MA-FAQ
How to apply
1.1 How do I apply to the programme?
1.2 What is the application deadline?
Requirements
2.1 Am I eligible to apply?
2.2 Is it necessary to provide proof of German language competence?
Enrolment
3.1 How do I enrol at the university?
3.2 Do I have to pay tuition fees?
3.3 What is “Begrüßungsgeld” (welcome money)?
The M.A programme
4.1 How long does it take to complete the MA programme?
4.2 What are the requirements to complete the MA programme?
4.3 Do I need to write a thesis at the end of the programme?
4.4 What does a module consist of?
4.5 Where can I find information on the module content?
4.6 How do I register for the modules?
4.7 What is Blackboard?
4.8 How do I login to Campus Management and Blackboard?
4.9 I have a problem with Campus Management, Blackboard or my ZEDAT account. What can I do?
4.10 When does the semester begin/end?
University life
5.1 Where can I find information on the dining facilities?
5.2 Can I take a German course at FU?
5.3 Who can I turn to in case I need assistance?
Life in Berlin
6.1 What types of accommodation are available?
6.2 Do I have to register my place of residence?
6.3 Do I need health insurance?
6.4 Do I need to open a German bank account?
If you have a question that does not appear here, and you think it should, or just need an answer to it, please tell us: beratung@anglistik.fu-berlin.de
You can also come and see or call your student counselor during office hours: http://www.geisteswissenschaften.fu-berlin.de/en/we06/institut/service_fuer_studierende/beratung_fuer_studierende/studentische_studienberatung/index.html
How to apply
1.1 How do I apply to the programme?
Applications are usually open in the spring for the respective autumn (October) intake. There is only one intake a year; there is no intake in the spring (i.e. for the semester beginning in April). For detailed information on the application process please see the following link:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/studienorganisation/bewerbung/link-bewerbung-master/index.html
- Only online applications will be considered in the selection process
- Please do not send your application to the English Department, such applications cannot be processed
- Please do not send any documents to the English department or the Admissions Office, please read the information on how to apply at Freie Universität Berlin.
- The Admissions Office and not the English Department is responsible for the admission process. Please address all requests concerning the processing of applications via Uni-Assist: info-service@fu-berlin.de. Enquiries regarding minimum admission requirements can be directed to the English Department's student counselor via: beratung@anglistik.fu-berlin.de
1.2 What is the application deadline?
Please check the application deadline on the FU website:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/studium/bewerbung/bewerbungsfristen_master.html
You should apply as early as possible in order to be able to complete your application on time if some documents are missing.
Requirements
2.1 Am I eligible to apply?
The academic prerequisite for admission to the program is an undergraduate degree in English Studies with a major or minor in literary and/or cultural studies, equivalent to a minimum of 60LP or one third of your degree.
There are a limited number of places that can be given to applicants with a minor in English and a major in one of the following areas:
• Comparative Literature; Cultural Studies; Cinema Studies; Theatre and
Dance Studies; Philology in other languages
Attention: You still need to have taken classes in English literary and/or cultural studies that amount to a minimum of 15% of your credits.
As the number of applications far exceeds the places we have to fill there is no guarantee that applicants with such subject combinations can be made an offer of admission.
This master’s degree programme is taught entirely in English and all applicants are required to provide proof of English-language competence to a clear CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) C1 level:
- Having completed your BA at an institution where the official language of instruction is English. You will need to submit an official statement from your university administrator that the language of instruction across all courses and faculties is English. If you have completed your degree in a country where the national language is English, you do not need to submit proof.
- IELTS (Academic): overall grade of 7.5 (minimum of 7.0 in each of the four components)
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grades A-B
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): 75 overall (minimum of 70 in each of the four components)
Attention: Despite what other sources may tell you, TOEFL certificates of any form are NO'T accepted for this master programme.
2.2 Is it necessary to provide proof of German language competence?
No, German language skills are not required. The programme is taught entirely in English.
Enrolment
3.1 How do I enrol at the university?
Your letter of acceptance will include information on the enrolment procedure.
