Bachelor English and American Studies

To immerse yourself in a culture is to immerse yourself in its language. English is the official or national language in 57 countries and the language of education and business in another 25 countries. English is the principal common language internationally and is regarded as the world’s foremost universal language. Are you also fascinated by the language and the anglophone cultures?

Why not become an intercultural language and literature expert and join the Bachelor's degree programme in English and American Studies!

Are you fascinated by the English language or English literature and cultures? For fans of English, we can offer a Bachelor‘s degree programme that will teach you comprehensive knowledge and skills: Firstly, you will learn the English language to a very high standard and will delve far into its structures and functions. In this way, you will not only become proficient as a speaker of the English language, but you will also learn how to compose English texts across all genres.

Secondly, we will also introduce you to the cultures of the anglophone countries. We look at what shaped these countries historically and what their cultural position is today. The benefits to you are clear: Nowadays, intercultural skills are considered to be key competences, which you can rely on throughout your professional life!

Graduates of the Bachelor‘s programme in English and American Studies become experts in the English language, English literature and anglophone cultures. Students learn in a direct exchange with our internationally respected lecturers and scholars of English, not only in Klagenfurt, but also in English-speaking countries. Would you like to improve your English alongside the canals of Birmingham? Or maybe you are drawn to multicultural Hong Kong or the University of New England in Armidale, Australia? We strongly encourage all our students to spend part of their studies in the anglophone language regions and have excellent contacts to facilitate these exchanges. Discover the English (language) worlds for yourself and you’ll soon become a versatile expert! The language skills you acquire will serve you well all your life.

Fact-Box

Duration:

semesters
ECTS credits:

180

Level of qualification: Bachelor's degree programme
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Prerequisites:

General university entrance qualification, knowledge of German B2, knowledge of English B2 , knowledge of Latin

Special admission procedure:

Language of instruction:

mainly English, some German

Curriculum (PDF) – German version, legally binding!
Curriculum (PDF) – English version, not legally binding!
Range of courses

We believe: English can be learned particularly well in the context of everyday life. That’s why we are offering you all kinds of opportunities for semesters abroad, so you can develop your language skills to the full!
Are you ready to secure your place at university?

Find out more now!

Why study English and American Studies at the University of Klagenfurt?

Our student Ateesha has the answer to your question!

You are special. So are we.

This is what makes the degree programme so special

Practical AND theoretical: If you think that an internship can’t be combined with a degree in language studies, think again! We can help you to complete an internship comprising 300 hours in an English-speaking country. Eligible organisations include universities, cultural institutions, museums, libraries, language courses and many other such establishments.
International setting: You simply can’t get enough of foreign languages? Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, French – we offer a wide range of language classes to help you prepare for your career, wherever you choose to live and work. And the University of Klagenfurt has been chosen by young people from all over the world, which means you will be able to meet fellow students from across the globe.
We will accompany you on your journey. Are you nervous about disappearing among the masses of students at a large university? That won’t happen to you here in Klagenfurt. For us you are not just one among many, you are special, even in our so-called “large-scale” degree programmes. We want to know who you are, what moves you and what you want to achieve. That’s why we offer very good supervision arrangements, small seminars and compact working groups and our ears and doors are always open for your concerns.

Contact

Student Guidance Service
E-Mail: studieninfo [at] aau [dot] at

Office of the Programme Director
Website of the Programme Director
E-Mail: anglistik [at] aau [dot] at

Student Representatives
Website of the Student Representatives
E-Mail: oeh [dot] anglistik [at] aau [dot] at
Facebook: Contact on Facebook

Luftbildaufnahme der Universität Klagenfurt

Gert Steinthaler

Studying at a university of international excellence

The University of Klagenfurt consistently achieves top positions in internationally renowned rankings. According to the THE Young University Rankings 2022, it ranks among the best young universities in the world and is currently ranked 77th in the world. The University of Klagenfurt also scored outstanding results in the THE Subject Rankings 2022: Social Sciences (ranking group 151-175), Computer Science (ranking group 201-250), Engineering (ranking group 201-250), Physical Sciences (ranking group 251-300), Business & Economics (ranking group 251-300).

