English Literature and Culture (MA)

About the programme

Programme structure

The master's programme in English Literature and Culture spans two semesters and consists of four courses and an MA thesis:

Course 1: core course, ‘Ways of Reading’, offering insight and understanding into theoretical and practical approaches to exploring literature.
Courses 2 and 3: Any two courses from the English Literature and Culture programme
Course 4: Any elective course. This could be a course offered in the English Literature and Culture track, but you can also broaden your horizon by choosing:
- a course from another Literary Studies track;
- a course on a literary subject in another MA programme (for example, North American Studies or Media Studies);
- a course offered in the MA Linguistics: English Language and Linguistics;
- or courses offered via Masterlanguage.

Course overview

For a more detailed programme and an overview of all the possible electives, please check the Prospectus.

Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may differ slightly.

Full-time and part-time

You can follow all Literary Studies tracks both full-time and part-time. Please note that the part-time study mode does not offer any evening classes.

Research and academic rigour

All of our teaching staff are internationally active scholars. We regularly update our courses to reflect contemporary academic debates and the very latest insights – many from the research conducted by lecturers on the programme. The academically rigorous design of the programme enables you to develop essential skills in academic writing, critical thinking, and independent, high-quality academic research, culminating in your master's thesis.

Topics

You have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics and seminar options, some of which are taught on a yearly basis , and some of which vary from year to year.

We offer such courses as 'European Modernism', 'The Medieval in Middle-Earth', 'Blithe Spirits and Demon Lovers', 'Literature and Social Class' and 'Shakespeare's Sister'.

Philology

The courses offered for Philology can be combined with linguistics courses in earlier stages of the language, such as Old and Middle English, as offered by the English Language and Linguistics.

Michael Newton

Programme chair of the MA Literary Studies programme

"Our lecturers are passionate about the texts and topics they teach, and we trust that our enthusiasm conveys to students the value and excitement of studying literature."

Are you interested in studying English literature and culture?

Check the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme.

Check the admission requirements