The School of English and American Studies (SEAS), a division of the Faculty of Humanities at Eötvös Loránd University, has a long academic history dating back to 1886. Originally established as the Department of English Language and Literature, it is now located at Rákóczi út 5 in the centre of Budapest.

When I first came across SEAS, I honestly didn’t expect it to have such a long academic tradition. Knowing that I am studying in a place with this kind of history makes the experience feel a bit more meaningful for me personally.

One of the reasons I chose this program was the variety of subjects it offers. I really liked the fact that the curriculum is not limited to only one area, since students can study literature, linguistics, history, and cultural studies at the same time. Even in the first semester, students are introduced to multiple academic perspectives. 

The English and American Studies BA is a three-year (6-semester) program requiring 180 credits for graduation. It is designed to give students a broad understanding of the English-speaking world through a combination of linguistics, literature, and history.

Your studies begin with foundation and core courses. In the first semester, everyone takes introductory classes in Linguistics, Literature & Culture, History, and Practical & Academic Skills.

At first, I was slightly nervous about subjects like linguistics because I had never studied them before. However, after a few weeks, those classes became some of the most interesting parts of the program for me and gave me a completely different perspective on language.

One thing that makes this program especially unique is the opportunity to choose your own academic focus. During the first semester, students select either the English Track or the American Track, which becomes more specialized starting from the second semester.

Although the program is called English and American Studies, the curriculum is not limited to only the UK and the USA. Through elective courses, students can also explore other English-speaking regions such as Canada, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand.

Personally, I really liked having the freedom to explore different areas before choosing a direction. It makes the program feel more flexible than restrictive.

At the end of the first year, students choose either a Specialization Module or a Minor. I think this is one of the most practical parts of the program, because it helps you connect your studies with possible future interests or career paths.

What I like about this system is its flexibility. Instead of being locked into one direction, you can gradually shape your academic path based on what you enjoy most during your studies.

The program offers several distinct specializations, including the Pick-and-Choose Specialization Module, English in Business, Film and Culture, and English Translation Skills (which requires Hungarian proficiency). Personally, I am really interested in media, which is why I am planning to choose English in the Media specialization. Through this path, I want to learn how to practically and effectively apply my English skills within global media areas.

What makes SEAS stand out is that it offers much more than just a bachelor's degree; it covers the entire academic spectrum, from preparatory training all the way to doctoral levels. The institute hosts everything from the English Foundation Course (General English) at the preparatory stage to the comprehensive English and American Studies BA program. For students like me looking to advance their higher education, SEAS provides a natural progression into Master's programs such as the American Studies MA, English Studies MA, and Instruction of English as a Foreign Language MA. Additionally, for those deeply invested in academic research, the school even offers dedicated PhD programs in Linguistics and Literary Studies. It is a great environment because it truly supports students at every single step of their academic journey. 

Finally, the school also has its own library located at Múzeum körút 6-8 (enclosed courtyard). It contains an extensive English-language collection in linguistics, literature, history, and culture, and students can also access databases such as JSTOR and the MLA Bibliography.

When I first heard about the library, I didn’t think I would use it that often, but it actually turned out to be a really useful and quiet study space between classes.

I personally like studying there because the atmosphere feels very calm compared to some of the larger university buildings. It is also quite convenient when I have back-to-back classes in the same area.

Beyond just reading about it, if you want to see some visuals, you can watch this video about the BA program and this comprehensive overview of both the BA and MA programs.

I hope this guide has given you a clearer picture of the School of English and American Studies.

See you in the next blog and good luck!