Facts & figures
Philologist in English Studies
- Department of American Studies
- Department of English Studies
- Department of English Applied Linguistics
- Department of English Linguistics
- Department of English Language Pedagogy
English
Program
English is the lingua franca, the most important language for communication in the globalised 21st century. It is a fact of life that everywhere experts are needed who not only speak English correctly, but who are also familiar with the societies and cultures of those countries where English is the first language. Experience has shown that an extraordinarily large number of employers seek experts with not merely an excellent command of the language, but also with the ability to make good use of their knowledge of the English-speaking world. The transmission of such cultural knowledge is the foundation of this program.
In this program, students become proficient in understanding and producing academic and media-oriented publications in the fields of English literature, socio-cultural history of the English language-based cultures (especially Great Britain, Ireland, Canada and Australia), applied and theoretical linguistics, mediating in English and their native language in specialised cultural, economic and political areas, teaching and transmitting knowledge concerning English literature and linguistics, and English language-based cultures and societies.
The program begins with the study of English Theoretical Linguistics, Literature, Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Communication. There are also obligatory specialization tracks which give students the opportunity to pursue his or her own, independent, in-depth research. A select few of the students graduating with an MA will have the opportunity to pursue PhD studies in areas taught in the programme either in Hungary or abroad. With a view toward preparing students to be future researchers, the English Studies MA program allows students to take varied courses in their designated areas of research. A selection of those areas includes broad areas such as the following:
Linguistics
English Applied Linguistics
Literature
Culture
English Literature by Periods
Film and Visual Culture
Significant Authors and Artists in British Culture
Postcolonial Literatures
During the course of study for the MA, students may specialize in one of the following specializations:
English Applied Linguistics
English Theoretical Linguistics
English Language Literatures and Cultures
English Speaking Cultures and Communication
The aim of this program is to train high-level specialists capable of meeting the specific demands of the labour market in the fields of cultural and intercultural exchange. In addition to local, national or international authorities in the public sector, it is important to underline the growing need for French graduates in the private sector, e.g. with multinational companies.
The training will also prepare the student to continue in one of the Doctoral Schools of the Faculty.
Our graduates find positions mainly in the sectors of education and research, tourism management, banking and finance, and intercultural communications. Note that the program does not provide teaching qualifications.
This program gives a comprehensive overview of English studies, including literature, linguistics, applied linguistics and cultural studies. It also enables students to specialise in specific fields of inquiry. Degree holders will have solid skills to conduct independent research, to assess and process relevant information, and communicate their findings according to high academic standards.
Students acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be utilised in both private and public sector establishments
The program offers a broad spectrum of possible specialization pathways
Level of language proficiency corresponds to C2 level (proficiency) of CEFR. Language of instruction in all courses is English
Students are eligible for admission to PhD programmes
Structure
Career
MA-bearing English language and culture experts are sought in the following fields:
the world of business
the media
the translation of books and periodicals
diplomacy
international relations institutes and think-tanks
tourism
agencies responsible for grant applications
local government offices
the arts
Journalist, instructor of English not requiring teaching qualifications, project manager at government organisations, specialist in diplomatic affairs
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 3,500 EUR | 3,500 EUR |
| Application fee |
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
|
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
|
| Entrance exam fee | 100 EUR | 100 EUR |
| Other cost |
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold a university bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent college degree) in the fields listed below. Full credit acknowledgement is only given for a bachelor’s degree in English and American Studies.
In the case of a BA degree from another field of study, each degree will be considered individually, and transcripts from your BA degree as well as course descriptions will be requested. The applicant must have 50 credits (but at least 38 to enter the programme) from the field of English and American Studies.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). Details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
Language requirements
Accepted certificates at C1 level (CEFR):
TOEFL IBT (Internet-based test): 95-120
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 7.0
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
| Online application form | - |
| Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate) | Notarized copy only on request. |
| Bachelor-level degree | An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
| Transcript of records | |
| CV | In English, in MS Word format with one low resolution photo |
| Motivation letter | A maximum of 500 words. |
| Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid. |
| Copy of application fee payment receipt | |
| Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt | |
| Language certificate | Official test result or certificate must be provided; see program specific proficiency requirements. |
| Other: An official English translation of the certificates and the records if the language of the original is not English |
Optional documents for admissions
- Research Proposal
Please consult with the coordinating department for more information - Letter of Reference
Also called "Letter of recommendation." From a former instructor and/or employer.
Application deadlines
The deadline for application means the deadline of submission of the full and complete application package in the online system.
Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11/2025 23:59 (CET)
Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2026 23:59 (CET)
Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2026 23:59 (CET)
The application procedure includes 3 periods in order to give the applicants the freedom to submit their application when it’s most suitable for them. The applicants of each period have the same chance to get admittance for the programme. However, please note, that the Faculty of Humanities ELTE reserves the right to cancel the entrance periods in case the number of the admitted applicants reaches the limit during the previous entrance periods.
Procedure of the application
The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.
Before making the payment please visit the Faculty’s website (go to section Application and Entrance Exam fees) for detailed guidance on how to use the payment platform.
Payment platform: https://epay.elte.hu/
Entrance examination and selection process
When the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs an entrance exam date option will be sent no later than the application deadline for the relevant period. Please, check your messages in the application system, and the e-mail address that is linked to the account regularly. The applications are examined by the Admission Board no later than after each application period and applicants are notified of the outcome of the selection in the online application system after the decision is official. Admission letters are sent out in the online application system within a few days.
Procedure of the entrance examination
The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation of the applicant. Successful applicants must have a good command of English to pass the entrance exam. The format of the entrance exam is an online interview. Ranking is based on the overall evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.
Contacts
Dr. János KENYERES
Associate professor
Admission
Department of International Affairs
E-mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4.,
More information
Website
Find the detailed structure of the program on the site of the Faculty.
Successful graduates of the English Studies MA will be awarded a degree in which the following three elements will appear:
The level of degree the graduate has attained (magister, master; abbreviation: MA)
The academic discipline the graduate has studied (English)
The specialization or concentration of study within the MA which the graduate has completed.
For more information, please visit the site of School of English and American Studies.