Focused studies. Our core topics

Language practice: You will learn English up to level C2 ( roughly native speaker level) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Methods: Studying a language means learning much more than just the language. We will teach you how to grasp content on a higher level, how to establish connections and critically examine them, and how to make creative use of your knowledge for new applications.
Language reflection: Not all languages are capable of expressing the same thing. Their potential depends on the situations in which the languages are used, where they are used, where they are spoken, and their social value. Together we will explore language as our most important medium of communication.
Culture & literature: What defines British cinema and why is American literature so popular? Together, we will analyse and criticise cultural and literary products – from poems to video games, from election campaign speeches to novels.
Intercultural skills: Explore the social, historical, cultural, political and economic situation in each language area. We will show you how to deal with cultural differences in a sensitive and problem-focused way – and how to use these skills successfully in your professional life!

Your skills are our mission. This is what we can teach you

We help you to acquire scientific skills, and you can use them to good effect: If you can grasp complex contexts quickly, perceive differences with a high degree of sensitivity and learn to understand not just languages but also cultures, you can lay a durable foundation for a varied and promising professional career.

Languages at first hand. Our teachers are internationally accomplished experts in the field of English! This means that you will learn from people dedicated to teaching the language with its many different facets.
Triumph with soft skills. The world of work needs team players who can work creatively and purposefully, regardless of subjects and cultures. In our seminars you will learn how to boost inspiration and efficiency in group work. Students who opt for a language degree programme also assume responsibility vis-à-vis humankind: language skills are vital bridges between cultures!
Reaching for the sky after graduation. Many of our graduates enter professional life straight after their Bachelor’s degree. However, others are eager for more. At the University of Klagenfurt, we are able to offer you a Master’s degree programme that is specially tailored to you: Master’s degree in English and American Studies (with your chosen focus on linguistics or on literature and cultural studies). Should you wish to further expand your portfolio, the Master's degree programmes in Game Studies and Engineering or Visual Culture may be just the thing for you. The choice is yours!

Have we got what you need?

We will guide you through the first steps of your degree!
Via WhatsApp, phone, chat, e-mail, or face-to-face over a coffee.

Let’s talk: get in touch now!

Best prospects. Your professional opportunities

(Cross-border) communication: Your Bachelor‘s degree in English and American Studies will qualify you as a communications expert in the English language. No matter whether you want to pursue your career in journalism, public relations or advertising: You can put your communication skills to good use!
The cultural sector: With your Bachelor‘s degree in English and American Studies , you can become a cultural intermediary!
Publishing companies: Publishing is an international business. With almost two billion people who speak English as their first or second language, the market for English language literature is vast.
Archives & libraries: They are the strongholds of our culture, and they rely on experts to preserve knowledge, but also to convey it to the outside world.
Translation: Our degree programme offers you the basic building blocks for translation and some of our graduates work as translators.

Join our community.

You’ll soon discover this: Graduates and students from the University of Klagenfurt have many interesting careers.

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English and American Studies: A passion for language and culture

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Studying English and American Studies: “I feel like I am part of a huge university family!

Looking for guidance and advice?

Are you interested in the Bachelor's degree programme in English and American Studies and in need of some personal advice with no strings attached?
Our student guidance service will be happy to advise you by phone, e-mail or chat!

Go to Student guidance

Programme structure

In Klagenfurt you can study at your own pace. To help you follow your path with confidence, we keep it clear of (bureaucratic) stumbling blocks and barriers. If you wish to reach your goal quickly and efficiently, we will always be there to support you. Our recommended course of study will guide you through the semesters. You work your way through the curriculum – making the most of opportunities to broaden your horizons and without wasting time. If you would like to know which courses await you before you start, take a look at the wide range of seminars and lectures.

Main areas

Chart by Visualizer

Programme structure: a tabular overview

Structure and outline of the degree programme: a tabular overview
Subject	Designation	ECTS credits	Recommended semester
Required subjects	Introductory Orientation Phase (STEOP)	10	1
	Basic and Advanced Studies Language	27	1-6
	Basic and Advanced Studies Translation	9	2-3
	Basic and Advanced Studies Linguistics	15	2-4
	Basic and AdvancedStudies Literature	15	2-4
	Basic Studies Culture	9	2-4
	Advanced Studies	12	4-5
Elective subjects	Linguistically Oriented Electives	12	1-6
	Literary and Cultural Studies Oriented Electives	12	4-5
	"Free Combination"	12	4-6
	Courses offered by all faculties and institutes represented at the University of Klagenfurt / work placement	12
Optional Subjects		20	1-6
Bachelor's thesis		15
Total		180

Introductory orientation period (STEOP)

The introductory orientation phase grants students an overview of the key elements of the degree programme and of the course of studies ahead. Thus, it provides a factual basis for the personal evaluation of the choice of degree programme. As students must successfully complete the introductory orientation phase in order to continue their studies, it is recommended that the introductory orientation phase should be scheduled during the first semester. The introductory orientation phase within the Bachelor's degree programme English and American studies at the AAU comprises three courses ("Introduction to Linguistics 1", "Introduction to Literary Studies 1", "British OR American Culture: History and Society") and a placement test (modular examination: "Placement Test") amounting to a total of 10 ECTS credits.

