Master's Programme English and American Studies
| Faculty | Faculty of Language, Literature and Culture |
| Duration / ECTS-Credits | 4 semesters / 120 ECTS-Credits |
| Academic Degree | Master of Arts (MA) |
| Qualification Level | Master (Second Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level 7 |
| ISCED-F | 0231 Language Acquisition |
| Mode of Study | Full-Time |
| Study Code | UC 066 812 |
| Curriculum | Information on the Curriculum (2009W) * |
| Language of Instruction | German, English |
| Admission Requirements | Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates |
| Application |
* Information on the Curriculum (2009W)
The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.
In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version.
University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 5 2021, Issue 62, No. 703 (amendment of the curriculum)
- English version of the Curriculum (from October 1st 2019)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 28 2019, Issue 68, No. 600 (modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletlin September 28 2018, Issue 69, No. 698 (Equivalence list)
- English version of the Curriculum (from October 1st 2018)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 13 2018, Issue 26, No. 295 (modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 28 2009, Issue 88, No. 281
- English version of the Curriculum
Requirements
Relevant bachelor's degrees at the University of Innsbruck:
- Bachelor's Programme English and American Studies (2009W)
- Bachelor's Programme English and American Studies (2015W)
Proof of general university entrance qualification:
The general university entrance qualification for admission to a master's programme must be proven by the completion of a subject-related bachelor's programme, another subject-related programme of at least the same higher education level at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution, or a program defined in the curriculum of the master's programme. To compensate for significant differences in subject matter, supplementary examinations (maximum 30 ECTS credits) may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the master's programme.
The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the master's programme.
In the course of the proof of the general university entrance qualification, the completion of the following core areas within the framework of the completed bachelor's degree programme shall be examined in any case:
- 30 ECTS-Credits Area of Competence: Language Usage
- 30 ECTS-Credits Area of Competence: Linguistics
- 30 ECTS-Credits Area of Competence: Literary Studies
- 30 ECTS-Credits Area of Competence: Cultural Studies
Recommended Course Sequence
The exemplary course sequence given below is recommended for full-time students beginning their study programme in the winter semester. The table shows one possible course sequence for the bachelor's programme and is not compulsory. Delays resulting from repeated examinations are not taken into account.
The standard duration of the study programme is 4 semesters or 120 ECTS-Credits, whereby according to the Universities Act of 2002, a workload of 1,500 (real) hours per academic year must be fulfilled, corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits (one ECTS-Credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 hours).
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Compulsory Module 1: Academic Research and Methodology
20.0 ECTS-Credits: Two modules out of the elective modules 1 to 3 (1)
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Selected Area (2) or Complementary Subject Areas (3)
15.0 ECTS-Credits: One module out of the eclective modules 4 to 6 (4)
15.0 ECTS-Credits: Selected Area (2) or Complementary Subject Areas (3)
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Compulsory Module 2: Research Colloquium for Master's Thesis
15.0 ECTS-Credits: One module out of the eclective modules 7 to 9 (5)
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Selected Area (2) or Complementary Subject Areas (3)
5.0 ECTS-Credits: Compulsory Module 3: Preparation of the Master's Thesis
22.5 ECTS-Credits: Master's Thesis
2.5 ECTS-Credits: Compulsory Module 4: Master's Thesis Defence
Qualification Profile and Skills
The Master's Programme English and American Studies deals with the varieties of languages, literatures and cultures of the Anglophone world. It includes the following areas of competence: advanced language studies, English linguistics and culture, English literature and culture as well as American literature and culture.
Graduates are able to perform independent scientific work, to review and critically select relevant material, to evaluate, discuss and analyse as well as to summarise and transfer it to others.
They have the open-mindedness and methodological flexibility required by the constantly changing job requirements of today's labour market.
The competences trained include: Language, communication and presentation skills; scientific work in theory and practice; text comprehension and production; multimedia skills; cultural-historical, socio-political and intercultural skills; problem awareness and problem-solving skills; methodological skills; social skills and teamwork ability; independence and flexibility. Transfer of these competences is achieved via scientific discussion about the English language in its sub-disciplines and manifestations, literary texts in English and other text types and media of relevance for cultural studies.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates possess highly specialised knowledge in the fields mentioned in the qualification profile. They are able to apply their knowledge at the intersections of related subjects and disciplines as well as to society by independently formulate and substantiate scientific arguments and to find innovative solutions to problems.
Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities
Due to the prominent role of English in today's world and the competences imparted by the Master's Programme English and American Studies, there is a wide range of activities and occupational fields for graduates: science and research; language and communication training (e.g. in adult education); literary translation, publishing, bookselling and librarianship; media (print media, radio, television, film, video, internet); cultural management and cultural policy; public administration and diplomatic service; economy and tourism.
Postgraduate and further Studies at the University of Innsbruck
Minor
As part of the Master’s Programme, a Minor of 30 ECTS-Credits can be completed.
More information and a list of possible Minors can be found at:
https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/wahlpakete/
Supplementary Programme Programme
Within the scope of the Study Programme, a Supplementary Programme corresponding to 45 ECTS-Credits may be passed. Admission to the Supplementary Programme requires the admission to or the having passed of one of the selected Study Programmes. Detailed information: https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/es-entrepreneurship/
Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading
Examination regulations
The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.
Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »
The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.
| Austrian grading scheme |
Definition |
%-age |
||
| 1 | EXCELLENT: Outstanding performance |
48.8 |  |
= 100% |
|
2 |
GOOD: Generally good, but with some errors |
30 |
||
| 3 | SATISFACTORY: Generally sound work with a number of substantial errors |
14.8 | ||
| 4 | SUFFICIENT: Performance meets the minimum criteria |
6.4 |
||
| 5 | INSUFFICIENT: Substantial improvement necessary; requirement of further work |
Overall classification of the qualification
Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).
Information about the Programme (in German only)
Forms (in German only)
- Examination Records
- Application for the Master's Thesis
- Assessment of the compulsory module: Preparation of the Master’s Thesis
- Cover Sheet for the Master's Thesis
- Declaration of Academic Honesty
- Submission of the Master's Thesis
- To block the Master's Thesis
- Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination
Recognitions (in German only)
Contact and Information
Examination Office
Standort Innrain 52d 
associate Dean of Studies (from 01.03.2024)
Ass.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Reinhard Heuberger
Dean of Studies
Mag. Dr. Elisabeth De Felip-Jaud