The programme focuses on the language and culture of English-speaking countries, while promoting intercultural perspectives within a framework of general academic competence in the humanities.
The course content has been developed around three main topics: linguistics, literary studies and cultural studies. The programme is also an excellent opportunity to hone your English skills and to learn the local language of your entrance and mobility universities.
The Master’s thesis reflects your ability for independent study and research and should be 25,000 to 35,000 words in length and written in English. The Master’s thesis in the European Joint Master’s Programme in English and American Studies is assessed by two reviewers, one of whom is the supervisor at the entrance university and the other a faculty member of one of the partner universities. The second reader will provide a short assessment (about half a page) to indicate whether the thesis merits a pass. It is advisable to start looking for the second reader in the third semester so that you have a draft of the thesis after the mobility semester. The final examination is taken as per the regulations of the student’s entrance university.
The Joint Master's Programme is currently being expanded by providing students with the opportunity of receiving a double degree between the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Universities of Bamberg, Graz and Venice. The consortium of this Joint Master's Programme plans to introduce this option starting in the academic years 2024/25 and 2025/26, depending on the respective partner university.
Barcelona & Bamberg (starting in the academic year 2024/25):
Students with entrance university: University of Bamberg (UoB)
- First year of their studies: UoB students spend their first year at the University of Bamberg (UoB) and complete 45 ECTS of coursework.
- Third semester of their studies: UoB students spend their third semester at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), where they complete 30 ECTS of coursework, with an additional 15 ECTS validated from prior coursework at the University of Bamberg (UoB). During this semester, UoB students are also required to begin work on their UAB Master’s degree dissertation (min. 45 pages, 15 ECTS) written on a topic agreed upon with their supervisor at the UAB. The dissertation will be recognized as part of the restricted elective requirement at the UoB and will be written in addition to the final degree thesis that students are required to write for the UoB.
- Fourth semester of their studies: In their final semester, UoB students write and submit both their UAB Master’s degree dissertation and UoB Master’s thesis.
Students with entrance university: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
- First year of their studies: UAB students spend their first year at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and complete 45 ECTS of coursework (20 ECTS in compulsory subjects and 25 ECTS in optional subjects). Please consult the course offer available on the MA website.
- Third semester of their studies: UAB students spend the third semester at the University of Bamberg (UoB), where they complete 30 ECTS of courswork (optional subjects).
- Fourth semester of their studies: UAB students complete two research projects: a final degree thesis (30 ECTS) at UoB , and a Master's Degree Dissertation at UAB (15 ECTS), which they begin during their first year at UAB.
Barcelona & Graz (starting in the academic year 2025/26):
Students with entrance university: University of Graz (UG)
- First year of their studies: UG students spend the first year at the University of Graz (UG) and complete 45 ECTS of coursework (please see also p.8 of the University of Graz curriculum for further information on the modules to be completed in the first year).
- Third semester of their studies: UG students spend the third semester at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), where they complete 30 ECTS of coursework (including both obligatory and optional subjects). An additional 15 ECTS are validated from prior coursework completed at the UG. During this semester, UG students are also required to begin work on their UAB Master’s degree dissertation (min. 45 pages, 15 ECTS) written on a topic agreed upon with their supervisor at the UAB. This dissertation is recognised as part of the restricted electives in the student’s chosen focus area at the UG and is written in addition to the UG Master’s thesis (30 ECTS, including the Master’s exam).
- Fourth semester of their studies: In their final semester, UG students write and submit both their UAB Master’s degree dissertation and UG Master’s thesis.
Students with entrance university: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
- First year of their studies: UAB students spend their first year at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and complete 45 ECTS of coursework (20 ECTS in compulsory subjects and 25 ECTS in optional subjects). Please consult the course offer available on the MA website.
- Third semester of their studies: UAB students spend the third semester at the University of Graz (UG), where they complete 30 ECTS of coursework (optional subjects).
