The Bachelor's Programme in British and American Studies (BAST) is offered by the Department of Literature. At the heart of the programme is the academic analysis and interpretation of literature written in English, i.e. literature from Great Britain, Ireland, the US, Canada as well as new English literatures (post-colonial literatures). You will focus on various methodologies from literary theory, literary history as well as cultural studies and cultural theory and thus learn how to speak and write about literature with authority.
Why study British and American Studies (Focus area in the BA Literatures - Cultures - Languages) in Konstanz?
- Based on current research in literature and cultural sciences
- Integrated internships and study abroad stays
- Interdisciplinary courses
Study content
Prospects
Career prospects
Graduates have career prospects in numerous fields.
Typical work areas include:
- World of literature (e.g. with publishers, houses of literature, libraries, documentation centres)
- Media (e.g. newspapers, radio, television, online magazines)
- Press and Public Relations
- Marketing and advertising
- Cultural field (e.g. Goethe Institutes, adult education, theatre)
Your minor subject choice can sharpen your profile and qualify you for a specific area of work. Additional competencies in economics increase your job prospects e.g. in the area of cultural management, while you might need political and historical knowledge in journalism.
You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.
Graduate studies
To qualify further the University of Konstanz offers the Master's Programme in Literature.
Study structure
Start of study
Winter semester
Study structure
When studying for a bachelor's degree in the humanities, you will choose both a major subject (120 credits) and a minor subject (40 credits). In addition to this you will attend courses from the field of key competencies (20 credits), including an internship. Click here for an overview of the general structure of bachelor's programmes in the humanities. You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.
These documents will support you in planning your studies:
Opportunities for additional training
At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.
Skills for successful studies- GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
- Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
- Language courses at the Language Institute
- Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
- Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
- Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
- qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz
- Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
- Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
- Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service
Internships and stays abroad
Internship
You must complete an internship of at least 2 months during the semester break. The staff of the university’s Career Service are here to help you find a suitable placement.
Stay abroad
A semester or year abroad is highly recommended. The university promotes study abroad via the ERASMUS programme and numerous other exchange programmes.
Impressions from students and lecturers
Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.
Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.
Study requirements
Admission requirements for studying
General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.
Documentation Orientation Test
When applying for admission at universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg you have to take an orientation test. The Baden-Württemberg orientation test is the most widely used test. Please send in your certificate of participation together with your application papers.
Further information can be found in the admission regulations.
Fees
Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.
Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.
Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.
Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.
Required language skills
Foreign language skills
You have to document skills in another modern foreign language.
German language skills
International applicants additionally need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.
Teaching and examination language
The language of instruction is German and English.
Interests and skills
- You enjoy reading literary and academic texts
- Passion for the English language
- You are interested in history and culture in the English language area
Application
Application and application documents
Application documents
During the online application prcess, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods, etc.) and upload various PDF documents.
Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:
- your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
- documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ, etc.)
- any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
- any other required documents (medical certificate, etc.)
An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).
An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.09.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the
university website
.
Contact
Contact person
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .
Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de
Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Eva Gruber
Contact person room H 234
Phone: +49 7531 88-2440
Email: eva.gruber@uni-konstanz.de
Studying at the University of Excellence Konstanz
With your university entrance qualification in your pocket, the sky is the limit. Get a top education at the University of Konstanz, benefit from outstanding teaching and interdisciplinary exchange on our international campus. Situated on a hilltop overlooking Konstanz with a great view of Lake Constance and the Alps, our nationally and internationally renowned research university has been recognized as a University of Excellence since 2007.
Top ratings in the CHE University Ranking regularly confirm the quality of our study programmes. Take your pick from more than 100 programmes! Our courses are close to research and will perfectly equip you for the future, especially in combination with practice-oriented, socially relevant transfer projects, opportunities for going abroad and qualification programmes that you can complete alongside your studies.