Studying at the Department of English and American Studies

Due to the very high number of students in the B.A. and teacher training programs at the Department of English and American Studies, students may not be able to complete their studies within the standard period of study (Regelstudienzeit). Waiting times for the admission to many classes are to be expected.

Please register here (external link, opens in a new window) (by clicking on "Abonnieren" and entering your name and email address)

Subscribers of 'AnglistikAmerikanistik-News' will receive important information on dates (e.g. registration for classes or exams), additional classes, or special events. Changes to the regulations of studies will also be announced via 'AnglistikAmerikanistik-News'. It is therefore highly recommended that students subscribe to this newsletter.

Please note that events outside the Department of English and American Studies that will not take place in English and information that is only relevant for B.A. and Lehramt students may be announced in German only.

Starting in the summer semester 2025, the IBIS lecture and the BIC seminar will be replaced by a new lecture, “Culture & Society: UK” (2 SWS, 5 ECTS).

For organizational reasons, however, the “Culture & Society: UK” lecture will not be offered until the winter semester 2025/26.

What does this mean for you?

You have already completed the IBIS lecture, but not the BIC seminar:

The BIC seminar will continue to be offered until the summer semester 2026.

You have already completed the BIC seminar, but not the IBIS lecture:

Starting in the 2025/26 winter semester, you can attend the lecture “Culture & Society: UK” and have it recognized as the IBIS lecture.
 

You have not yet started the English section of the basic module in Cultural Studies:

Starting in the 2025/26 winter semester, you will attend the lecture “Culture & Society: UK”.

Students who study English in the Teacher Training Programs will need to show some proof of foreign language skills in addition to English by the time they apply for admission to their state exams at the Examinations Office. Details about the foreign language requirements can be found in the Examination Regulations of your study program.

Additional foreign language skills may be acquired during the course of study. The Center of Language and Communication (ZSK) offers a variety of language courses at their Department for Foreign Language Training (SFA).

When you apply for admission to the state exams at the Examinations Office, you will need to show proof of your foreign language skills, for example with your high school leaving certificate or a certificate issued by the ZSK.

How many years at school of foreign language training correspond to which level can be found here (external link, opens in a new window).

LATIN: Students who study English for Lehramt Gymnasium must demonstrate “gesicherte Lateinkenntnisse” when registering for the state examination. You can find information regarding Latin language skills and courses here.

Classes at the Department of English and American Studies are taught almost exclusively in English. To complete their studies successfully, prospective students should be able to demonstrate sufficient English language skills and furthermore possess adequate knowledge of the languages, literatures, and cultures of the United Kingdom and North America.

For students in the teacher training programs and for B.A. students, language proficiency should be at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with respect to all language competencies, and at level C1 CEFR with respect to receptive language competencies (M.A. students must submit an English language certificate stating their English language skills are at level C1 or above with their application). In Bavarian high school leaving certificates (Abiturzeugnis), the language level according to CEFR is usually indicated. How many years of language training at school approximately correspond to which CEFR level can be seen in this table:

Prospective students (teacher training programs, B.A.) may take the following self-test to assess their skills and knowledge:

Test  (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)+ Key (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)

Additional self-tests can be found here:

https://www.uni-muenster.de/SPZCT/index.php?area=demo&browserTabID= (external link, opens in a new window)

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/tests/ (external link, opens in a new window)

http://www.englishmedialab.com/grammar.html (external link, opens in a new window)

These tests are for self-assessment. They are not a mandatory requirement for the enrollment at the university. We recommend prospective students brush up their skills acquired at school, e.g. through English-language newspapers, novels, films, series, podcasts etc.

SPUR is used as the online course catalog and also for the electronic course registration. Students who are interested in taking a class can register here and will then be allocated places depending on the available capacities in courses with a limited number of participants. Registration takes place before the start of the lecture period each semester. In the course catalog, students will find all relevant information as to whether it is necessary to register electronically, and when course registration takes places.

