Your perfect choice!
Term dates & deadlines
Summer semester 2025
General admission period for Bachelor’s degree programmes:
7 January 2025 – 5 February 2025
Winter semester 2025/26
General admission period for Bachelor’s degree programmes:
7 July 2025 – 5 September 2025
Why study Worlds of English at the University of Klagenfurt?
Our student Ateesha has the answer to your question!
You are special. So are we.
This is what makes the degree programme so special
- Practical AND theoretical: If you think that an internship can’t be combined with a degree in language studies, think again! We can help you to complete an internship comprising 300 hours in an English-speaking country. Eligible organisations include universities, cultural institutions, museums, libraries, language courses and many others.
- International setting: All communication, teaching, and learning at our department is in English only, immersing you in an anglophone world. You simply can’t get enough of foreign languages? Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, French – we offer a wide range of language classes to help you prepare for your career, wherever you choose to live and work. The University of Klagenfurt is chosen by young people from all over the world, which means you will be able to meet fellow students from across the globe.
- We will accompany you on your journey. Are you nervous about being unnoticed among the masses of students at a large university? That won’t happen to you here in Klagenfurt. For us you are not just one among many, you are special, even in our large degree programmes. We want to know who you are, what moves you and what you want to achieve. That’s why we offer excellent supervision arrangements, small seminars and compact working groups and our ears and doors are always open for your concerns.
How we are seen
- We excel in rankings!
The University of Klagenfurt is one of the top 2 % universities worldwide.
(Times Higher Education World University Rankings) - We are distinguished by our students!
The University of Klagenfurt is the only university in the world to win a Global Student Satisfaction Award twice in a row
(Studyportals – the Global Study Choice Platform)
- Our study programmes come highly recommended!
The University of Klagenfurt is recommended by 97 % of its students.
(studycheck.de) - Top quality is our standard!
The University of Klagenfurt places high value on comprehensive quality standards. Our quality management is EVALAG-certified,
we maintain the highest environmental standards (EMAS certification) and are a family-friendly university.
(State quality label “hochschuleundfamilie”)
Focused studies. Our core topics
- Language practice: You will learn English up to level C2, the highest level of excellence according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Methods: Studying a language means learning much more than just the language. We will teach you how to grasp content on a higher level, how to establish connections and critically examine them, and how to make creative use of your knowledge for new applications.
- Language reflection: All languages are different and highly versatile means of expression. How they are used depends on the situations, for example, where they are used, where they are spoken, and what their social value is. Together we will explore all facets of language as our most important medium of communication.
- Culture & literature: What defines a popular genre like Science Fiction or a specific tradition of writing? How does literature evolve from the times of Shakespeare to AI narratives? Together, we will analyse and criticise cultural and literary products – from poems to video games, from election campaign speeches to novels.
- Intercultural skills: Explore the social, historical, cultural, political and economic situation in each language area. We will show you how to deal with cultural differences in a sensitive and problem-focused way – and how to use these skills successfully in your professional life!
Your skills are our mission. This is what we can teach you
- Languages at first hand. Our teachers are internationally accomplished experts in the field of English! This means that you will learn from people dedicated to teaching the language with its many different dimensions.
- Triumph with soft skills. The world of work needs team players who can work creatively and purposefully, regardless of subjects and cultures. In our seminars you will learn how to boost inspiration and efficiency in group work. Students who opt for a language degree programme also assume responsibility for humankind: language skills are vital bridges between cultures!
- Reaching for the sky after graduation. Many of our graduates enter professional life straight after their Bachelor’s degree. However, others are eager for more. At the University of Klagenfurt, we are able to offer you a Master’s degree programme that is specially tailored to you: Master’s programme Worlds of English, with your chosen focus on linguistics or on literary and cultural studies. Should you wish to further expand your portfolio, the Master's degree programmes Game Studies and Engineering, Cross-Border Studies, or Visuelle Kultur may be just the thing for you. The choice is yours!
Best prospects. Your professional opportunities
After completing your Bachelor’s degree in Worlds of English, you can work in a wide range of professional fields, including the following areas:
- (Cross-border) communication: Your Bachelor‘s degree in Worlds of English will qualify you as a communications expert in the English language. No matter whether you want to pursue your career in journalism, public relations or advertising: You can put your communication skills to excellent use!
- The cultural sector: Your Bachelor‘s degree in Worlds of English will prepare you to become a cultural intermediary!
- Publishing companies: Publishing is an international business. With almost two billion people who speak English as their first or second language, and many more who read in English, the market for English language publications is vast.
- Archives & libraries: They are vital resources of culture and rely on experts to preserve knowledge and to convey it in print and digital forms to the world.
- Translation: Our degree programme offers you the basic building blocks for literary and professional translation and some of our graduates work as translators.
Stories & news about the degree programme
You’ll soon discover this: There are many interesting facts, stories and news updates regarding this degree programme.