You are required to enrol by mail. For detailed information on documents to be enclosed with your enrolment form, please see the following link:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/studienorganisation/immatrikulation/imma-eu/index.html
3.2 Do I have to pay tuition fees?
The Freie Universität Berlin does not charge tuition fees. At present, students only have to pay an amount of about 280 Euro every six months which also includes a subsidized public transport ticket.
For more details, see
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/immatrikulation/gebuehren.html
3.3 What is “Begrüßungsgeld” (welcome money)?
Students who have registered their primary residence in Berlin and previously had their primary residence abroad or in another state in Germany are eligible to apply for a one-time payment of € 50. For more information, see the bottom of the page:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/immatrikulation/gebuehren.html
The MA programme
4.1 How long does it take to complete the MA programme?
The MA generally takes two years, i.e. four semesters. However, exceptions can sometimes be made on the basis of prior study, e.g. an honours year. At the moment, it is also possible to take longer than four semesters to complete your degree. If you are unsure about whether you are still within regulations, contact the student counselor - beratung@anglistik.fu-berlin.de
4.2 What are the requirements to complete the MA programme?
The assessment for the MA is composed of the following four parts:
• Four core modules
• Two language modules
• Master thesis
For a list of modules, see point 1.3 in the MA Handbook:
http://www.geisteswissenschaften.fu-berlin.de/we06/lehre_und_studium/leitfaden/MA_Handbook.html
4.3 Do I need to write a thesis at the end of the programme?
Yes, one of the requirements is to submit a thesis at the end of your studies. The Master’s thesis must be completed in one semester, usually the final semester. It must be written in English and be ca. 22 000 words in length. It counts as 30 credits.
4.4 What does a module consist of?
A core module consists of two components - a 2-hour tutorial and a 2-hour seminar, and it runs for one semester (language modules for two semesters). Assessment usually takes the form of a long essay, except Literature and Media, which is assessed with either a 7,500 word essay or a media project.
The core modules themselves are offered on a regular basis and don’t change from semester to semester. However, the specific content of the tutorials and seminars differs from semester to semester. If you are especially interested in a seminar offered in one module, but do not want to take the corresponding tutorial (or vice versa), you can split the module between two semesters- please keep in mind, however, that this will take three semesters, as the modules are all on offer either only in summer or only in winter.
The language modules, unlike the core modules, are spread across two semesters with part 1 in the winter semester and part 2 in the summer semester. The parts are both called tutorials, with one being worth 10 credits and the other 5, i.e. you must complete both parts of the module for the total credits. Assessment differs from module to module – some consist of two essays whilst others consist of a portfolio of work. Two of the four language modules must be taken. Some of them are geared more towards non-native speakers of English, and some towards native speakers. For more information please contact the course instructor.
4.5 Where can I find information on the module content?
The Vorlesungsverzeichnis or Lecture and Course Catalogue gives you access to specific information about module content in the current semester:
On this page, you can find our faculty Philosophie und Geisteswissenschaften in the drop-down menu "Fachbereiche". Click on that, and scroll down to the Institut für Englische Philologie (WE 6). By clicking on the link "MA English Studies" you will be taken to a page that allows you to browse the content of the different components of the MA: modules, language modules and the research colloquium. The information here details the specific content of each tutorial and seminar, the professor(s) leading the two components of the module, and the time, day and location of the tutorial and seminar.
4.6 How do I register for the modules?
You have to register for your modules in “Campus Management,” the university’s online registration system. To login, go to www.ecampus.fu-berlin.de/
If you have trouble understanding the instructions, your student counselor is happy to help - beratung@anglistik.fu-berlin.de
If you are experiencing technical problems, see 4.8 and 4.9.
4.7 What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is an online course-management system that allows students and faculty to use online materials and activities such as course materials and discussion boards. Some instructors do not use Blackboard at all, others upload their syllabus and handouts on their course sites, and yet others use it more extensively to supplement their classes.
To log into Blackboard, go to www.lms.fu-berlin.de/
If you cannot find a class you are enrolled for via Campus Management, tell your course instructor. Some classes are password-protected. The teacher will usually tell you the password in the first class session.
