Global British Studies Leipzig University

Overview

The Global British Studies MA at Leipzig University is a consecutive degree which builds upon the corresponding bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and has a stronger focus on research. The master’s programme in British Studies is intended to equip students with advanced subject-specific and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, introducing them to the current state of research across the entire British studies field. This lays the foundations for further independent research and advanced study in the field of British studies.

Key Features

• The study of English literature engages with the history of anglophone literatures (excluding the United States) from their beginnings to the present day. This ranges from medieval English texts such as Beowulf to more recent English-language literature from Commonwealth countries. In addition to exploring the English literary canon in-depth, the department has a number of other teaching and research foci, including examining intercultural issues in literature (stereotypes, ethnic/religious/social differences and identities, orientalism). 

• For this, students might look at travel literature or consider how non-European cultures are depicted in British literature. The programme explores a wide range of genres, including popular literature, fantasy and children’s literature, but also different media types (books, film, the internet). Many classes take an interdisciplinary approach, crossing the boundaries between literature, religion and science, for example. To this end, there is close cooperation with British Cultural Studies within Leipzig’s Institute of British Studies.