Recommended course of study

1. Semester | 2. Semester

Bestimmte Vorlesungen werden nur einmal im Jahr angeboten, die Prüfungen können aber ganzjährig zu bestimmten Terminen abgelegt werden.

1. Semester (Beginn im Wintersemester)

Empfohlener Studienverlauf: Tabellarische Übersicht
FACH	ECTS	LEHRVERANSTALTUNG	LV-TYP
STEOP	1	552.000 Placement Test	FP*
	3	552.020 Introduction to Linguistics I	VO
	3	552.030/031 Introduction to Literary Studies I	PS*
	3	552.041 British ODER American Culture: History and Society	VO
Sprachliches Grund- und Aufbaustudium Language	3	552.110/111/112 Language Awareness I	KU*
	3	552.120/121/122 Language Productive and Receptive Skills	KU*
	3	552.130/131/132 English for Academic Purposes	KU*
	3	552.140/141/142 Pronunciation	KU*
Summe	22**

2. Semester

Empfohlener Studienverlauf: Tabellarische Übersicht
FACH	ECTS	LEHRVERANSTALTUNG	LV-TYP
Grundstudium Language II	3	552.150/151 Language Awareness II***	KU*
Grundstudium Language II	3	552.160/161 Advanced Language Productive and Receptive Skills***	KU*
Grund- und Aufbaustudium Translation	3	552.210 Introduction to Translation	VO
Grundstudium Linguistics	3	552.230 Introduction to Linguistics II***	VO
Grundstudium Linguistics	3	552.235 Development of English	VO
Grundstudium Literature	3	552.260/261 Introduction to Literary Studies II***	PS*
Grundstudium Literature	3	552.266 Literary Terminology and Practice of Interpretation	VO
Grundstudium Culture	3	552.290 Topics in British Cultural Studies	PS*
Summe	24**

* Anwesenheitspflicht3
** Zuzüglich zu den empfohlenen Lehrveranstaltungen (LVs) können im ersten Semester LVs im Ausmaß von 8 ECTS und im zweiten Semester im Ausmaß von 6 ECTS absolviert werden. (Somit erreichen Sie 60 ECTS für Ihr erstes Studienjahr)
*** Im zweiten Semester ist darauf zu achten, dass manche LVs aus dem ersten Semester als Voraussetzung für andere LVs gelten.
Genaue Informationen finden Sie in der LV-Beschreibung (campus.aau.at)und im Curriculum auf denSeiten 15-16.

Curriculum

Curriculum in English (PDF)

The legally binding version of this curriculum is the German version!

Range of courses

Recommended course of study (PDF)

Limits are old news. What else can we offer you?

There are no limits to your personal development. Enjoy the freedom that only a university degree can offer you and expand your horizons beyond your academic studies. You can pick and choose which competences will set you apart in the world of work in the future. We have lots to offer, for instance:

Are you hoping to teach German in the future (at home or abroad)? The courses “German as a foreign and second language in teaching” will provide you with the necessary expertise. At the end of the course you will receive a certificate that allows you to teach internationally.
Are you looking to set up your own business and launch an entrepreneurial venture? By acquiring the “Build! Entrepreneurship Certificate” you will gain precisely the skills you need to turn your brilliant idea into a successful business!
You enjoy writing and would like to qualify as a writing coach? The extension programme "Writing Studies" is designed to equip you with the necessary tools.

Continue to browse through this overview of all the elective subjects.

Specialist courses & optional subjects

Extension programmes

Would you like some guidance to help you plan your studies?

Admission

Admission to the degree programme must take place before the end of the general admission period (winter semester: 5 September | summer semester: 5 February).
A late admission until 31 October (winter semester) or 31 March (summer semester) can only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Admission with an Austrian school leaving certificate or an entrance qualification from Germany

Admission without an Austrian school leaving certificate or an entrance qualification from Germany

Important enrollment information

The Admissions and Examinations Office can be visited after an appointment has been made. Appointments are made as follows:

Students need to book an appointment via the student portal (campus.aau.at) via the menu on the left under Services and the button “Appointment bookings”.
Applicants need to book an appointment via the registration portal and the tab “Appointment bookings”.
Applicants without access to the registration portal may book an appointment via the general booking page at appointment.aau.at.

