MA English Literatures Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Courses are taught in English (75%) and German (25%).

MA English Literatures

The four-semester Master's programme is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of English literatures and cultures and a methodological approach to literary studies.

Curricular modules are designed to enhance critical understanding by exploring texts in their historical and cultural contexts, in their interaction with other literatures, and from a variety of relevant perspectives, including historical scholarship and aesthetics, close textual analysis, and contemporary literary and cultural theories and poetics. Literary texts are studied as works of art and as configurations of historical and media-specific fields of transformation. Literature is seen as a productive agent in the formation of the cultural knowledge of a society and of the individual self-conceptions of its members.

The MA English Literatures is a taught Master's programme, yet at the same time, it places a strong emphasis on self-conducted research and project work. In general, classroom instruction is conducted in English, but some classes are conducted in German. Additionally, the programme includes special English language modules.

The programme is designed to prepare and qualify students for employment in the cultural professions and the media. Students who successfully complete the programme will also be qualified for academic positions as well as for a broad range of jobs requiring sophisticated competences in the writing of texts, in organisation, and in communication. The degree is granted upon acceptance of a Master's thesis.

There are interdisciplinary links to the MA programmes of European Literatures and Gender Studies at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

The programme starts in the winter semester (October to February).

However, sometimes we offer application for the summer semester (April to July, see https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/beratung/angebot/master). Students who begin their studies in the summer semester will take courses designed for the second semester, and they will take the introductory modules in their second semester.

International applicants:
Application period for applicants with a BA obtained at a non-German university:
2 May to 15 June

Domestic applicants:
Application period for applicants with a BA obtained at a German university:
1 June to 31 August

Please also see: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/admission/calendar?set_language=en.

Further information for international students:

https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/admission/admission-for-foreign-applicants-en

Modules in the programme:

• Writing Skills: Essay Composition/Text Production (2 UE)
• Writing Skills: Textual Competence (2 UE)
• Authors, Periods, Genres (SE, LSE)
• Texts, Contexts, Cultures: Media and Cultural Communication (SE, LSE)
• Texts, Contexts, Cultures: Literature and Systems of Knowledge (SE, LSE)
• Literary Interactions (SE, LSE)
• Texts and Theories (SE, LSE)
• Research Colloquium (KO, ST)
• Master's thesis

SE = seminar, UE = exercise, LSE = reading seminar, ST = self study, KO = colloquium

Most courses are conducted in seminar format, with a strong emphasis on academic discussion. Module exams consist of take-home exams, term papers, and oral exams.

There are possibilities for a semester or academic year abroad, i.e. an Erasmus exchange as well as an exchange through further partnerships with universities in the UK and the US.

No tuition fees

Approx. 320 EUR per semester (as of summer 2025) – includes semester ticket for public transport

The cost of living in Germany is still quite reasonable – compared to other European countries. However, expenses for rent are rising and reasonably priced accommodation has recently become much more difficult to find. You should calculate 850 to 1,000 EUR to cover your monthly living expenses. The largest expense is the monthly rent.

The MA English Literatures programme is a consecutive programme. This means that it builds on a prior university degree in English studies. 

Accordingly, a BA in English Studies / Englisch / Anglistik or in Comparative Literature (literary and cultural studies, literary history, literary theory, methodologies) is required, or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 30 credit points in English Studies and 30 credit points in literary studies.

For language requirements, see below.

Proof of English language proficiency

Applicants must prove level C1 proficiency in English (CEFR; IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 100).

Native speakers of English and students with BA degrees from an English speaking country are exempt.

German language proficiency

Applicants must prove B2 level (CEFR) proficiency in German.

Language certificates must be submitted with the application.

Further information: https://www.angl.hu-berlin.de/study/general/prospective

International applicants:
Application period for applicants with a BA obtained at a non-German university:
2 May to 15 June

Domestic applicants:
Application period for applicants with a BA obtained at a German university:
1 June to 31 August

Please also see: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/admission/calendar?set_language=en.

No

There are numerous part-time job opportunities in the city – many but not all of them might require German language skills. Students can find jobs ranging from working at a bar or a restaurant to working as a student assistant at the university or at a cultural institution or as a private tutor.

However, you need to be aware of the legal regulations.

Many of our students find accommodation in student residence halls run by the "Studentenwerk" (Association for Student Affairs: https://www.stw.berlin/en/housing/). Alternatively, students find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students live in shared apartments ("WG": "Wohngemeinschaft"). You can find offers online (studenten-wg.de or wg-gesucht.de), in various Berlin magazines or on notice boards.

https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/hu/verwaltung/ccww/career-center