course is not possible!
BA Degree:
- By the end of the BA course, students need to prove their language proficiency at C1 level. The C1 examination counts as the module grade for all language practice classes of the Q phase. Without the C1-test graduation is not possible!
- in another modern foreign language at language level B1 (main course only)
All language proficiency tests are carried out by the languages centre. The recognition of external certificates (IELTS, CAE, TOEFL) can be requested.
Language Centre
The Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) offers around 140 language courses per semester in 16 modern and ancient (foreign) languages. It supports you in acquiring and deepening 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):
No admission limitation (without nc)
At present, no admission limitation (without numerus clausus) is expected.
Master Programmes
After the Bachelor at the University of Erfurt
Master Programme Applied Linguistics – Acquisition, Processing and Use of Language
Master Programme Literary Studies: Texts. Symbols. Media
Master of Education Primary Schools
Master of Education Secondary Schools
Open Day & Discovery Days
Open Day
Numerous information and advisory services offer you the opportunity to see the study and living conditions in Erfurt for yourself at the open day. Get to know the green campus and the beautiful old town centre on guided tours. Information on the programme: Open Day
Discovery Days
The 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) and get a taste of campus life. Information and programme: Discovery Days
Order or download information material
Would you like to hold the study program flyer in your hands? Then request our free information material without obligation. In a few days you will receive mail directly to your home.
You don't want to wait? Then download the flyer in the download center now.
Similar study programmes
You might also be interested in these courses of study
Bachelor Programme German Studies
Bachelor Programme Literary Studies
What our students say
I am studying English Studies and American Studies as a minor and I am very satisfied. We have many lecturers who are native speakers, which I find particularly great. They are all very nice and helpful. There is a wide range of courses on offer - so everyone will find something to suit them!
Review by Anastasia on Studycheck
The lecturers were very professional and helpful. The content was also interesting and I learned a lot. I would definitely recommend the programme to others. The university is also great and the city is very beautiful and has a lot to offer young people.
Review by M. on Studycheck
You are introduced to many areas of the English language. You learn about literature, linguistics, phonetics and much more. Furthermore, you can improve your pronunciation and writing skills in the language courses, which are adapted to your English level through a test. If you enjoy English, you will also enjoy this study programme.
Review by Sarah on Studycheck
Application
The major and minor subject in English/American Studies is admission-free (without NC).
Application for the two-subject bachelor:
If you are combining English/American Studies with an admission-free program (without NC), you can enrol directly from May 1 to September 15.
Enrol now for English and American Studies!
If you are combining English/American Studies with a admission-restricted program (with NC), please apply from May 1 to July 15 via the following link.
For international students
Want to study one semester or year at the University of Erfurt?
You come from abroad and are interested in studying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree at the University of Erfurt?
Foto Credits: AdobeStock (undrey), Dreamstime (melpomenem)
Consulting & Service
Student advice and counselling
Downloads
Flyer Welcome to the University of Erfurt in Englisch (.pdf)
Flyer Course Offerings – Bachelor and Master Programs (in German)
Flyer Bachelor-Program English and American Studies (in German)
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