Prerequisites

You do not have to go through a special admission procedure to start the Bachelor‘s degree in English and American Studies in Klagenfurt. Simply enrol and get stuck in!

You only have to meet the following conditions, which also apply to all other programmes:

General university entrance qualification (e .g. Matura)
German language skills at level B2 (CEFR)
Knowledge of English B2
Knowledge of Latin

Prospective students who apply for admission to a German-language degree programme and whose first language is not German must provide evidence of German language proficiency no lower than level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the time of application.

German courses and exams are offered as part of the VAAU preparatory course by the Language Center German in Austria.

Language level B2 for English
For the Bachelor’s degree programme in English and American Studies, you have to demonstrate proficiency in the English language at level B2 in the “Oxford Placement Test” which is taken during the introductory phase of the programme.

Knowledge of Latin
If you took at least 10 hours of Latin per week at secondary school, this would suffice as proof for the Bachelor's programme in English and American Studies. If you do not have the required knowledge, you will have to take an additional Latin examination before the final assessment in the Bachelor’s degree programme. Suitable courses are available at the University of Klagenfurt.

Term dates & deadlines

Winter semester 2022/23

General admission period for Bachelor’s degree programmes:
12 July 2022 to 5 September 2022

Go to Term dates & deadlines

Summer semester 2023

General admission period for Bachelor’s degree programmes:
10 January 2023 to 05 February 2023

Go to Term dates & deadlines

The first steps are always … accompanied!

We won’t abandon you, especially at the start of your studies!

Here in Klagenfurt, you will get to know your fellow students during the Welcome Days – and you will make new friends in the very first week; friends you will share memorable experiences with in the years to come.
You will never be a mere (matriculation) number here: Our courses have a limited number of participants and so our lecturers will soon get to know you. We encourage and challenge you, in every way you need!
Your degree starts with the so-called “Introductory phase (STEOP)”. No matter which school you attended or which qualifications you bring with you to the university: We will get you to the level you need in order to study successfully in the semesters ahead. In addition, the technology preparation courses will help you to rapidly progress on the road to success in your studies!

Ready to get started and keen to find out more about enrolling for a degree programme?

Get in touch with us now!

The world is your own!

It’s particularly easy to learn English when spending time in English-speaking countries. The Bachelor’s programme in English and American Studies allows you to develop your language skills in many English-speaking countries: As a student at King’s College in London, you can stroll through the colourful streets of the metropolis between lectures, or why not spend a semester exploring the University of Mississippi in Oxford, which counts John Grisham among its students? The world is your own – and it starts while you are still at university: Spend a semester abroad at one of Klagenfurt University’s approximately 250 partner universities. We have plenty of scholarships on offer to help you finance your semester abroad, so there’s no need to worry about funding.

Partner universities

Study abroad

Continuing your studies

Once you have completed the Bachelor's degree programme in English and American Studies you can continue straight on to one of the following degree programmes:

English and American Studies

Master’s degree programme

Degree programme

Visual Culture

Master’s degree programme

Degree programme

Game Studies and Engineering

Master’s degree programme

Degree programme

These Bachelor’s degree programmes may also be of interest

Romance Studies

Slavonic Studies

Applied Cultural Studies

All degree programmes

Looking for guidance and advice?

Go to Student guidance

FAQ. Frequently asked questions

Is this the right degree programme for me?

Do you love to read books in English? Do you prefer to watch British films and series in their original language? Then a degree in English Studies could be interesting for you. Consider this: Choosing a degree programme or an occupation is a long-term process, and it’s ok to take plenty of time over it. If you would like some help with your decision, you can contact Student Counselling Services and make an appointment for a free consultation.

How do I start my academic studies at the University of Klagenfurt?

Our check list will help you to get started. We have compiled everything you need to know here – from registering online right up to enrolling for a degree programme.

Is it possible/mandatory to spend a semester abroad as part of this degree programme?

As a student of English and American Studies, you will certainly be interested in other countries, cultures and languages. We therefore warmly recommend that students complete part of their studies abroad. The experience you gain during your time abroad is a vital element of our cultural understanding.

