Frequently Asked Questions

• I will start this autumn semester, which courses do I have to choose?
  • If you are a BALET student, you will find the list of available courses here
  • If you are a BASI student, you will find the list of available courses here
• How do I obtain credits from the lecture courses in modules BA4 and BA5; do I have to take an exam?

  For BALET students, regular attendance alone will earn you 3 ECTS credits (i.e., no exam is required).

• Do I have to take the exam for a Lecture?

  BASI students, MOBILITY students, and students taking a Lecture as Softskills (CTC) need to take the exam.

• What does the Module One exam consist of?

  The module exam in Module One: Foundations consists of three distinct components. You have to pass each component to validate the entire module exam (worth 6 ECTS). The grade of the module exam combines all three parts. Each of the three components of the exam is linked to one of the courses you took as part of that module (1 Lecture course in Linguistics + 1 Lecture Course in Philology + 1 Proseminar in Linguistics or Philology).

• What does the Module Two exam consist of?

  The module exam in Module Two: Foundations consists of three distinct components. You have to pass each component to validate the entire module exam (worth 6 ECTS). The grade of the module exam combines all three parts. Each of the three components of the exam is linked to one of the courses you took as part of that module (1 Lecture course in English Literature+ 1 Lecture Course in American Literature+ 1 Proseminar in Introduction to Literary Studies).

• What do I do if two classes take place at the same time?

  BALET (120 credits) students should give priority to courses within their major study plan, because these need to be completed within 4 semesters.

• For Module 3 I need two WAP and two PE classes; when can I start them?

  Writing for Academic Purposes (WAP) and Proficiency English (PE) classes have to be started in fall.

• As an MA student, can I take introduction lecture courses in Linguistics and Philology?

  Yes.

• I am planning to write a BA/MA thesis. How do I start?

  Students have the option of a BA thesis, a comprehensive BA oral exam, or an applied project. Consult with your potential supervisor to see which option is best suited to your strengths and future requirements. The first step in writing a thesis is to identify your research area of interest, find a topic, and contact an instructor about your idea. You will then discuss details about the form and content of your project with him or her. A BA or MA thesis is an independent piece of written work. Supervisors will be happy to help you if you face difficulties, but they will not do the work for you. It is advisable to contact your potential supervisor in good time, e.g. at the end of the semester prior to the one in which you plan to work on your BA/MA thesis.

• When do I need to register for the BA thesis or the Comprehensive Oral Exam or the Applied Project?

  Students need to consult their supervisors before registering for either option. They need to register on MyUnifr at the beginning of a semester and submit the thesis/project or take the exam at the end of the semester.

• Who should I contact regarding course equivalencies and credit transfers from other Universities?

  The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) applies within Europe. Discuss the course you intend to take abroad with the relevant Fribourg professors before you leave. Hand your transcript to the secretary when you return to Fribourg.

• Where do I find information (forms, letters, etc.) about study abroad programmes and existing partnerships with UNIFR?
  • All information about student exchange programmes is available on the website of the International Relations Office.
  • Our department is affiliated with the following academic institutions abroad (please check with the International Office whether student exchanges apply):

     

    • University of Arizona, Tucson (USA)
    • University of Mississippi (USA)
    • University of Nebraska at Omaha (USA)
    • Lancaster University (UK)
    • Bangor University (UK)
• When can I go abroad for an exchange semester?

  Ideally, when BA modules 1, 2 and 3 are completed.

• What can I do with a degree in English?

  There are countless career options open to English graduates. Over the course of your degree programme you will acquire a number of transferable skills and these will open up opportunities in careers such as journalism, advertising, publishing, editing and public relations. You may also wish to consider becoming a librarian, working in museums or in cultural affairs. You will develop your skills of analysis during your degree in English and these will equip you for further study in fields such as law, politics and diplomacy. And of course, English graduates make excellent teachers.

• What are the DEEM I and DEEM II requirements?

  You will find the DEEM I, II and 'monobranche' requirements on this document [pdf]

• Can the secretariat of the English Department issue an official transcript of my university record?

  No. Official transcripts are only issued by the Dean's office, so please get in touch with them directly at this email address: lettres@unifr.ch