English

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn.

Semesters 1 and 2

• Choose your specialisation in literature/culture, linguistics, or a combination
• Follow a combination of obligatory and elective courses worth a total of 60 ECTS
• Choose a topic for your thesis

Semesters 3 and 4

• Writing your master’s thesis

Choose to specialise in Linguistics, where we look at the historical evolution of the English language and the different varieties of English that emerged as the language spread to new territories. We also study the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the language–its phonology, grammar and lexicon–and how to apply this knowledge to understand how the language works.

• How do new varieties of English emerge and evolve, and how has this happened in the past?
• How and why does language change occur?
• What changes are currently under way in the English language?

Or specialise in English literature and culture, to deepen your knowledge of historical and contemporary English-speaking literatures and cultures. In historical survey courses, you will explore literary genres and how English literature evolved into what it is today. You will also learn literary theory and methodology–how to analyse and interpret literature, reading texts closely, analysing them in terms of literary history and literary form, and creating your own interpretations.

• How does literature affect us and change our lives?
• How can literature make the world a better place?
• How can we understand culture and history through literature, and vice-versa?
• How does literature evolve, and what forces shape its evolution?

As a master’s student in English, you are included in a tightknit community of master’s students and staff. Follow courses based on relevant and new research and write a thesis about a topic that interests you.