English Applied Linguistics (B.A.)
Start of studies: winter semester
Study programme: currently limited admission restrictions
Standard duration of study: 6 semesters
Study format: full-time and part-time study
Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Medium of instruction: English and German
Do you love the English language, literature and culture? Are you interested in English not only because it is spoken and understood in a multitude of different cultural contexts but also because English linguistic phenomena such as pronunciation and grammar fascinate you? Would you therefore like to gain a deeper understanding of the language and explore various fields of application such as translation, creative writing and text analysis? In that case, the English Applied Linguistics (B.A.) programme could be the right choice.
English Applied Linguistics is designed as a ‘defined study variant’ of the interdisciplinary dual-major Bachelor's programme – in other words, studying the English programme with a focus on Applied Linguistics. In addition to in-depth linguistic and practical modules in English, this study variant also offers you the opportunity to study a second major subject. The interdisciplinary dual-major Bachelor's programme at our university entails choosing a second major from a spectrum of other subjects that range from art and political sciences to mathematics. This allows you to create a personalised study profile that precisely matches your fields of interest – especially if they are not traditionally offered together within a single programme (e.g. humanities and natural sciences).
The English Applied Linguistics programme can be tailored closely to your interests and qualifies you for various master's programmes or for a career related applicable to the field, such as publishing, teaching languages, and intercultural lines of work (more on this under ‘After graduation’).
“I was able to combine the course content of the Bachelor's degree in English Applied Linguistics with my interests and plans, allowing me to study what truly interests me.”
Before Studying
Application and admission
Applying for a programme
The English Applied Linguistics (B.A.) programme currently limits admission, meaning that not all applicants may be accepted into the programme. Applications are made via the online application portal from the beginning of June (for the winter semester) of a given year.
Applying for a higher semester
Applications are usually made through a formal admission application. You can find the application form and further information on the application and enrolment page: Paths to University
Admission requirements
- A-levels, Abitur or a qualification recognized as equivalent
- Please note that the programme is not designed for language acquisition. To attend courses taught in a any language (e.g. in English, French or Spanish), you should already have a sufficient level of proficiency in the respective language (at least B1, ideally B2). There will nevertheless be opportunities to further improve your language skills during your studies; one example is a voluntary stay abroad.
Studying without a university entrance qualification
Information on studying without a university entrance qualification can be found at the following link: Studying without a university entrance qualification – University admission at the University of Hildesheim
Part-time study
You can also study the English Applied Linguistics programme on a part-time schedule. Further information can be found at the following link on the part-time study page: Part-time study
International Office
International students can find further information here.
Online Application Portal
Further information on applying and the online application portal can be found at the following link: Paths to University
Orientation and counseling services
The CampusCenter is the first point of contact for students and prospective students regarding all aspects of the university and studying. You can find the CampusCenter student staff on the main campus of the University of Hildesheim on the first floor (1.OG.) of the Forum (Building N).
General Student Counselling Service (ZSB)
The General Student Conseling Service offers a wide range of information and events relating to our degree programmes in addition to academic orientation.
- Counselling services offered by the General Student Counselling Service (ZSB)
- Events organised by the General Student Counselling Service (ZSB)
- Study Information Portal (SIP)
Counselling regarding specific study programmes and questions regarding credit recognition
Expectation check and subject quiz: is this degree programme right for me?
We want to help you align your expectations and competencies with the actual demands of the Degree Programme. Do your expectations match those of the teaching staff and students in the Degree Programme? To help you with this, we have developed an Expectations Check and a subject quiz.
- Each quiz is anonymous and is intended solely for personal self-reflection; it has no impact on a future application.
- The subject quiz and expectations check do not replace a personal counseling session.
- In addition to the subject-specific orientation that the subject quiz focuses on and the alignment with your own expectations, personal motivation is also a key factor for academic success.
You can find the Expectation Check at the following link:
Take your time and ensure you have a quiet environment to work through the subject quiz at the following link:
Studying and living in Hildesheim
There are plenty of good reasons to study in Hildesheim – here are four of them:
Our modestly sized university is located in the heart of Lower Saxony with about 8000 currently enrolled students, thus allowing for a personalised study environment.
Hildesheim offers a broad range of rich and transregionally appreciated cultural experiences. They are particularly affordable for students thanks to the Culture Ticket.
Over 170 international partnerships provide you with opportunities to broaden your horizons beyond Hildesheim and gather international experience.
The University of Hildesheim supports you through a wide range of services and counselling options at all stages of your studies. Both our trial study programme ‘Studium Live’ (organised by the student-led counselling service Anker-Peers) and the University Information Day are designed to help you decide what to study. An initial orientation week marks the beginning of the study period for you and all other first-year students.
You can find further information at the following link: Campus Life
Study programme overview
The chart displays a summary of the individual course modules. The size of the circle correlates with how extensively the program covers a given topic.
During your Studies
Programme structure overview
At the start of the programme, you will be introduced to academic research, focusing on theoretical and applied linguistics, (English) literary studies and cultural studies. You will additionally attend foundational modules on practical aspects of English, such as phonetics and grammar.