- Fourth semester of their studies: UAB students complete two research projects: a Master’s Thesis and Master’s Exam at UG (30 ECTS), and a Master’s Degree Dissertation at UAB (15 ECTS), which they begin during their first year at UAB.
Barcelona & Venice (starting in the academic year 2024/25):
Students with entrance university: Ca' Foscari University of Venice (UoV)
- First year of their studies: UoV students spend their first year at Ca' Foscari University of Venice (UoV) and complete 60 ECTS of coursework.
- Third semester of their studies: UoV students spend the third semester at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), where they complete 30 ECTS of coursework, with an additional 15 ECTS validated from prior coursework at UoV. They will also be required to write an MA dissertation (15 ECTS) on a topic agreed upon with their UAB supervisor, which will be completed in addition to the final degree thesis (30 ECTS) required by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.
- Fourth semester of their studies: In their final semester, UoV students write and submit both their UAB Master’s degree dissertation and UoV final degree thesis.
Students with entrance university: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
- First year of their studies: UAB students spend their first year at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and complete 45 ECTS of coursework (20 ECTS in compulsory subjects and 25 ECTS in optional subjects). Please consult the course offer available on the MA website.
- Third semester of their studies: UAB students spend the third semester at Ca' Foscari University of Venice (UoV), where they complete 30 ECTS of coursework (optional subjects).
- Fourth semester of their studies: UAB students complete two research projects: a final degree thesis at UoV (30 ECTS), and a Master’s Degree Dissertation at UAB (15 ECTS), which they begin during their first year at UAB.
Mobility
The study programme provides for an integrated mobility semester (30 ECTS credits) as a mandatory requirement for graduation. You can spend this mobility semester at any partner institution in the consortium (except at your entrance university).
When applying, you are asked to indicate your preferred mobility universities. The Selection Committee will then make the final decision on your placement. It will take your wishes into account as much as possible, but must also consider the availability of places at the individual universities. After the selection meeting, you will be informed about the mobility university together with the selection result.
Mandatory Mobility
The mandatory mobility semester (3rd semester) is organised by your entrance university. The application for a scholarship within the framework of existing mobility programmes is also made at your entrance university (never at the mobility university). Make sure to stay in touch with your coordinators to apply for your mobility within the prescribed deadlines.
You will be integrated into an incoming student support mechanism at the respective partner university. In addition, you can contact the respective academic coordinator or student advisor for academic guidance. Students in their mobility phase are regarded as regular/regular-equivalent students and will be granted normal access to the facilities of the mobility university.
In order to transfer your grades from one university to another, this conversion table is used.
Additional Mobility
You can complete an additional mobility during the fourth semester. The Master’s thesis can be written in a context of a mobility. However, your supervisor must be from your entrance university. It is also possible to complete an internship abroad. Please clarify in advance whether the internship can be recognized for your degree programme.
Be aware that an additional mobility may lead to a prolongation of your studies, as the 4th semester is normally dedicated to the Master’s thesis.
Additional mobility at the partner university
If you would like to complete an additional mobility semester at the partner university where you spent your mandatory mobility semester, please get in touch with the contact person of the Master’s programme and the respective contact person of the mobility programme at your entrance university.
Additional mobility at another university outside the programme
You can also complete an additional mobility semester at a university outside the Master’s programme. Therefore, you must apply for a semester abroad. Please get in touch with the contact person of your entrance university for further information.
Please note that you can complete a maximum of two semesters as mobility student as part of the programme.
Entrance University | Mobility University | Additional Mobility |
|---|---|---|
1st and 2nd semester | 3rd semester | 4th semester |
|
| The Master’s thesis can be written in a context of a mobility. However, your supervisor must be from your entrance university. |
Academic calendar
The start of the semester may vary within the European Joint Master’s Programme in English and American Studies depending on your chosen entrance and mobility university. Please inform yourself carefully!
