English Linguistics B.A.

Degree

Combined Bachelor of Arts

Program structure

Combinatorial degree programs: These programs combine either a bachelor's subject with a second major subject, or a bachelor's subject with two minor subjects.
You can choose (almost) all the subjects offered by the three philosophical faculties. In addition, second majors and minors can be chosen in business administration, economics, business information systems (only as a second major), and it may be possible to apply for a second major or minor in further subjects.

Subject are put together in the following combinations:

either: 1 bachelor's subject (including the thesis) + 1 second major
or: 1 bachelor's subject (including the thesis) + 2 minor subjects

List of subjects involved

Special features

A stay abroad is recommended and can be integrated well into the course of studies.

Description

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-sentence structure (syntax), word formation (morphology), vocabulary structure (lexicology and lexicography), phonetics and phonology, and meaning (semantics) - as well as, on the other hand, the historical development of the language. Building on this, numerous sub-disciplines address current, interdisciplinary, and application-related topics (sociolinguistics, pragmatics, first and second language acquisition, language contact, corpus linguistics, specialized languages, etc.). Courses in these areas enable students to understand the functioning of language and to adequately interpret and produce concrete texts and utterances, taking into account their structural properties and their extra-linguistic and cultural environment.

The focal points of English Linguistics at the University of Regensburg currently include:
Varieties of English as a world language, language contact (incl. pidgin and creole languages), language variation and language change, sociolinguistics and dialect geography, language history, the emergence of African American English, lexicology and lexicography, corpus linguistics, register and technical languages, language and media, and political language use.

The scientific study of language is carried out, among other things, by means of text corpora, some of which were created at the Chair itself. 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.

English Linguistics can be chosen as a major, as a second major or as a minor in the B.A. program.

In the first semesters (core modules), the program offers a broad basic qualification in English and American linguistics, literary and cultural studies and language practice. The intermediate and advanced modules are intensively dedicated to the subject-specific content, theories and methods of English Linguistics.

Building on the B.A. program English Linguistics, the University of Regensburg offers the consecutive M.A. program English Linguistics.

Professional prospects / competencies

Typical occupational fields traditionally include literature and publishing, journalism, media, advertising, public relations, internal communications, as well as social, political and cultural institutions (also administration, librarianship).

Internships, lab courses, practical courses

We recommend all students develop specializations aiding their future careers by arranging suitable internships.

Disciplines involved

American Studies, British Studies, English Linguistics

Program duration / standard period of study

The length of the program depends on the progress of an individual's studies. The standard period of study, the time in which the intended program can be finished ideally is 6 semesters. The actual time taken to complete the program may vary. It is limited by the examination deadlines set out in the examination regulations.

Program scope

180 ECTS credits overall;
comprising 90 ECTS credits in the bachelor's subject, 60 ECTS credits in the second subject and 30 ECTS credits in each minor subject

Language of instruction

English and German (only certain lectures)

Program can be started

In the winter and summer semester

What qualities do I need to have?

Good communication skills and ability to express yourself
Interest in other cultures
Interest in academic content
Willingness to read and write a lot
Willingness to deal with abstract problems and the ability to work independently
Very good English language skills
Basic skills in at least one additional foreign language or the willingness to acquire these during your studies

Restricted admittance

No, this program is does not have restricted admission based on grades.

Legal requirements for admission

General university entrance qualification, subject-related university entrance qualification or vocational qualification

Application deadline(s)

Information for international applicants

Registration dates and deadlines

Information on the dates for enrollment can be found on the homepage of the Registrar's Office.

Language skills needed

Before registering for the bachelor's thesis, at the latest, the following language skills must be demonstrated: two foreign languages to the level of at least A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

These skills can also be obtained during your studies. The SFA (non-degree foreign language courses) department offers the relevant courses for this.

Information on German language certificates for international applicants

Documents needed (to apply / register)

Information on the documents required for enrollment can be found on the homepage of the Registrar's Office.

Information on the application documents for international applicants

Contact within the faculty

DEGREE PROGRAM COORDINATOR AND STUDENT ADVISORY SERVICE

Gabriele Mödl, M.A.

Claudia Trotzke, M.A.

Contact Data and Office Hours