4.8 How do I login to Campus Management and Blackboard?
In order to login, you will need your ZEDAT username and password. You will receive this in a letter about a week after you have enrolled at the university.
You will also need your ZEDAT username and password in order to login to your personal account on the university computers or access your university email.
4.9 I have a problem with Campus Management, Blackboard or my ZEDAT account. What can I do?
In case you need help, you can contact the ZEDAT centre via email, telephone or personally in room JK27/121a. For information and opening hours, see
http://www.zedat.fu-berlin.de/Beratung (the website is in German, but the personnel usually speaks English)
If you have problems with Campus Management, you should contact the hotline under 030 838 777 70 or send an email: cm-hotline@fu-berlin.de
4.10 When does the semester begin/end?
You can find an up to date academic calendar on the university website:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/termine/index.html
University life
5.1 Where can I find information on the dining facilities?
There are numerous dining facilities at the university and in Berlin in general. For a list, click on
http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/mensen/mensen_cafeterien/index.html
To use the Mensa at FU, you will need a Mensacard, which is a chip card that you can get for a deposit of €1,55. To top up your card, you can use one of the machines outside the Mensa.
5.2 Can I take a German course at FU?
The university does offer German courses for foreigners (beginning with level A2), but places are limited, and priority is given to students in certain programmes (e.g. Erasmus students):
There are numerous language schools in Berlin. Non-private institutions, however, offer courses at much more reasonable prices. These include the language courses offered at the Technische Universität Berlin (open to everyone):
or at one of Berlin’s twelve adult education colleges (Volkshochschule):
http://www.berlin.de/vhs/kurse/deutsch/deutschfremd.html
5.3 Who can I turn to in case I need assistance?
If you need assistance (financial, housing, counselling, job opportunities), you can turn to the Studentenwerk Berlin:
http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/berlin/international/index.html
You can also turn to AStA (Allgemeiner Studierenden Ausschuss – General Student Council), where they offer social and legal advice, as well as counselling for international and immigrant students, among others. AStA is particularly important since it is via this politically oriented board of higher education that students can voice their interests and concerns:
Life in Berlin
6.1 What types of accommodation are available?
You can either apply for a room in a student residence, or look for a place to rent on the housing market.
For information on applying for a place in a student residence, see
http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/wohnheimseite/index.html, especially the FAQ section.
As for finding a place on your own, you can look for an apartment, or for a room in a shared apartment (WG/Wohngemeinschaft). The most popular website is
http://www.wg-gesucht.de/en/wohnraumangebote.html
You can also look for a WG at http://www.studenten-wg.de/
You can also find offers in the Saturday issues of daily newspapers (Berliner Zeitung, Berliner Morgenpost, Der Tagesspiegel etc.)
6.2 Do I have to register my place of residence?
Yes, students must register their place of residence at the registration of address office / citizens' administrative office (Bürgeramt). For a list of offices, see
http://www.berlin.de/verwaltungsfuehrer/buergerberatung/
In Germany, once you have found a flat, a room in student accommodation or a flat share, you must register at the registration of address office within one week. This applies every time you move.
You should keep a copy of the registration confirmation with you at all times. This serves as proof of address, and you will need it when you open a bank account or want to become a member of a library.
To register you need your passport or identification card. You also have to take your tenancy agreement with you because you have to give details of your landlord. You need to make an appointment with the Bürgeramt in advance. This can be done online.
6.3 Do I need health insurance?
Yes, you will need health insurance.
With members of the European Union, Germany has a social security agreement. As long as you have public health insurance at home, you can get this insurance coverage approved by a public health insurance company in Germany. Make sure you bring your European health insurance card (EHIC). Your insurance company at home will usually issue this card free of charge.
Social security agreements exist with other countries as well. For a list of these countries, see
http://www.bmas.de/portal/44096/property=pdf/bilateral__agreements.pdf (in German)
If you need advice concerning health insurance, you can contact the social help desk at the Studentenwerk:
http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/bub/sozialberatung/index.html
6.4 Do I need to open a German bank account?
You should open a bank account after your arrival. This will make it easier to organise monthly payments such as rent and insurance. Most banks offer student accounts free of maintenance fees.
