Anglophone Postcolonial Studies University of Potsdam

The degree programme is taught in English. Unless otherwise specified, compulsory elective foreign language modules may be offered in German, provided they are not offered by the Department of English and American Studies.

The Anglophone Postcolonial Studies programme at the University of Potsdam enables students to adopt a non-Eurocentric view of the (English-speaking) world and to examine global phenomena from a postcolonial perspective. The focus is on the complex entanglements between the (postcolonial) past, present and future. Whether dealing with literary works, cultural dynamics, ecological challenges or media and historical phenomena — graduates learn to view these not as isolated events but also to analyse them from multiple perspectives as part of a culturally interwoven complex. Through their engagement with various historical, disciplinary, and regional contexts, they develop transcultural competencies (“transcultural literacy”), which enable them to understand cultures as inherently incomplete, hybrid and co-constitutive entities.

The programme is complemented by practice-oriented elements such as outreach projects, science communication, and project- and media-based work. It qualifies graduates for advanced MA programmes in literary and cultural studies in Germany and abroad, particularly the institute’s own Master’s programme in Anglophone Modernities in Literature and Culture. However, the programme also opens up career opportunities wherever an in-depth understanding of the diverse range of literary, ecological, cultural, historical, and media developments in the English-speaking world (and beyond) is required. Relevant professional fields include specialised journalism, publishing, the non-profit sector, cultural education, advertising and public relations, as well as, for example, human resources in companies. Cooperation with international partner universities and institutions also qualifies graduates for positions in international organisations and in academic management as well as in archives and libraries.

The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
15 August - 15 September

The Bachelor’s programme is modular in structure. Within each module, course content is taught in thematically grouped units through various forms of study and instruction. Each module requires the completion of a specified number of credits earned through designated coursework and examinations.

A semester abroad is strongly recommended (usually in semester four or five), but it is not mandatory.

The programme requires students to complete an internship of at least three weeks / 115 working hours, accompanied by a written report of minimum four A4 pages.

None

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). However, there is an administrative fee that includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin, as well as regional/local trains all over Germany.
More information here

The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 941 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

Admission to the Bachelor’s programme requires the proof of a higher education entrance qualification. Further information for applicants with foreign higher education entrance qualifications can be found here.

Applicants must also demonstrate their proficiency in English by passing the institute's aptitude test OR by submitting a recognised alternative proof of English language proficiency upon enrolment OR by applying for an equivalency certificate at an early stage. (See also FAQs about the  English Entrance Test.)

Please note: Allow ample time for the recognition processes of foreign higher education entrance qualifications, equivalency certificates, and alternative proofs of English language proficiency. These must be submitted within the enrolment period.

More information can be found here.

No minimum language level required

Please find details on the course website.

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Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Brandenburg's Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is very tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click here.

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English. For more info, visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service.

More information here

More information here

The International Office and the Central Student Advisory Service support international students in preparing for and during their studies and life in Potsdam. For more information, please visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/international/incoming/welcome.

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2025 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked number 1 in Germany and number 17 worldwide.

Situated in the multicultural area of Berlin-Brandenburg, the UP attracts more than 20,000 students from 127 countries. We offer a broad range of degree programmes in various fields, including a large number of English-language Master’s degree programmes. Moreover, you can choose from a number of specialised programmes, such as short-term summer courses or a preparatory year.

Students at the University of Potsdam benefit from our co-operations with more than 40 internationally renowned research institutes in the region, such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) or the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics. In fact, Potsdam is the city with the highest density of scientists and academics per capita in Germany.

With its many charming castles, surrounding woodland and lakes, Potsdam is the perfect choice for studying in an inspiring and history-soaked environment.

A city of royal residences and enchanting park landscapes, the centre of the German enlightenment, a hotspot of international film production: Potsdam is all of this – and much more.

Potsdam can boast 17 royal palaces and grand buildings. It all started when the enlightened King Frederick the Great dreamt up the Sanssouci Palace and its magnificent park in 1745. Today, the palaces and parks of Potsdam form one of Germany’s biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But living in Potsdam is not only about connecting with its historical heritage; there is also a rich cultural scene to discover. In the town centre, one can find lots of inspiring theatres, concert halls and museums. Potsdam is also home to one of the world’s oldest film studios, Studio Babelsberg. Famous films like Nosferatu, Metropolis, Inglourious Basterds or The Grand Budapest Hotel were filmed and produced here.

The city also has a lot in store for nature addicts. Situated alongside the Havel River and surrounded by lakes and greenery, Potsdam is the perfect spot for long strolls, running, swimming and paddling outdoors. One can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bike.

As a young and medium-sized city, Potsdam offers good conditions for families, providing lots of childcare and family support facilities. Moreover, it provides a very safe living environment.

If you’re someone who enjoys big cities, then just hop on the next train and within only 30 minutes, you’ll reach Germany’s bustling capital of Berlin.