Programme structure
In Klagenfurt you can study at your own pace. To help you follow your path with confidence, we keep it clear of (bureaucratic) stumbling blocks and barriers. If you wish to reach your goal quickly and efficiently, we will always be there to support you. Our recommended course of study will guide you through the semesters. You work your way through the curriculum – making the most of opportunities to broaden your horizons and without wasting time. If you would like to know which courses await you before you start, take a look at the wide range of seminars and lectures.
Main areas
Programme structure: a tabular overview
Subject | Designation | ECTS credits | Recommended semester |
Required subjects | Introductory and Orientation Period (STEOP) | 13 | 1 |
Basic and Advanced Studies Language | 33 | 1-6 | |
Basic and Advanced Studies Linguistics | 15 | 2-4 | |
Basic and Advanced Studies Literature | 15 | 2-4 | |
Basic Studies Culture | 9 | 2-4 | |
Advanced Studies | 12 | 4-5 | |
Guided electives | Linguistically Oriented Electives | 12 | 4-5 |
Literary and Cultural Studies Oriented Electives | 12 | 4-5 | |
Specialisation | 12 | 5-6 | |
All offered courses | Work placement | Gender Studies | 12 | 1-6 | |
Open electives | 20 | 1-6 | |
Bachelor's thesis | 15 | ||
Total | 180 |
Introductory and orientation period (STEOP)
The introductory and orientation period (STEOP) grants students an overview of the key elements of the degree programme and of the course of studies ahead. Thus, it provides a factual basis for the personal evaluation of the choice of degree programme.
As students must successfully complete the introductory and orientation period in order to continue their studies, it is recommended that this stage should be scheduled during the first semester. The introductory and orientation period within the Bachelor's degree programme Worlds of English at the University of Klagenfurt comprises the following courses ("Introduction to Linguistics 1", "Introduction to Literary Studies 1", "Introduction to Academic Language Studies", "British OR American OR Postcolonial Cultures: History and Society") and a placement test (modular examination: "Placement Test") amounting to a total of 13 ECTS credits. Further courses, for which the completion of the introductory and orientation period is a prerequisite, may not be taken before this stage has been completed. Prior to completing the STEOP, additional courses worth up to 22 ECTS credits may be taken.
Recommended course of study
The recommended course of study shows you an exemplary list of the courses you should attend in the first two semesters in order to create a good knowledge base and take the necessary examinations if you want to complete your studies within the minimum period of study. Certain courses are only offered once per academic year, but examinations can be taken on specific dates throughout the year. Some courses are offered in parallel at different time slots during the week so that there are enough places for all students – decide on a course here and register for it.
1st semester (Starting in the winter semester)
DESIGNATION | SUBJECT | ECTS CREDITS | COURSE TITLE | TYPE OF COURSE |
STEOP (Introductory and orientation period) |
Required subject 1.1 | 1 | Placement Test | FP* |
Required subject 1.2 | 3 | Introduction to Linguistics I | VO | |
Required subject 1.3 | 3 | Introduction to Literary Studies I | PS* | |
Required subject 1.4 | 3 | British Culture: History and Society (in the winter semester)
or American Culture: History and Society (in the summer semester) or Postcolonial Cultures: History and Society |
VO | |
Required subject 1.5 | 3 | Introduction to Academic Language Studies | KS* | |
Basic and Advanced Studies Language | Required subject 2.1 | 3 | Language Awareness I | KS* |
Required subject 2.2 | 3 | Language Productive and Receptive Skills | KS* | |
Required subject 2.3 | 3 | English for Academic Purposes | KS* | |
Required subject 2.4 | 3 | Pronunciation | KS* | |
Required subjects, Guided electives D/E, Open electives | 5 | Choose from the courses of the Required subjects, the Guided electives D/E or the Open electives (see curriculum §§ 9, 10 and 11) | ||
Total | 30 |
* Compulsory attendance
2nd semester
DESIGNATION | SUBJECT | ECTS CREDITS | COURSE TITLE | TYPE OF COURSE |
Basic and Advanced Studies Language | Required subject 2.5 | 3 | Language Awareness II** | KS* |
Required subject 2.6 | 3 | Advanced Language Productive and Receptive Skills** | KS* | |
Basic and Advanced Studies Linguistics | Required subject 3.1 | 3 | Introduction to Linguistics II** | VO |
Required subject 3.2 | 3 | Development of English | VO | |
Basic and Advanced Studies Literature | Required subject 4.1 | 3 | Introduction to Literary Studies II** | PS* |
Required subject 4.2 | 3 | Literary Terminology and Practice of Interpretation | VO | |
Basic Studies Culture | Required subject 5.1 | 3 | Topics in British Cultural Studies (Choose a course) | PS* |
Required subjects, Guided electives D/E, Open electives | 9 | Choose from the courses of the Required subjects, the Guided electives D/E or the Open electives (see curriculum §§ 9, 10 and 11) | ||
Total | 30 |
* Compulsory attendance
** For these courses, the completion of courses from the first semester is a prerequisite for participation. Detailed information can be found in the course description in the student portal and in the curriculum under § 13.
