Hauptinhalt
At a Glance
Short Description
The master’s program North American Studies (MA NAS) explores the complex literatures and cultures of North America (USA and Canada). It offers students an active and interdisciplinary learning environment that draws on the latest academic research within the field. The program focuses on the multi-facetted interculturality of the respective countries and approaches it from a transnational and interdisciplinary perspective. Students thus obtain a comprehensive education in American Studies, including the study of American literatures, cultures, and other cultural media. The MA NAS is an advanced program in literary and cultural studies and assumes that students have experience in literary and cultural studies (basic knowledge of the methods and theories of literary and cultural studies, analysis, and interpretation).
At a Glance
Program North American Studies (MA NAS) Start of Program Winter semester Standard Course of Study 4 semesters Degree Master of Arts Department FB 10 Fremdsprachliche Philologien / Department of Foreign Philologies Admisson Regulation free Language of Instruction English Application Deadline Application deadlines UMR The program might be right for you if you ...
. . . have a strong interest in North American literatures and cultures and are curious to broaden your horizon in the fields of North American literatures and cultures.
. . . have a very good command of the English language so that you can speak fluently and understand, for example, literary works (17th to 21st century), newspaper articles, TV shows, and theoretical texts without problems.
. . . enjoy reading and writing.
. . . like to work academically and independently: you will have to find suitable topics for your term papers, conduct research, structure your paper, and document your academic sources.
. . . can assess and critically analyze texts and present the main points and your analysis to your peers in an understandable and academically appropriate manner.
. . . have good time management and organizational skills, for example when planning your schedule and term paper writing.
Application Requirements
a) University Degree
- a Bachelor of Arts in Anglophone Studies, awarded by Philipps-Universität Marburg, or
- a university degree in a literary and culturally oriented study program, acquired at a German university, or an equivalent university degree acquired abroad with. at least 30 credit points (or equivalent achievements) in the field of Anglophone Studies, with a focus on North American issues of 15 credit points (or equivalent achievements)
If your transcript of records does not clearly state which modules/ classes were in the fields of Anglophone and North American Studies, please provide a document listing the respective modules/ classes, with a short note on the specific topic, signed and stamped by a representative of your university, either in English or German. Example: A module is titled “Country Studies.” In such a case, you would need to briefly describe how it relates to Anglophone or American Studies, e.g., “This module included the study of Native American cultures.”
If you do not meet these requirements, the examination board will decide on a case-by-case basis after your application has been processed by UNI-ASSIST. The examination board can require the completion of additional subject-specific modules of up to 12 credit points at Philipps-Universität Marburg.
If a degree featuring all grades is not given before the deadline, proof of all credits achieved, encompassing at least 150 credit points needs to be provided if the application is based on a Bachelor's program with a total of 180 credit points. In this case, enrollment can only be carried out provided that proof of completion can be given before the last day of classes in the first semester.
b) Language Skills
Certificate of English language skills: level C1 of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages by the council of Europe”, TOEFL certificate (min. score: 95 points, internet based, or IELTS (score 7.0), or official documentation that you BA program was taught in English.
Our program is taught entirely in English, which means that students are expected to read original literary and academic texts (17th century to 21st century) and write two to three academic term papers in literary and cultural studies (each 6,000 to 7,000 words) during each semester break in academic (complex and sophisticated) English. We advise students who are not familiar with the CEFR to take one of the above mentioned tests for self-assessment.
German language skills (e.g., DSH or similar tests) are not required to register for the M.A. North American Studies, since it is an English-language program. However, German language skills are highly recommended for organizational matters and everyday life, as official documents and the website might only be available in German.
Application Process and Deadlines
The application period usually runs from around April / May through the middle of August (application for winter semesters only). Please consult the central administration website for the exact application period each year and for any updates or extensions.
Please remember that, if you are applying from outside of the EU, you will also have to factor in visa-related deadlines and appointments. We urge you to apply as early as possible and to prepare to deal with further issues such as visa, flights, and housing in Marburg.
All students need to apply via UNI-ASSIST. To see which documents are required, please consult the FAQs.
You can access the application portal and apply during the application period. The website lists all documents necessary for your application. Please note that you do not need a motivation letter or CV.
UNI-ASSIST issues an application fee of EUR 75.-- for applications from non-German university systems.
Should you encounter any problems with UNI-ASSIST, please contact UNI-ASSIST directly before you contact us at Philipps-Universität Marburg.
For further questions
... on all study-related matters:
Contact your academic advisor:
Victoria Gath
Wilhelm-Röpke-Str. 6 D
Room 01 D 11
35032 Marburg
Phone: (+49) (0) 6421 28-24378
E-Mail: manasadvisor@staff.uni-marburg.deOr the director of the program:
Prof. Dr. Carmen Birkle
Room 01 F 04 A
35032 Marburg
Phone: (+49) (0) 6421 28 24 345
E-Mail: carmen.birkle@staff.uni-marburg.de... on the application process:
For formal questions about the application please write to the master coordination team: master@uni-marburg.de. Please indicate your application number (if you have one already).
…on life in Marburg, the international office, and visa related questions:
For questions concerning enrolment, life in Marburg, DAAD scholarship extensions, etc., the international office has compiled a helpful brochure.
You can also contact the international office directly.