Please note that students who have been admitted to a class and are absent from the first session of class will lose their place in the seminar. Students who are on the waiting list and are present can then move up during the first session.

Course registration in the online course catalog serves the dual purpose of registering interested students and, in the case of courses with a limited number of participants, allocating places.

Access to the course catalog in (external link, opens in a new window)SPUR

Please note: Registration in SPUR does NOT automatically entail registration in FlexNow. If you want to get credit points, you must still register separately in FlexNow.

Location of classrooms and lecture halls:

• Detailed Map (pdf)
• Maps and directions

1. Registration periods

At the Department of English and American Studies, there are usually two registration periods: one (ending earlier) for courses for students in higher semesters, one (ending later) for courses relevant to first-semester students. Course registration may or may not be open for lectures. Please check for individual course registration periods for lectures in the course catalog on SPUR.

Course registration now has two phases:

1. The regular registration period (Anmeldephase), which runs from January 26 to March 22, 2026.
2. A second registration phase called 'IAA Restplatzvergabe mit Warteliste' during which students can withdraw from a seminar or lecture, sign up for the remaining spots, and put themselves on the waitinglist. This phase will run from March 30 to April 5, 2026.

Please note that some courses have a different registration period. You can see the registration period of each course on SPUR when you look at the 'Grunddaten' (Zeitraum) of an individual seminar or lecture.

Registration period for summer semester 2026 (courses relevant for first-semester students and lectures in American Studies):

--> January 26 to April 9, 2026.

Exceptions: 

Pronunciation Exam: tba

Lectures: registration deadline is April 17, 2026.

Please note:

• Registration periods for individual courses may differ from the ones listed above. It is therefore essential that you always check the information in the course catalog for the respective course and inform yourself in good time about the registration deadlines for the courses you would like to take.
• The registration periods for courses offered by other departments and institutions at the university do not necessarily coincide with those of the Department of English and American Studies.

2. Further information on course registration in SPUR

• Course registration in SPUR works with the student account (e.g. abc12345) you received upon enrolment. You can only apply for a course place if you are logged in to SPUR.
• Course registration in SPUR can be carried out from within the course description or via the individual study planner. When registering for courses in your own degree program, select the module position for which you want to take the course. All possible uses for the respective course in your degree program will be displayed; if there is only one possibility, it will be selected automatically. It is possible to select several parallel courses for the registration to one course type, but you can only get admitted to one of the parallel groups.
• It is best to register for the desired courses and set your priorities for each parallel group during the first few days or weeks of the registration period. After a few days, it is advisable to check how the situation has developed and whether you might should modify your priorities to improve your chances of getting admitted. It is not necessary to register in the first second of the registration period. Admission is not on a first come - first served basis, the time of registration has no effect on the allocation of a course place. However, it is still not advisable to wait until the last day or the last minute to register.
• The Department will regularly review the situation and adjust the course offer to the demand, if necessary and possible.
  In the event of a very high demand for a particular type of course, we will try to offer an additional course if possible. In this case, everyone who has already registered for a course of that type will be notified by email.
  If demand is very low, courses may be cancelled or changed to other course types. This is another reason not to wait until the last minute to register.

How can I deregister?

You can also withdraw from courses during the registration period. Please deregister from courses you do not want to take after all. This will make organization easier for everyone involved and give your fellow students a fair chance at a place. If you would like to withdraw from a course after the end of the SPUR registration, please write an email to the course instructor.

3. Please note

• If you missed the registration period in SPUR or were unable to register for some reason, you will have to wait until after the allocation of places has taken place. Provided that places are still available, you may then contact the course instructor via email to enquire about a place in their course.
• If you did get a place allocated in SPUR but do not show up for the first session without an excuse, you will lose your place in the course
  (present students who are on the waiting list can then move up accordingly).
• Quite often, a few course places become available during the first session because students do not show up. Students from the waiting list are therefore encouraged to come to the first session if possible.