Studying abroad
As a student at King’s College in London, you can stroll through the streets of London between lectures and discover the multicultural metropolis, or why not spend a semester exploring Mississippi State University, which counts John Grisham among its former students? A period abroad offers you numerous opportunities to develop your professional skills and improve your language and intercultural competences at the same time. The experience you gain during a period abroad also plays an important role in understanding cultural studies. The world is yours to explore – and you can get started while you are still studying. For more information on international mobility during your degree programme, please refer to Section 7 of the curriculum.
This degree programme does not include a compulsory period abroad. However, we strongly encourage all students to complete part of their degree programme as a semester abroad at one of the University of Klagenfurt’s more than 250 partner universities worldwide. You need not worry about your finances – we offer plenty of scholarships. You will find everything you need to know about studying abroad on our Study Abroad page.
Internship
You can substitute the guided elective subject D (12 ECTS credits) with an internship in a country where English is used as lingua franca. This internship must be completed during the course of the degree programme and should comprise at least 300 hours. It is the responsibility of the competent programme director to decide whether the internship qualifies for recognition. Please refer to section 10 of the curriculum for more information.
Limits are old news. What else can we offer you?
There are no limits to your personal development. Enjoy the freedom that only a university degree can offer you and expand your horizons beyond your academic studies. You can pick and choose which competences will set you apart in the world of work in the future. We have lots to offer, for instance:
- Are you looking to set up your own business and launch an entrepreneurial venture? By acquiring the “Build! Entrepreneurship Certificate” you will gain precisely the skills you need to turn your brilliant idea into a successful business!
- You enjoy writing and would like to qualify as a writing coach? The extension programme "Writing Studies" is designed to equip you with the necessary tools.
Continue to browse through this overview of all the elective subjects.
Admission
Admission to the degree programme must take place before the end of the general admission period (winter semester: 5 September | summer semester: 5 February).
A late admission until 31 October (winter semester) or 31 March (summer semester) can only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Prerequisites
- General university entrance qualification (e.g. Matura)
- Knowledge of English B2 (CEFR)
To be completed at the beginning of the programme
Oxford Placement Test
For the Bachelor’s degree programme Worlds of English , you have to demonstrate proficiency in the English language at level B2 in the “Oxford Placement Test”, which is taken during the introductory phase of the programme. We advise you to take the Placement Test as early as possible. The Oxford Placement Test takes a maximum of 80 minutes and is taken online. The test is a prerequisite for certain courses in the curriculum.
Must be proved in the course of the programme
If you took Latin at secondary school (at least a total sum of 10 weekly hours across all grades), this is sufficient for the Bachelor's programme Worlds of English. If you do not have proof of the required knowledge, you will have to take an additional Latin examination before the final assessment in the Bachelor’s programme. Suitable courses are available at the University of Klagenfurt.
The first steps are always … accompanied!
We won’t abandon you, especially at the start of your studies!
- Here in Klagenfurt, you will get to know your fellow students during the Welcome Days – and you will make new friends in the very first week; friends you will share memorable experiences with in the years to come.
- You will never be a mere (matriculation) number here: Our courses have a limited number of participants and so our lecturers will soon get to know you. We encourage and challenge you, in every way you need!
- Your degree starts with the so-called “Introductory phase (STEOP)”. No matter which school you attended or which qualifications you bring with you to the university: We will get you to the level you need in order to study successfully in the semesters ahead. In addition, the technology preparation courses will help you to rapidly progress on the road to success in your studies!
Continuing your studies
Once you have completed the Bachelor's degree programme in Worlds of English you can continue straight on to one of the following degree programmes:
FAQ. Frequently asked questions
Is this the right degree programme for me?
Do you love to read books in English? Do you prefer to watch British films and series in their original language? Then a degree in Worlds of English could be interesting for you. Consider this: Choosing a degree programme or an occupation is a long-term process, and it’s ok to take plenty of time over it. If you would like some help with your decision, you can contact Student Counselling Services and make an appointment for a free consultation.
How do I start my academic studies at the University of Klagenfurt?
Our check list will help you to get started. We have compiled everything you need to know here – from registering online right up to enrolling for a degree programme.
Is it possible/mandatory to spend a semester abroad as part of this degree programme?
As a student of Worlds of English , you will certainly be interested in other countries, cultures and languages. We therefore warmly recommend that students complete part of their studies abroad. The experience you gain during your time abroad is a vital element of our cultural understanding.
We have a network of over 250 partner universities worldwide. If you would like to study somewhere else for a while, the world is yours to explore – make the most of this opportunity! You can find detailed information at: Study abroad
Can I work while I study?
The degree programme has not been designed for students who work part-time, though many of our students do work. It depends on your own ability to organise and your flexibility whether this is feasible for you. Some courses take place weekly and involve an attendance of approximately 2 hours. Others are blocked, e.g. over a weekend, from 9 to 5. You can create your own individual schedule. If you are looking for help with this, the ÖH (Austrian National Union of Students) can assist you!
Where can I find additional information? Who can I contact with questions?
Please refer to the Curriculum (PDF) and our website for further information on all aspects of studying. If you have additional questions, you can also contact the Programme Director directly.
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