What is a BA?

The BA, short for Bachelor of Arts, is the first academic degree you can obtain from university. For people wishing to continue their studies, it provides the basis for an MA, Master of Arts. For more detailed information on the BA click here.

What is a module?

The module is the central component of the course of studies. Each module focuses on specific knowledge and/or skills and thus constitutes a major step towards the final degree. Usually, modules consist of different courses that are linked thematically. For further information see Ordnung der Philosophisch-Historischen Fakultät für das Bachelorstudium §7.

What is a credit point?

1 credit point (CP) equals an average workload of 30 hours. To complete a module, you must collect the required number of CPs from various courses. The CPs will only be awarded if you have fulfilled all the necessary requirements for a specific course. For further information see Ordnung der Philosophisch-Historischen Fakultät für das Bachelorstudium §6-7. 

Where can I enroll for the BA programme?

Candidates who wish to study English have to enrol for a BA at the university secretariat. Note that you can only start a BA in English in the autumn term. The registration deadline for each autumn term is 30 April. You can find the application form here.

What do I have to know before starting my studies?

For useful information concerning the start of your studies, please consult the university's Studies page.

How is the Basel BA structured?

For information concerning the overall BA structure of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences see Ordnung der Philosophisch-Historischen Fakultät für das Bachelorstudium §4-7.

How many subjects does the BA programme consist of?

The BA programme consists of two equal subjects (Studienfächer) and a free area (komplementärer Bereich). The Studienfach Englisch may be studied as one BA subject in combination with any other BA subject. In the free area students may choose any modules/courses they wish in order to give their studies a more individual profile. For further information see  Ordnung der Philosophisch-Historischen Fakultät für das Bachelorstudium §4-7.

Eucor students

You are welcome to join courses on a suitable course level (BA or MA, introductory or advanced), provided that you have registered ahead of time according to the Eucor registration guidelines issued by the University of Basel. Please allow enough time for this process before courses start and contact the lecturers well before the term starts regarding the entry requirements.

What is the MA-Studienfach Englisch about?

The MA-Studienfach Englisch deals with the diverse forms of the English language, English literatures and cultures. These contents are approached and organised in terms of the following academic emphases. These emphases are complemented by courses on civilisation. 

What are the aims and objectives of the MA English?

For detailed information concerning the MA curriculum see the PDFs Sample Study Plan MA English and Wegleitung MA Englisch. 

When can I start the MA in English?

The MA English can be started both in the autumn and the spring term. Candidates who wish to study English have to enrol at the Student Administration Office. The registration deadline for the autumn term is 30 April, for the spring term 30 November. You can download the application form here.

How long does it take to study English at the MA level?

The MA is conceived as a two-year course of full-time study. It may, however, be taken part-time: this results in prolonged studies. For further information see Ordnung der Philosophisch-Historischen Fakultät für das Masterstudium §6.

With what other MA subjects can the MA English be combined?

In general, the MA English can be combined with any other MA subject offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and a selection of other subjects from other faculties at the University of Basel. For more information and exceptions see Ordnung der Philosophisch-Historischen Fakultät für das Masterstudium §4.

Can I study English as a Haupt- or Nebenfach?

English can only be studied as one Studienfach in conjunction with a second Studienfach within the overall MA structure of theFaculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and a selection of other subjects from other faculties (see above). At first, there is no distinction between Haupt- or Nebenfach. Yet you will write your MA thesis in only one of the your chosen subjects. This subject will then be counted as your Major, while the other subject is your Minor.

What exams do I have to pass for the MA English?

To find out more about the departmental exams and other forms of assessment click here. The final Master exam is outlined in Ordnung der Philosophisch-Historischen Fakultät für das Masterstudium §21.

How is the MA programme in English structured?

To find out more about the MA setup see Wegleitung MA Englisch. 

Where can I find information about the courses that are offered?

The courses are described in the Course Directory.

What course formats do the MA modules consist of?

See course formats.

How do I enrol for courses?

You have to register in MOnA and, if so indicated by the instructors in the course description, also on other platforms (such as ADAM) or by e-mail to the instructor or department secretary. 

Do I need Latin for the MA?

Latin is no longer required for the MA.

I study at another institution (e.g., Hochschule für Musik). Can I integrate a MA English into my study programme?

For combinations outside the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences please ask at the Dekanat Phil.Hist.

Eucor students

You are welcome to join courses on a suitable course level (BA or MA, introductory or advanced), provided that you have registered ahead of time according to the Eucor registration guidelines issued by the University of Basel. Please allow enough time for this process before courses start and contact the lecturers well before the term starts regarding the entry requirements.

What course formats are there and how many CPs do I get for the different course formats?

For information concerning CP ratings and corresponding requirements see the PDF Wegleitung BA Englisch.

What is a lecture?

Lectures are mainly a form of one-way communication, but questions and feedback are always welcome. Taught in large groups of up to 150 students, individual lectures are given for one or two hours every week. In both literature and linguistics there are lectures that provide an overview of the basics of a field. Other lectures can be more specialised. Lectures may be offered in combination with a tutorial.

What is a (pro)seminar?

Proseminars and seminars are all highly interactive and work-intensive courses that are usually given for two hours every week. They are taught in relatively small groups (10–30 students), and students are expected to contribute to each session with group work, presentations or discussions. 

Proseminars are addressed to students at the beginning of their studies (1st–3th semester). They offer an introduction to some of the major themes and approaches in the respective field. Students are introduced to academic skills, such as different ways of reading texts or the formulation and execution of a short research project. 

Seminars are addressed to students who have successfully completed all introductory courses in the respective field (4th semester onward). Topics are more specialised than in the proseminars and the courses aim at the development of a more detailed understanding of specific questions and approaches in a given field.

What is a research seminar?

Research seminars are addressed to MA students. Topics are dealt with in depth and are more research-oriented than in a seminar. The aim of the course is not only to understand specific questions and approaches in a given field but also to apply and criticise them in a sophisticated manner.

What is a (pro)seminar paper?

Proseminar and seminar papers are forms to practise academic writing and develop other central skills such as brainstorming, obtaining and structuring information, reading, thinking, and re-reading. Dealing with a linguistic or literary research topic, the papers formulate a thesis (what you want to say in your paper) and develop a coherent, sustained argument rather than offering a survey of everything you know about a text or the topic you are dealing with. There are certain conventions regarding the style of academic papers. To write a formally acceptable paper you will learn to follow these rules. Most importantly, you will learn how to indicate precisely the ideas and materials you have integrated in the paper, i.e. to avoid plagiarism.

What are Academic Communication in English courses?

The courses in the module Academic Communication in English (ACE) prepare students for academic work in English linguistics, literature and culture, with a primary emphasis on academic writing. Students must pass three courses to complete the ACE module: the two courses Academic Writing in English I and II, and a third course that belongs to the module (such courses will focus on other forms of writing and communication in English, such as reviewing, translation, or creative writing, among other topics).

Where can I find out about the courses that are offered?

The courses are described in the Course Directory.