The core of the Master’s Degree Program in English is scholarly research on the linguistic, literary, and sociocultural diversity of the English-speaking world in the present and the past. The global relevance of anglophone culture, which influences social domains as diverse as language and literature, film and music, tourism and advertising, and business and politics, invites an in-depth analysis of the complexity of its literature, culture, and linguistics. Furthermore, the dominance of English as the most important lingua franca of our time gives rise to social and political challenges that call for experts in English language(s) and culture(s). At the University of Basel, the development of this expertise is grounded in a strong cultural and interdisciplinary approach.
At the University of Basel’s English Department, research and teaching take place in two academic subfields: Literary Studies and Linguistics.
The subfield Anglophone Literary Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach based on cultural studies to address anglophone literature in the context of intellectual and cultural history, as well as in connection with other media. Anglophone Literary and Cultural Studies in Basel focus on the following points:
The subfield Linguistics of English studies the significance and functions of the English language in the past and present, in public and private, in culture and science, and of course in everyday life. Anglophone linguistics in Basel has the following focal points:
At master level, students expand their knowledge and skills from the bachelor’s degree. The focus of the research part of the curriculum is either on English Linguistics or Anglophone Literary and Cultural Studies.
Almost all courses at the English Department are taught in English.
| Degree | MA in English |
| Type | Degree subject |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Program structure | The Master's degree is the second degree after the Bachelor's degree and comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP). In addition to English, students choose a second, independent subject, whereby both subjects are studied for 35 CP each. The subject in which the master's thesis (30 CP) is written becomes a major, the other a minor. In addition, there are free electives (20 CP). One ECTS credit point corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. |
| Subject combination | Students may choose a subject from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or an extra-faculty subject as their second Master's degree subject. Students can choose it according to their interests and appointments. The free electives pass freely selectable courses that can be used to deepen knowledge in the degree subjects, to gain insight into other degree subjects offered by the University of Basel or to acquire language skills. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Subject area |
Admission to master’s programs is regulated by the university student regulations and the stipulations of the individual degree program descriptions. More details of the general master’s admission requirements are provided here.
For students to be admitted with no additional requirements, they must hold a bachelor’s degree worth 180 CP from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel.
Subject-related requirements are defined in the admission requirements (section 3) of the study program for the relevant subject. The guidelines may also contain further useful information that is key to successful studies.
Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.
The University of Basel organizes regular information events for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Details can be found on the <link de/fakultaet/aktuelles/ - external-link-new-window "Öffnet internen Link im aktuellen Fenster">events page</link> of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Some subject areas also offer their own separate information or welcome events. Please consult the page for the relevant subject area for event dates and locations.
Siehe auch Merkblätter unter Dokumente und Merkblätter.
Alle Daten vorbehaltlich nachträglicher Änderungen.
The academic study of English linguistics, literary studies, and cultural studies opens the door to a variety ofdifferent career options. One of the most popular is teaching. English courses are in demand at all school levels, as well as in adult education. Furthermore, the linguistic and textual skills developed in the academic study of English prepare students for work in numerous professions involving communication, including publishing, journalism, the diplomatic service, non-profit and cultural organizations, marketing and public relations, and information and documentation services. Professional translation is also an option. It is advisable to explore possible career options during your studies and complete appropriate internships or training courses. A small percentage of graduates go on to pursue an academic career.
Graduates who are interested in the teaching profession can study for a teaching diploma for the lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I) or upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II). For details and teaching diploma regulations, please consult the relevant school for teacher education (such as the FHNW School of Education) or the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education.