1. What is FlexNow?

FlexNow is the examination management system used by the University of Regensburg. All students need to register themselves in FlexNow for the examinations in the courses they are attending (an examination can be a written final exam but also a seminar paper or an oral exam). All of your grades and acquired ECTS credit points are entered and recorded in FlexNow.

Exam registration: What is FlexNow (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)? How do I register for an exam in Flexnow (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)?

Please note: Registration in SPUR does NOT automatically include registration in FlexNow. If you want to get credit points, you must still register separately in FlexNow!

Access to (external link, opens in a new window)FlexNow 

2. When do I have to register?

Registration and deregistration period for summer semester 2026:

Monday, April 27, 2026 - Sunday, July 5, 2026

(including the pronunciation exam!)

Registration periods for some courses may differ from the one above, for example for block courses.

3. What else do I have to pay attention to?

• Please note that you need to register yourself in FlexNow within the registration period to gain credit points. Late registration (after the deadline) is not possible!
• Do not wait until the last day of the registration period but try to register at least two weeks before the deadline so any problems that may arise (login, missing courses, unclear examination regulations, etc.) can be investigated and resolved in good time.
• Please also note that registration in FlexNow is binding and that you can only withdraw from the examination after the end of the registration and deregistration period if you have a valid reason (e.g. a medical certificate).
• Teacher training students should observe the instructions for the module in English Language Teaching (Fachdidaktik Englisch) (esp. registration for internships).
• After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a transaction ID. This serves as a receipt for the registration. Do not delete this email until after the exam!

4. Who must/can register?

• All teacher training, B.A., and M.A. students must register in FlexNow for the courses of the Department of English and American Studies. Without registration in FlexNow, credit points cannot be recorded, and grades cannot be entered. You must therefore register in FlexNow for the courses in which you want to take exams or acquire credit points - i.e. for all compulsory courses taken in the respective semester.
  Important: Credits will not be awarded if the FlexNow registration does not work, e.g. because prior achievements are missing.
• Only ERASMUS and other exchange students are exempt from FlexNow registration.
   

5. Notes on registration

• After registration, you will receive an email with a transaction ID. This serves as a receipt for the registration. If you have any queries with the Examination Office, please quote the transaction ID.
• Double-check your registration: After each registration or deregistration process, log into the system again and check whether you are registered for the desired courses. There should be a blue question mark next to the names of the courses you have registered for. If something has not worked, you can still fix it within the registration period.
• For courses with several parallel groups, it is essential that you register for the correct group. If you are unsure which group you belong to, check the course description in SPUR or ask your instructor.
• If you have any problems with the FlexNow registration, please contact the degree program coordinators before the end of the registration period.

You will find an overview of all compulsory courses in the B.A. programs, according to the currently valid examination regulations (BPO) and study recommendations here.

These lists show the basic structure of your studies in British Studies, American Studies, and English Linguistics, which you should supplement with non-mandatory courses according to your interests and needs (e. g. with regard to exam/thesis preparation). Generally, we recommend taking some of the following courses in the first semester [(teaching) hours per week=Semesterwochenstunden, ECTS pts.=Leistungspunkte].

• B.A. major British Studies (B.A.-Fach/zweites Hauptfach)
  • General Language Course 1
  • Theory and Structure
  • British Literary History
  • Culture & Society: UK
• B.A. minor British Studies (Nebenfach)
  • General Language Course 1
  • Culture & Society: UK
• B.A. major English Linguistics (B.A.-Fach/zweites Hauptfach)
  • General Language Course 1
  • Theory and Structure
  • Culture & Society: UK, or: Culture & Society: USA (not offered in summer semester 2026)
• B.A. minor English Linguistics (Nebenfach):
  • General Language Course 1
  • Theory and Structure
• B.A. major American Studies (B.A.-Fach/zweites Hauptfach)
  • General Language Course A
  • Introduction to English Linguistics: Theory and Structure
  • (optional) Introduction to English Linguistics: Phonetics and Phonology
  • Introduction to English and American Literary Studies
  • Culture & Society: UK
  • Introduction to American Studies
  • (optional) American Literary History or British Literary History
• B.A. minor American Studies (Nebenfach)
  • all minors:
    General Language Course A
  • Culture & Society: UK
  • Introduction to American Studies
  • if British Studies or American Studies is your minor:
    Introduction to English and American Literary Studies
  • if English Linguistics is your minor:
    Introduction to English Linguistics I: Theory and Structure
    (optional) Introduction to English Linguistics II: Phonetics and Phonology

