English Linguistics (M.A., 1-subject)

The Master's degree program in English Linguistics (M.A.) is offered as a single-subject degree program by the English Studies department and, as a consecutive Master's degree program, builds on an undergraduate degree.

The degree program is aimed at interested parties with a relevant Bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree who would like to deepen their knowledge of linguistics through an empirically oriented Master's degree program.

The subject-specific focus of the degree program is on language variation, practical language skills in English and the deepening of quantitative methodological skills. As part of a free elective area, these fundamentals can be expanded to include interdisciplinary specializations in the areas of Anglophone Literatures and Media, Natural Language Processing, Digital Humanities and Phonetics. A compulsory research or professional internship also ensures a practical scientific reference.

During the course of study, graduates acquire in-depth specialist knowledge of the structure and use of the English language, its language variation and linguistic models. They also develop advanced methodological skills and strong social and personal skills.

The degree qualifies students for work in research and related areas such as artificial intelligence, speech processing or technical editing.

CourseEnglish Linguistics
DegreeMaster of Arts
Program type1-subject
Course length4 semester
ECTS (Credits)120
Admission restrictionsnone (SS25)none (WS25/26)
Course startswinter semestersummer semester
Language of instructionGerman
other languagesEnglish

Course structure

A single-subject master’s degree programme has a standard period of study of four semesters.

Module description and examination regulations

Die subject examination regulations regulate the purpose, content and procedure of the examinations and are legally binding. If you have specific questions about the content of an individual examination, please connect your examiners, otherwise contact the departmental academic advisor. The University Examination Office will answer any questions regarding the organisation of examinations.

The module descriptions [link follows]  specify the modules laid out in the examination regulations and provide information on the content of the courses in the modules as well as the learning objectives and competences to be acquired.

Application and admission

Admission to this master’s programme requires proof of an appropriate bachelor’s degree as week as modules totalling at least 10 credit points from the field of English Linguistics subject examination regulations.

Whether a bachelor’s degree programme or parts of a bachelor’s degree programme qualify for admission to a particular master’s degree programme is determined by the subject examination board during the application process on the basis of the subject examination regulations.

The following certificates are also required for admission to this master’s degree programme according to the subject examination regulations:

  • English language proficiency

Further information on application, admission and enrolment is summarised on the  Application page.


Internships

An internship is not compulsory in this programme.

Nonetheless, it is recommended to make contact with employers through internships at an early stage and get to know the future working world. The university supports internships in Germany and abroad through through Career Services by providing information and internships offers.

Study abroad

A study/stay abroad is not compulsory but is recommended.  The mobility window is in the 3rd semester, but a stay abroad can also take place in other semesters.

The university supports study and internship stays abroad through numerous exchange programmes.  Further information:

Departmental Contact