We have a network of over 250 partner universities worldwide. If you would like to study somewhere else for a while, the world is yours to explore – make the most of this opportunity! You can find detailed information at: Study abroad

Can I work while I study?

The degree programme has not been designed for students who work part-time, though many of our students do work. It depends on your own ability to organise and your flexibility whether this is feasible for you. Some courses take place weekly and involve an attendance of approximately 2 hours. Others are blocked, e.g. over a weekend, from 9 to 5. You can create your own individual schedule. If you are looking for help with this, the ÖH (Austrian National Union of Students) can assist you!

Where can I find additional information? Who can I contact with questions?

Please refer to the Curriculum (PDF) and our website for further information on all aspects of studying. If you have additional questions, you can also contact the Programme Director directly.

This is why the University of Klagenfurt is one of the best young universities in the world …

Top Master’s degree programmes – and what’s more, they’re virtually free!

For most students, a degree programme at an Austrian state university is free. We invest in your education. And you invest your inspiration, your ambition, and your determination to make the world a better place with the help of new knowledge.

You know your professor – and your professor knows you!

One of the features that distinguishes the University of Klagenfurt is the excellent ratio between students and supervising staff. The Master’s degree programmes have been designed to ensure that you are never merely a number; instead you have every opportunity to learn in close exchange with top teachers from the fields of research and practice.

Pursue an international degree with fellow students from all over the world: 9 Master’s degree programmes in English

The following outstanding Master’s degree programmes are taught entirely in English: Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity, English & American Studies, Games Studies & Engineering, Information & Communications Engineering, Informatics, Information Management, International Management, Mathematics, Media & Convergence Management

From studying to entrepreneurial success

As a student at the University of Klagenfurt, you don’t need a garage to set up an internationally successful start-up. Instead, we will provide you with all the infrastructure you need. With Build! Entrepreneurship Center Carinthia, inspire! Labs and FabLab, we can offer you three innovation labs right on campus.

Europe’s largest drone hall

With a floor area measuring up to 150 square metres and a height of ten metres, researchers investigating drones have access to cutting-edge research infrastructure at the University of Klagenfurt. This places the Drone-Hub Klagenfurt firmly among the world leaders in this field. The drone technology refined in Klagenfurt will also be on board NASA‘s Mars mission in 2021 and will be used to explore the Red Planet.

Research laboratory for video streaming

This young, dynamic campus is the starting point for global success stories. The company Bitmovin, which specialises in video streaming services, was founded by graduates of the University of Klagenfurt and has established a strong position on the global market in recent years with investments exceeding 50 million dollars. Today, the company conducts research on campus in the ATHENA laboratory, working in close collaboration with teams from the university.

A springboard to research

Our Master’s graduates are highly sought, not only in industry and business, but also in the academic world. The leap to a PhD position is in easy reach – and with close to 400 cooperation partners across all continents, there is a clear path ahead to further academic success.

As close to the game-changers as you can get

Our graduates make the world a better place, they drive innovation, open up new markets and shape the way we will live together in the future. In this, they are guided by luminaries from all over the world, whose research has had a decisive influence on their respective fields – from psychology to information technology, from cultural studies to economics.

Study in a top location!

Klagenfurt lies in the very southern part of Austria, near the Italian and Slovenian border – the Mediterranean, with its incomparable cultural treasures, is not far at all. The campus is within walking distance of the Wörthersee, one of the most beautiful lakes in existence, crystal clear and with drinking water quality. The charming Renaissance city of Klagenfurt offers an incomparable ambience with many cafés, bars and restaurants.

Study at Austria’s most stunning campus university!

The campus of the University of Klagenfurt was founded in 1970 and is located in the immediate vicinity of the Wörthersee. The distances on campus are short, everything is handily nearby and close together. The University of Klagenfurt is equipped with the most modern infrastructure and also has an excellent library, with a comprehensive range of electronic media. The library is open 24 hours a day, affordable dormitories are located in close proximity to the campus.

Studying at a university of international excellence!

The University of Klagenfurt consistently achieves top positions in internationally renowned rankings. According to the THE Young University Rankings 2022, it ranks among the best young universities in the world and is currently ranked 77th in the world. The University of Klagenfurt also scored outstanding results in the THE Subject Rankings 2022: Social Sciences (ranking group 151-175), Computer Science (ranking group 201-250), Engineering (ranking group 201-250), Physical Sciences (ranking group 251-300), Business & Economics (ranking group 251-300).