In year 2, you will expand upon your knowledge and explore applied linguistics subject matter like language acquisition, language in culture and media, or English in a global context. You will also take classes that focus on developing discursive competence, including oral communication, listening comprehension, text production, and interactional competence.
In year 3, you will hone your academic analysis skills in the fields of English linguistics, literary studies and cultural studies. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to develop your text production and text analysis skills via courses like English creative writing.
Examples of programme modules in English Applied Linguistics
- Academic introduction to English
- Practical introduction to English
- Discourse Competence
- Applied Linguistics
- Text Competence
- Academic specialisation, e.g. in the field of Cultural Studies
Study variant
English Applied Linguistics is a defined study variant of the interdisciplinary dual-major Bachelor's programme.
- You choose English as your first subject.
- The second subject can be chosen freely from the list of available subjects. Both subjects are equally weighted majors.
- The professionalisation component consists of mandatory elective options (a ‘Wahlpflichtbereich’ in which a given number of electives must be completed) , a supplementary subject, internships and core competencies. In English Applied Linguistics, mandatory elective options always involve further specialisation in the first subject (English) that revolve around Applied Linguistics. Your options include courses offered in Specialisation Module 1: Applied Linguistics and various modules belonging to the International Information Management and International Communication and Translation programmes. In English Applied Linguistics, you will complete up to two profession-relevant internships totalling 10 weeks. You will write your Bachelor's thesis in the subject of English studies.
Stay abroad
A temporary stay abroad (at partner universities in English-speaking countries offering teacher education) is recommended and is often a prerequisite for postgraduate study programmes. The University of Hildesheim can assist you with applying to one of over 40 partner universities. An abundance of information and testimonials is available via the following link on the International Office website: Partner Universities
The website also provides answers to questions regarding funding and the recognition of academic credits. Moreover, lecturers from the English Applied Linguistics programme are expert points of contact regarding studies abroad and will provide guidance throughout the entire process.
Additional information
English Applied Linguistics belongs to Faculty 3: Linguistics and Information Science. General information about the faculty, as well as facts and figures, can be found at the following link: Faculty 3: Linguistics and Information Science. You can access the website of the Department of English Language and Literature via the following link: Department of English Language and Literature.
Department 3 currently conducts research on various topics, ranging from virtual reality to migration linguistics.
- A recent example is the interdisciplinary FLINK project. It focuses on foreign language learning in inclusive contexts. You can explore additional research projects in Faculty 3 and research projects in the Department of English Language and Literature on their respective websites.
- The Fachschaft English acts as the student representative body and is the first point of contact for questions and issues relating to your studies.
Study and Examination Regulations
The study regulations for the defined study variant of the interdisciplinary dual-major Bachelor's programme can be found at the following link:
Examination regulations:
Study structure
After graduation
Career prospects
The English Applied Linguistics programme is designed to prepare you for careers beyond the education sector in which you can apply your strengths to tackle anything concerning English language and culture. As a graduate of English Applied Linguistics, you will be optimally equipped for roles requiring linguistic, communicative and analytical skills — they may be in international business enterprises, in politics, or within the sector of non-governmental organisations.
Applicable lines of work
- Analysis and production of English texts, e.g. in international correspondence
- Communications responsibilities in English-speaking or international contexts
- Language and communications consultation
- Translation and other language transfer tasks
- Project management
- Academic research
Potential employers
- Institutions and organisations: international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), editorial departments, radio and television broadcasters, cultural organisations, research institutions, libraries and archives, educational establishments
- Companies: international companies across various sectors, marketing and PR agencies, publishing houses
Career Service: Internship and Job Hub
The Career Service at the General Student Counselling Service (ZSB) will support you on your journey towards a career. Taking a look at the job hub is worth it — Job openings for students and graduates can be found here: Career Service ZSB Job Board
Master's programme & PhD
Prospective master's degrees
After completing the Bachelor's degree in English Applied Linguistics, you can either join the workforce immediately or go on to study a Master's degree at the University of Hildesheim or another higher education institution. A Master's degree is generally required to enter leadership roles in companies and is a prerequisite for an academic career or a PhD. Furthermore, your degree (potentially in combination with your second or supplementary subject) also qualifies you for a wide range of Master's programmes at other universities in the fields of English Studies and Linguistics – both in Germany and in English-speaking countries abroad. The following Master's programmes can be studied at the University of Hildesheim to follow up on the Bachelor's degree in English Applied Linguistics:
- Information Science
- Linguistics and Intercultural Communication
PhD
If you are a Master's graduate interested in pursuing a PhD at the University of Hildesheim, you can find the ideal conditions via the following links:
First point of contact: CampusCenter
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CampusCenter
Fachstudienberatung und Beratung für Anrechnungsfragen: English Applied Linguistics (B.A.)
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BC.LN.1.18ab 4.11: Mittwoch 14-15. Examenskandidatinnen nach Vereinbarung. Kein Termin am 11.11.