Other combinations are possible as well. However, students should try to successfully complete the core modules Linguistics, Language, Literary Studies, and Cultural Studies within approximately three to four semesters. The dates of the courses offered each semester can be found in the detailed course catalog on SPUR.

At the university, there are a number of other course types (such as lectures, seminars, and advanced seminars). The following list provides you with a brief overview (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) of these.

You can find further information regarding the structure of your study program and the organization of your studies at B.A. (Bachelor of Arts). 

You will find an overview of all compulsory courses in the teacher training programs, according to the currently valid examination regulations (LPO) and study recommendations, here. These lists show the basic structure of your studies in linguistics, literary and cultural studies, language, and teaching English, which you should supplement with non-mandatory courses according to your interests and needs (e. g. with regard to exam/thesis preparation). Generally, we recommend taking some of the following courses in the first semester [(teaching) hours per week=Semesterwochenstunden, ECTS pts.=Leistungspunkte].

• English as a major subject (vertieft studiertes Fach/Unterrichtsfach)
  • General Language Course A (2 hours/3 ECTS pts.)
  • Introduction to English Linguistics: Theory and Structure (2 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
  • (optional) Introduction to English Linguistics: Phonetics and Phonology (2 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
  • Introduction to English and American Literary Studies (3 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
  • Culture & Society: UK (2 hours/5 ECTS pts.)
  • Introduction to American Studies (1 hour/1 ECTS pt.) (not obligatory in the teacher training programs for Grundschule and Mittelschule)
  • (optional) American Literary History or British Literary History (2 hours/4 ECTS pts. each)
• English as a minor subject (Didaktikfach einer Fächergruppe der Grund-/Mittelschule):
  • General Language Course A (2 hours/3 ECTS pts.)

Other combinations are possible as well. However, students should try to successfully complete the core modules Linguistics, Language, Literary Studies, and Cultural Studies within approximately three to four semesters. The dates of the courses offered each semester can be found in the detailed course catalog on SPUR.        

At the university, there are a number of other course types (such as lectures, seminars, and advanced seminars). The following list provides you with a brief overview (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) of these.

You can find further information regarding the structure of your study program and the organization of your studies at Teacher Training and Structure.

Further Information

At the university, there are a number of other course types (such as lectures, seminars, and advanced seminars). The following list provides you with a brief overview (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) of these.

The University Library and the Computer Center have created a course for first-semester students called Fit fürs Studium (external link, opens in a new window). In this online course, students can get to know various programs, tools, and databases designed to help them with their studies. 

You can find further information regarding the structure of your study program and the organization of your studies at B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) and at Teacher Training.

To transfer course credit from another university (in Germany or abroad) to UR, the following documents must be submitted:

