Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Culture Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

General

The English Literature and Culture programme at JGU allows students to complete a practical and qualifying degree in six semesters (plus time abroad). This degree is internationally accepted and recognised as the preceding qualification for a Master’s degree. Through the practice of subject combination here in Mainz, students are able to design a programme that suits their individual career goals.

Content, Methods, Goals

The core of the programme is the study of the literature and culture of Great Britain and Ireland. However, it does not stop at the limits of these traditional fields, but rather, it pays tribute to the new global perspectives by including the cultural and literary worlds of former Commonwealth countries—the so-called “New Literatures”. One of the fundamental goals of English Studies is to teach methods of interaction with texts, a skill that forms the basis of success in every field. These critical thinking skills include logical argument, problem-solving, informed interpretation, and independent thinking. Although students analyse texts using traditional context-based methods, the central focus remains on critical, philological and theoretical methods that dissect the interaction between text and reader. In order to provide the most comprehensive access to literature, students are taught multifaceted approaches: narratology, literature, culture theory, and even aspects of cognitive science and gender studies play an important role. This multidimensionality helps students attain analytical and critical skills that can be easily transferred to other contexts and fields, and which, furthermore, mark personal growth and academic maturity. Students gain an understanding of the plurality of methods and variety of approaches in literature and culture studies, whose individual forms are often considered disparate and irreconcilable when compared directly. This understanding is vital for the development of critical thought, and when applied to human interaction, it forms the basis of intercultural competence.

Classes

All classes are taught in English. Class topics encompass the entire range of the subject—from the Middle Ages to the present day. Additionally, the programme offers a number of attractive focus areas based on the research and interests of the teachers. These include Literature and Culture in the Early Modern Period, Modern Drama, the English-Language Novel from the 19th to the 21st Century, Modern Poetry in English, Culture and Literature Theory, and Scottish Studies. An system of seminars, lectures, and practical exercises guarantees that students are able to work with a large number of texts across a wide variety of genres. Students of English Literature and Culture should take pleasure in intensive reading and be ready to analyse complex and challenging texts.

You can find the recommended study plan at the following link:
https://www.english-and-linguistics.uni-mainz.de/files/2025/10/2025_BA-ELC_SVP_Kf.pdf.

As part of the major, students are to do a six-week (or longer) internship at a company or organisation. If a student chooses to go abroad, this should generally be for a period of three months. Six weeks participating in a summer school or doing a teaching assistantship in an English-speaking country is also acceptable. For more information on internships in Germany and abroad, please refer to our Career Service portal.

For applicants with foreign certificates

Please keep in mind that you need a certification of recognition for all foreign certificates. The recognition process takes up to six weeks and the certificate must be included in your application.

Required course for the Assessment Test (Feststellungsprüfung):
S/G- or S-Course
To find out if you are required to take the Assessment Test, check your Certificate of Recognition.

The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz charges an administrative fee of approx. 350 EUR per semester. This includes a ticket for public transport, allowing you to use buses, trams, regional trains and the underground for free throughout Germany ("Deutschlandticket").

You can find further information about funding opportunities at this link:
https://www.studium.uni-mainz.de/en/during-your-studies/organizing-your-studies/financial-matters/#apply-for-a-scholarship.

The career service centre at Johannes Gutenberg University supports students and graduates in choosing a career, planning their professional future, and acquiring interdisciplinary skills. The centre offers a variety of services, such as counselling, workshops, and recruiting events. More information is available here.

You can find information about accommodation at the following link:
https://www.studium.uni-mainz.de/en/student-life/