North American Studies (MA) Marburg University

The Master’s programme in North American Studies (MA NAS) explores the complex literatures and cultures of North America (USA and Canada). It offers students an active and interdisciplinary learning environment that draws on the latest academic research within the field. The programme focuses on the multifaceted interculturality of the respective countries and approaches North American Studies from a transnational and interdisciplinary perspective. Students thus obtain a comprehensive education in American Studies, including the study of American literatures, cultures, and other cultural media.

• Introduction to NAS (first semester)
• Literary Studies (first semester)
• Cultural Studies (first semester)
   
• Theoretical Approaches to NAS (second semester)
• Key Concepts in NAS (second semester)
• Media in NAS (second semester)
   
• Interdisciplinary Studies (third semester)
• Import (third semester)
• Practical Skills (internship, colloquium third semester)
   
• Thesis (fourth semester)

An internship is integrated and can be done at any point during the programme.

Application deadline: 21 August 2026

The application period starts on 1 April for applicants with a foreign degree and on 1 June for applicants with a German degree.

A university degree in a literary and culturally oriented study programme, acquired at a German university, or an equivalent university degree acquired abroad with at least 30 credit points (credit point equals a workload of 30 hours) or equivalent achievements in the field of Anglophone Studies, with a focus on North American issues of 15 credit points

There is a semester fee, which includes the mandatory student union membership (required by state law) and a free travel pass for public transport in the state of Hesse and beyond, as well as access to subsidised accommodation and meals. In the summer semester of 2026, the semester fee amounted to approx. 406 EUR.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Living costs depend on individual lifestyles and on regional prices. The Marburg foreigners' registration office ("Ausländerbehörde") requires international students to prove that they have at least 992 EUR per month at their disposal in order to cover their living costs.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Within certain legal limits, job opportunities are available for international students. Fluent German is required for most jobs. Employment for international students must be approved by the foreigners' registration office. There are hardly any legal restrictions on taking academic assistant jobs at the university.

Further information on job opportunities and university career services: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/work-1

Our Career Advisory Service supports students transitioning from their studies to professional life. Each semester, Marburg University offers a wide range of workshops and events on topics such as job applications, career planning, and entering the workforce, which are open to students from all faculties. In one-on-one counselling sessions, some in cooperation with the Employment Agency’s Career Team in Marburg, students receive advice regarding career orientation and career options in Germany. Our staff support students in integrating their strengths, interests, and values in order to actively shape rewarding career paths.

The market situation for accommodation is not easy in Marburg. However, the university assists international students in finding suitable and affordable accommodation. The student services office ("Studierendenwerk Marburg") maintains student residence halls with a total of approx. 2,100 units. Apart from single rooms, there are two- to three-room flats for student families. Only students registered at Marburg University are entitled to a place in a residence hall. The "Konrad Biesalski House", in which handicapped and non-handicapped students live together, offers round-the-clock assistance. A bus service and services such as physiotherapeutic exercises and massage baths are offered. Many students live in private accommodation or shared flats. The supply of flats in the centre of Marburg is limited, especially in the Old Town ("Oberstadt"). The situation on the outskirts of Marburg and in the immediate vicinity is better. There are good bus connections. Experience shows that demand for accommodation is highest at the beginning of each semester (April, October), so you should start looking for accommodation around the end of the previous semester (February, July) if possible.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/housing