• An academic transcript, issued by the previous university and listing the achieved credit points and grades (the academic transcript is a list of the academic achievements to date, including grades and credit points)
• A course description of the course(s) to be transferred. Credit transfer for coursework and exams taken at other universities (in Germany or abroad) can be granted if the acquired skills do not differ significantly from the ones taught at the University of Regensburg.
• Signed credit transfer form. The different forms can be downloaded from the Examinations Office's website for B.A/M.A. and for Lehramt.
• You can contact these professors regarding the credit transfer from your university:
  • American Studies (Literary and Cultural Studies): Prof. Dr. Sladja Blazan, Prof. Dr. Volker Depkat. Before writing to the professors, please contact the American Studies counselors Dr. Carmen Dexl (B.A., M.A.) or Rye Bittl (Lehramt)
  • British Studies (Literary and Cultural Studies): Prof. Dr. Anne-Julia Zwierlein, Prof. Dr. Jochen Petzold, Prof. Dr. Benjamin Kohlmann
  • Linguistics: Prof. Dr. Jakob Leimgruber
  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language: Prof. Dr. Carola Surkamp
  • Language: Dr. Julia Stetler (American Studies), Peter Waller (British Studies), Jamie Kohen (English Linguistics)
• please note that the procedure can take several weeks and contact the respective professors early.

N.B.: Credit may be transferred to a specific module or to the electives (freier Wahlbereich). 

For the credit transfer within UR (for example when studying for two degrees simultaneously or after changing from one degree program to another), you will need the following:

• Current academic transcript of records, which you can download yourself from FlexNow
• B.A./M.A.: please fill in the form for credit transfer for B.A./M.A.
• Lehramt: please fill in the form for credit transfer for Lehramt
• You can contact these professors regarding the credit transfer from your university:
  • American Studies (Literary and Cultural Studies): Prof. Dr. Sladja Blazan, Prof. Dr. Volker Depkat. Before writing to the professors, please contact the American Studies counselors (Fachstudienberatung): Dr. Carmen Dexl (B.A., M.A.), Rye Bittl (Lehramt).
  • British Studies (Literary and Cultural Studies): Prof. Dr. Anne-Julia Zwierlein, Prof. Dr. Jochen Petzold, Prof. Dr. Benjamin Kohlmann
  • Linguistics: Prof. Dr. Jakob Leimgruber
  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language: Prof. Dr. Carola Surkamp
  • Language: Dr. Julia Stetler (American Studies), Peter Waller (British Studies), Jamie Kohen (English Linguistics)
• please note that the procedure can take several weeks and contact the respective professors early.

N.B.: It is possible to transfer credits to your electives (freier Wahlbereich im B.A./allgemeiner Wahlbereich nach § 22 LPO).

All students are strongly encouraged to spend an extended period of time studying or working in an English-speaking country.

Time spent abroad does not mean a “loss of time” - not even with regard to the standard period of study. For the stay abroad, one or two semesters of leave can be granted; the advantage gained in language skills and academic knowledge will often have an accelerating effect on further studies.

The stay abroad should normally begin after the 4th-6th semester (often in the winter semester).

Various scholarship and exchange programs are available for a stay abroad. It is also possible to apply for a position as an assistant teacher or teaching assistant at schools, colleges, or universities in English-speaking countries.

The International Office in the Administration Building is the central information and service unit for study abroad programs. Application deadlines (start planning your stay abroad at least one year before the planned departure date!), application forms and further information on the various programs and possibilities are available there, on GRIPS, and on their website. Faculty members of the Department of English and American Studies are also available for personal advice on questions concerning a stay abroad.

To get some first-hand information from students who previously studied abroad: Testimonials can be found on GRIPS (external link, opens in a new window).

There are several ways of organizing a semester abroad, some of which include financial support:

• Application for one of the university places at various European partner universities with ERASMUS+
• Application for one of the places to study at various American, Canadian or Australian universities that have agreed on a direct exchange with the University of Regensburg. Most of these universities have reduced the normally rather high admission and tuition fees for exchange students to a considerable extent. At some American universities, students may commit to a remunerated teaching assistantship
• Application for a foreign language assistantship (Teaching Assistant), e.g. in England, at the Pedagogical Exchange Service (PAD) or at partner universities in the USA
• Teacher training students please also note the offers for teacher training students (e.g. teaching internships abroad) on the website of the International Office
• self-organized internship in Europe with a potential funding within the ERASMUS program. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
• self-organized internship overseas with a sponsorship by PROMOS
• application for a DAAD one-year scholarship to an English-speaking country worldwide or within Europe
• application for a binational Fulbright Scholarship --> USA --> Fulbright (only for USA)

Partner institutions: 

The University of Regensburg’s partner universities and locations are very diverse and include many English-speaking countries (United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, ...). You can use the search engine on the International Office's website to view specific exchange offers.

