Course: English Linguistics M.A.
- Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
English linguistics deals with the characteristics and manifestations of the English language on the basis of scientific methods and theories. The central contents are, on the one hand, the description of the essential structural levels of language in relation to contemporary language - sentence structure (syntax), form formation (morphology), vocabulary structure (lexicology and lexicography), phonetics (morphology and syntax) and meaning (semantics) - and, on the other hand, the historical development of language. Building on this, numerous sub-disciplines focus on current, interdisciplinary and application-related topics (sociolinguistics, pragmatics, first and second language acquisition, language contact, corpus linguistics, specialised languages, etc.). Courses in these areas should enable students to understand how language works and to adequately interpret and produce specific texts and utterances, taking into account their structural characteristics and their extra-linguistic and cultural environment.
The main areas of specialisation in english linguistics in Regensburg currently include
- Varieties of English as a world language
- Language contact (including pidgin and creole languages)
- Language variation and language change
- Sociolinguistics and dialect geography
- Language history
- Emergence of African American English
- Lexicology and lexicography
- Corpus linguistics
- Registers and specialised languages
- Language and media
- political language use
The scientific study of language is carried out using text corpora, some of which were created at the Institute. These electronically processed linguistic data sets enable a wide range of empirical research possibilities, such as the comparison of linguistic varieties and the study of language change phenomena.
The Master's programme is an advanced course of study in which academic content and methods can be studied in greater depth and specialisations can be chosen. Requirements for this are the degree of an undergraduate Bachelor's programme or a comparable first professionally qualifying university degree. In addition, certain content is often specified as an aptitude requirement. The detailed provisions are set out in the respective Examination Regulations. A completed Master's programme entitles the holder to a doctorate.
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
What makes this program special?
Language of Instruction is English (individual elective courses may be taught in German).
Structure of the Program
Program Structure
Master of Arts: In principle, only one subject is studied. However, individual degree programs can have a strongly interdisciplinary structure. This means that the content of the degree program may come from different subject areas.
Further general information to make it easier for you to start your degree programme can be found here:
Information on the M.A.
The duration of the 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 4 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 Regulations can be found here:
Examination Regulations (German version)
The degree programme can only be started in the winter semester.
Study Plans
The degree program consists of ten modules (120 credit points in total), which should be completed within four semesters. Courses totalling around 30 credit points (CP) should be chosen per semester.
The practical part (module 9) can be completed either during the semester break or during the lecture period.
The fourth semester should be dedicated to the Master's thesis.
You will find a detailed overview of the modules that you must complete during your degree programme in the following section.
Module overview
All courses can be found in the online course catalogue (SPUR). Please note that in some modules you can choose from a range of courses in the respective department each semester, i.e. various seminars are offered on the topics listed below.
You can find the current courses here:
Course catalog SPUR (external link, opens in a new window)
Module Overview:
| Module | Subject area | CP |
|---|---|---|
| ELG-M1 | Methods and Skills in English Linguistics (I) | 12 |
| ELG-M2 | Methods and Skills in English Linguistics (II) | 8 |
| ELG-M3 | English Linguistics: A Survey of Structure and Use | 8 |
| ELG-M4 | English Linguistics: Studying Structure and Use | 8 |
| ELG-M5 | Evolution and Variation in English (I) | 14 |
| ELG-M6 | Evolution and Variation in English (II) | 10 |
| ELG-M7 | English: Variation, Contact, Multilingualism (I) | 10 |
| ELG-M8 | English: Variation, Contact, Multilingualism (II) | 10 |
| ELG-M9 | Practical Module (Internship) | 13 |
| ELG-M10 | Master's thesis | 27 |
The Master's programme therefore comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits.
Internship
The Master's degree programme includes an internship module worth 13 ECTS credits (Module 9). Information on this can be found under Internship:
Internship (external link, opens in a new window)
Student Life & Services
Foto: UR / Julia Dragan Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | no |
| Pre-registration procedure | no/yes |
| Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test | yes |
| Placement Test | no |
| Subject-Specific Language Requirements | yes |
| German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification | yes |
| Other Requirements | yes |
Binding information and current information can be found in the brief overview (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) of the Registrar's Office or in the examination regulations applicable to you Examination Regulations.
Details Requirements
Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure
No, admission to the degree program is not restricted. Please note, however, that participation in an Eligibility Test is mandatory.
Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test
In order to enrol on the Master's degree programme in English Linguistics, you must take part in an Eligibility Test. This means that you must apply to the Institute. Information on this can be found on the degree program's homepage:
M.A. English Linguistics
Further information can also be found in the Examination Regulations:
Examination Regulations (German version)
Subject-Specific Language Requirements
For the Master's degree programme, proof of English language skills corresponding to level C1 of the common european framework of reference for languages (CEFR) must be provided.
Admission for internationals
Information can be found on the degree program homepage:
M.A. English Linguistics
Other Requirements
To find out which documents you need to apply to the Institute of British and American Studies and which deadlines apply to you, please refer to the homepage:
Information on the required enrolment documents can be found on the Registrar's Office homepage:
International applicants should also consult the homepage of the International Office:
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-specific requirements and the application procedure, as well as 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, to the course of study, to successful graduation.
If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.