Bachelor in English Language and Literature

In the program English Language and Literature, you will acquire an overview of the histories, cultures, and literature of English-speaking countries, mainly the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. You will also learn about basic linguistic theories and will be introduced to the theory and practice of translation. Lectures and small group seminars are designed to develop students’ analytical and critical thinking. Emphasis is also placed on developing skills needed for working in independent and creative ways, as well as using both written and spoken English appropriately in various contexts and environments.

Apart from translation courses, all teaching, instruction, and exams are in English. Our faculty includes both Czechs and native speakers and our standard curriculum is regularly complemented by intensive courses and guest lectures and seminars offered by international experts in their respective fields. Topics covered by international guests range from contemporary pop culture, interdisciplinary and creative pedagogy, to specific cultural phenomena. In the past, we have hosted, for example, courses on Anglo-American TV series, urban walking in literary contexts, or the cultural meanings of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, etc.

During your studies, you will improve your language skills to B2-C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You will also learn to prepare in English presentations, write argumentative essays, and critically assess films and literary texts. You will also learn to carry out research and write a thesis. English Department students are encouraged to travel to our partner universities across Europe and in North America through Erasmus+ program or through other grants and scholarships.

The Department of English and American Studies supports a number of extracurricular activities. Every year our students in the Department’s theatre group The Gypsywood Players rehearse and premiere a play; students organize a Halloween party and Creativity Night through Escape (the English Students Club). Students also manage and publish a high-profile student magazine Re: Views as well as a department newsletter, the KAArdian.

Is the English Language and Literature program right for you?

If you are interested in learning more about how language, literature, and film work, if you enjoy discussing and thinking critically about what you read and watch, if you like the history and culture of English-speaking countries, then this program is the right one for you!

Work experience

No practical training or work experience is required in this program. However, students can travel abroad through the Erasmus+ internship training program which allows them to gain practical experience in various positions in, for example, English language schools, translation agencies, etc.

Graduate destination

The graduates of the English literature and language Bachelor’s degree program are able to communicate on a complex level in both written and spoken English and they are equipped with knowledge of the historical, social and cultural contexts of English-speaking countries. Apart from finding jobs in the field—teaching English at language, primary and high schools and in translation—our graduates may also find employment in jobs and positions which require independent, critical thinking, creativity, and excellent communication and language skills. These may include, for example, editorial work, positions in the publishing industry, tourism, the NGO sector, or international departments of companies.

Study options

Single-subject studies
Recommended study plan

Combined studies are also available.

Further studies

Students can continue in their studies in one of the following master’s programs: a philology-focused Master’s degree in English Language and Literature; an area studies Master’s degree in North American Cultural Studies; a Master’s degree in Upper Secondary School Teacher Training in English Language and Literature; and the translation-oriented Master’s degree English Language Translation.

Admission requirements

Admission is offered to applicants selected by a departmental entrance examination committee on the basis of a complex assessment of the applicant's language skills, recommendations, and motivation.

This fee-paying program is open to graduates of secondary schools.

You do not have to come to Brno in person to take the entrance exam. The result of the admission process depends on the quality of the documents that you provide. Those will be assessed by the admission committee and you will be notified about the results via e-mail.

Applicants are asked to submit the following:

1. Submission of two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a teacher.
2. Submission of a Statement of Purpose (500 words maximum) in English, explaining why the applicant wishes to study in this degree program accredited in English and why the applicant wishes to study in this Department.
3. Demonstrate English-language skills at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Language by submitting one of the following certificates (not more than one year old at the time of the submission of the application):
   • IELTS Academic with a score of 6.5 or higher
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English with a mark of A or B
   • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
   • TOEFL iBT score of 79 or higher
   • Applicants who have graduated from a secondary school in an English-speaking country (e. g. the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the English-speaking countries of the Caribbean, Africa and Asia),having attended the said school for two or more years, need not submit test scores.
4. Submission of a transcript of secondary school studies, which must include:
   • Dates you attended the institution
   • Titles of courses and examinations you completed
   • Grades (marks) you received, including on school-leaving exams (A-levels, etc.)

How to apply

For detailed information on the application process, please see the faculty website: https://www.phil.muni.cz/en/studies/study-programmes-in-english

Application deadline

1 January – 30 April

Extended application deadline for Fall 2020 intake (first semester online)

1 May – 31 August

Recognition of foreign education

More information about recognition of foreign education can be found here: https://www.phil.muni.cz/en/studies/study-programmes-in-english/recognition-of-foreign-education