Master programme in English
120 ECTS credits
Study programme
The Master program in English is for you if you wish to develop your skills in understanding, analyzing, and contextualizing cultural expressions or language use in English, one of the globally most influential languages in contemporary life. You choose whether you want to study primarily linguistic or literary courses or a mix of the two. Are you interested in popular culture and genre literature? Social media? Global English literature or communication? Language learning? This program offers opportunities to immerse yourself in these topics and more!
The diverse forms of the English language are extensively present in public and private life, as well as in both local and international culture. The study of English use and English-language cultural expression is therefore concretely relevant and has many potential applications across domains such as education and academia, politics, culture, media, business, and more.
The theme of the program is "English in contemporary life". The linguistic courses concern mainly applied linguistics, with an overall focus on perspectives and methods for studying and understanding language use as social interaction, cognition, text, and discourse. The literary courses concern cultural and literary negotiations of contemporary life, with an emphasis on historical and geographical contextualizations as well as critical perspectives. The program's courses highlight contemporary language use and materials, as well as contemporary theories and methods, and are intimately tied to research specializations at the department. The courses do not merely concern the English language and English literature in themselves, but also concern how linguistic and literary perspectives can shed light on societal phenomena, issues, and developments. The program is based on online daytime seminars, which require active participation.
The diverse forms of the English language are extensively present in public and private life, as well as in both local and international culture. The study of English use and English-language cultural expression is therefore concretely relevant and has many potential applications across domains such as education and academia, politics, culture, media, business, and more.
The theme of the program is "English in contemporary life". The linguistic courses concern mainly applied linguistics, with an overall focus on perspectives and methods for studying and understanding language use as social interaction, cognition, text, and discourse. The literary courses concern cultural and literary negotiations of contemporary life, with an emphasis on historical and geographical contextualizations as well as critical perspectives. The program's courses highlight contemporary language use and materials, as well as contemporary theories and methods, and are intimately tied to research specializations at the department. The courses do not merely concern the English language and English literature in themselves, but also concern how linguistic and literary perspectives can shed light on societal phenomena, issues, and developments. The program is based on online daytime seminars, which require active participation.
Education level:
Master's level
Prerequisites
A Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits, including 90 credits with progressive specialisation in the main field of English or equivalent. An independent project of at least 15 credits at G2E level must be included. In addition, upper secondary school English 6 or English level 2.
While studying
Education
The Master program in English offers specialized training in the English subject. Lingusitic and literary courses can be combined within the program.The first semester is composed of obligatory courses, after which the course progression is based on a combination of elective courses within the program and optional courses offered by Karlstad University or at other universities. During the third semester, it is possible to choose to study abroad. Except for the obligatory introductory course and the degree project, the exact course progression through the program depends on what year the student is enrolled as well as the student's own choices and preferences. The flexibility offered by this program structure means that you will not adhere to a course progression determined in advance. Instead, you may yourself plan your progression in consultation with the program coordinator and the study and career counselor.On the website you can see an example outline of a recommended course progression. The program courses are offered on a rotating schedule. Therefore, which courses are obligatory during the first semester, as well as which are elective during the subsequent semesters, will vary based on the student's year of enrolment. Please note that the names and order of the program courses may change.Form of Instruction
The program's obligatory and elective courses are offered at half- or quarter-pace. This makes it possible for students to complete the program in two years at full pace or in four years at half pace.Instruction takes the form of remote learning, and is entirely distance-based. Instruction is generally conducted in the form of seminars, lectures, and group work. Most of the program courses comprise real-time virtual meetings during weekdays. Therefore, we expect students to be able to make themselves available for one or several online meetings per week throughout the semesters.Examination is most commonly in the form of individual written assignments and oral presentations. However, other forms of examination may occur according to the courses' respective syllabi.Course of study
Future prospects
Employment Market
A Master in English entails specialized analytical and critical skills connected to culture, language, and communication.This program is intended to prepare students for research. This means that you will be prepared for, and will earn attractive and relevant merits for, conducting doctoral studies or working as research assistant in English or related disciplines and subjects. However, the program also gives you analytical and critical skills and competencies related to research and development work that can potentially be applied in any domain where language, culture, and communication are central.
Degree
Degree of Master of Arts (60 credits) Major: EnglishDegree of Master of Arts (120 credits) Major: English
Tuition fees
- Total fee: 180,000 SEK
- Per semester / First payment: 45,000 SEK
You do not have to pay tuition fees if you are an exchange student or a citizen of a country within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
Choose occasion
Distance without on-campus meetings (Ortsoberoende), 100%
Options
- Distance without on-campus meetings (Ortsoberoende), 100%
- Distance without on-campus meetings (Ortsoberoende), 50%
- Distance without on-campus meetings (Ortsoberoende), 100%
- Distance without on-campus meetings (Ortsoberoende), 100%
- Distance without on-campus meetings (Ortsoberoende), 50%
- Distance without on-campus meetings (Ortsoberoende), 50%
- Start Autumn 2026
- Mode of study Distance without on-campus meetings (Ortsoberoende)
- Language English
- Application code KAU-80750
- Study pace 100% (Day)