Funding:

BAföG supports studying abroad under certain conditions. Further information on partner universities, exchange programs and funding opportunities can be found on the homepage of the International Office.

To get credit transferred from a university abroad, please note that there are certain procedures:

Before your departure:

• in order to discuss the recognition modalities, please consult with your professors/representatives of each department prior to your stay abroad. The course selection for participants in the ERASMUS and PROMOS programs must be recorded in the Learning Agreement.
• students should be enrolled at a partner university for one or two semester(s) or term(s). A certificate of enrolment must be submitted.

After your return:

• please display an academic transcript of your exchange university, listing your attended classes, grades and credit points (if applicable)
• please bring a course description for each course. A class may be transferred if the acquired skills do not differ significantly from the competencies to be gained at the University of Regensburg.
• for each course that you would like to get transferred, please submit the respective form for credit transfer, which can be found on the website of the Examination Office ("Antrag auf Anerkennung von Studienleistungen"), depending on the course of study: for B.A. and M.A., for Lehramt.
• you can contact these professors regarding the credit transfer from your university abroad:
  • American Studies (Literary and Cultural Studies): Prof. Dr. Sladja Blazan, Prof. Dr. Volker Depkat. Before writing to the professors, please contact the American Studies counselors Dr. Carmen Dexl (B.A., M.A.) or Rye Bittl (Lehramt)
  • British Studies (Literary and Cultural Studies): Prof. Dr. Anne-Julia Zwierlein, Prof. Dr. Jochen Petzold, Prof. Dr. Benjamin Kohlmann
  • Linguistics: Prof. Dr. Jakob Leimgruber
  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language: Prof. Dr. Carola Surkamp
  • Language: Dr. Julia Stetler (American Studies), Peter Waller (British Studies), Jamie Kohen (English Linguistics)
• please note that the procedure can take several weeks and contact the respective professors early.

Undergraduate Seminars and lectures: Students may transfer classes from the 1st-3rd year of study as undergraduate seminars or lectures. Normally, students should be required to write a term paper of approximately 5-8 pages for class. Grades will be converted according to a conversion table (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) that is coordinated throughout the university and continually updated.

Advanced Seminars:  Students may transfer classes from the 3rd-4th year of study as graduate seminars. Normally, students should be required to write a term paper of approximately 12-15 pages for class, or two or more shorter papers, which, in total, are equal in length. Grades will be converted according to a conversion table (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) that is coordinated throughout the university and continually updated.

Language: Students may transfer classes by attending and completing a comparable class at a university abroad.

• for GLC C: at least two pieces of written work must have been submitted to pass a class from the 3rd-4th year of study. Grades will be converted according to a conversion table that is coordinated throughout the university and continually updated.

Cultural Studies: Cultural Studies courses from an exchange university may be accepted if graded written work of approximately 5-8 pages was submitted there. Grades will be converted according to a conversion table (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) that is coordinated throughout the university and continually updated.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language: Prior consultation with the TEFL professor in Regensburg is required go get credit transfer for a TEFL class.

Teaching internships: For questions regarding the transfer of teaching internships according to § 34 LPO I, please contact your respective internship office (depending on the school type) as well as the TEFL professors and the Department of School Pedagogy. Contact details can be found on the RUL website at Anerkennung von Lehramtspraktika. (external link, opens in a new window) General information about the transfer in teacher training programs can also be found on the RUL website.

Electives: Credit obtained at a university abroad may also be transferred to the electives (Freier Wahlbereich).