Course: British studies (British Studies) B.A.
- Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
British Studies at the University of Regensburg encompasses the entire breadth of the literatures and cultures of the United Kingdom, Ireland and the English-speaking world (with the exception of North America) from the Middle Ages to the present day. It is concerned with textual as well as visual, material, performative and virtual representations and interpretations of the cultures it deals with, and in particular with the methods of literary and cultural studies, linguistics, media studies and gender studies.
In the context of both the history of the British Empire and globalization, postcolonial texts and theoretical approaches as well as intercultural issues are also of particular importance. The aim of British studies teaching and research is a historically informed, culturally differentiated and academically reflected understanding of the United Kingdom, Ireland and the English-speaking world. The degree program is presented in detail on the Department of English and American Studies homepage:
Department of English and American Studies
The main areas of specialisation of the Regensburg British studies programme currently include:
- Literature and culture of the United Kingdom in the 19th and 20th centuries
- contemporary British culture and media
- Gender studies
- Early modern studies
- Science and Literature Studies
- Postcolonial Studies
Degree programs in the humanities leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) often involve a combination of several subjects in which various academic skills are acquired.
British studies can be chosen as a B.A. subject, as a second major subject or as a Minor Subject in the B.A. degree program.
In the first semesters (core modules), the subject offers a broad basic qualification in English and American literature and cultural studies, linguistics and language practice. The specialisation and profile modules focus intensively on subject-specific content, theories and methods of British studies.
Building on the B.A. degree programme in British Studies in Regensburg, a Master's degree program in British Studies is offered (see further study options).
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
Is this the right program for me?
The degree program suits you if you have the following qualities:
- Good communication skills and the ability to express yourself
- Interest in other cultures
- Interest in specialised academic content
- Willingness to read and write a lot
- Willingness to deal with abstract problems and ability to work independently
- at least a good command of English
- two foreign languages or willingness to acquire (basic) knowledge of them (see below)
What makes this program special?
Language of Instruction is English.
A stay abroad is recommended and can be easily integrated into the course of study.
What can I do with this degree?
Traditionally, prominent occupational fields are literature and publishing, journalism, media, advertising, public relations as well as social, political and cultural institutions (also administration, librarianship), marketing, internal communication.
Structure of the Program
Program Structure
Bachelor of Arts: Either a Bachelor's subject (90 ECTS) is combined with a second major subject (60 ECTS) or a Bachelor's subject (90 ECTS) with two Minor Subjects (30 ECTS each).
You can choose from (almost) all subjects offered by the three Faculties of Philosophy. The subjects Business Administration, Economics, Management Information Systems (second major only) and possibly other subjects are also available as a second major or minor subject on application.
The subjects involved in the combined Bachelor's programme can be found in the:
List of combined subjects (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)
This results in the following combination of subjects:
1 Bachelor's subject (final thesis) + 1 second major subject
or
- 1 Bachelor's subject (thesis) + 2 Minor Subjects
The programme also includes a final thesis (10 ECTS) and a free elective courses in (20 ECTS). The overall scope of work corresponds to that of a single-subject degree program.
A more detailed insight into the Bachelor's degree programme in Humanities can be found in the:
Study Plan
There are a number of compulsory courses that you must take during your degree programme. These courses vary depending on the degree program. You can find out exactly which compulsory courses you have to attend in the module descriptions of your degree program.
Other combinations are also possible. However, students should try to successfully complete the core modules of linguistics, language, literary studies and cultural studies within approximately three semesters. The dates of the courses offered in each semester can be found in the detailed course catalogues on SPUR.
There are a number of other types of courses at the university (e.g. lectures, seminars, advanced seminars). The following list gives you a brief overview of these:
SPUR course catalogues (external link, opens in a new window)
You can find further information on the Structure of the Program and the organisation of your studies under B.A. (Bachelor of Arts):
Department of English and American Studies - B.A.
Here you will find an overview of all compulsory courses in the B.A. degree programs in accordance with the currently valid Examination Regulations (BPO) and study recommendations.
These lists show the basic structure of your degree programme in british studies, american studies and english linguistics, which you should supplement with non-compulsory courses depending on your interests and needs (e.g. with regard to exam/graduation preparation). In general, we recommend taking some of the following courses in the first semester [hours per week = semester hours per week, ECTS points = credit points].
B.A. major subject (B.A. subject/second major subject)
- 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.)
- Introduction to American Studies (1 hour/1 ECTS pt.)
- (optional) American Literary History or British Literary History (2 hours/4 ECTS pts. each)
b.A. Minor Subject
- General Language Course A (2 hours/3 ECTS pts.)
- Introduction to American Studies (1 hour/1 ECTS pt.)
If British studies or american studies is your Minor Subject:
- Introduction to English and American Literary Studies (3 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
If english linguistics is your minor subject:
- Introduction to English Linguistics I: Theory and Structure (2 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
- (optional) Introduction to English Linguistics II: Phonetics and Phonology (2 hours/4 ECTS pts.)
Overview Table Summer Semester 2025 (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)
Module Overview
General information on modularisation, the B.A. electives and the freely combinable Minor Subject (FKN) can be found on the homepage of the Credit Points Coordination Office:
Coordination Centre for Credit Points
You can find a detailed overview of the compulsory courses that you must complete during your degree programme in the module descriptions:
The duration of the degree programme depends on the individual course of study. The Standard Period of Study, i.e. the time in which the intended study programme can ideally be completed, is 6 semesters. The actual duration of the programme may differ from this. It is limited by the examination deadlines, which are regulated in the Examination Regulations:
Examination and study regulations (German version)
The degree programme can be started in the winter and summer semesters.
Internship
All students are recommended to set their own priorities for their future career through suitable internships alongside their studies.
Internationalization
Subjects involved are: American Studies, British Studies and English Linguistics. A stay abroad is recommended and can be easily integrated into the course of study.
Student Life & Services
Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | no |
| Pre-registration procedure | no |
| Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test | no |
| Placement Test | no |
| Subject-Specific Language Requirements | yes |
| German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification | yes |
| Other Requirements | yes |
For binding information and the latest updates, please refer to the summary (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) provided by the Registrar's Office or the applicable examination regulations.
Details Requirements
Subject-Specific Language Requirements
The following language skills must be demonstrated by the time of registration for the bachelor's thesis at the latest: Knowledge of at least level A1+ of the common european framework of reference for languages (CEFR) in two foreign languages.
This knowledge can also be acquired during the degree programme. Corresponding courses are offered via the foreign language training programme (SFA):
Study-related foreign language training
Information on German language certificates for international applicants:
Other Requirements
Requirements are a general higher education entrance qualification, a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or a professional qualification. Information on the documents required for enrolment can be found on the Registrar's Office homepage:
Registrar's Office
Information on the application documents for international applicants can be found here:
Admission, Application and Enrollment
Foto ©iStock.com/mixetto Academic Advising
Course-related information and advice
If you have any questions about the programme content, the subject requirements and the specific structure of the programme, please contact the
General Student Advisory Service
The General Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports you with all questions relating to your studies - from the decision to study and admission to the course of study and successful graduation.
If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.