Literature in Society. Europe and Beyond (MA)
About the programme
Programme structure
The programme includes a total of four courses, divided into two semesters. All courses are taught in the form of seminars. One course is obligatory (the core course); the other three are electives. One of the courses may be replaced by an internship; the final thesis is based on a topic of your own choosing.
Core course
The core course 'Literature in Society. Narrative, Fiction and Voice' focuses on the various ways in which literature impacts the social, juridical and political dynamics of Europe today.
Electives developed specifically for Literature in Society
- Literature in Society: Narrative, Fiction and Voice
- Remapping the City in Modern Literature and Visual Cultures
Related electives
More electives may be chosen from a list of related courses offered in other specializations of Literary Studies: English, French, German, Italian Literature and Culture, or by Dutch Studies, Latin American Studies, North American Studies or Comparative Literature.
Detailed Programme
For a detailed programme, please see the Prospectus.
Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year; the curriculum for next year may differ slightly.
Full-time and part-time
You can follow all Literary Studies specializations 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.
Ingeborg Morawetz
Student Literature in Society. Europe and Beyond (MA Literary Studies)
"I chose to study Literature in Society, because it’s a unique programme in Europe. It goes far beyond Literature Studies and helps to understand and analyse societal narratives. That made it special for me. And I wasn't disappointed, in one year I learned more about postcolonialism, environmentalism, terrorism and many more currently relevant topics and the ways in which they are perceived and told than I would have considered possible. Reading became a scientific way to look at our world."
From Albert Camus to Jonathan Safran Foer
"If students are considering to study Literature in Society. Europe and Beyond I would show them our reading list: the primary literature goes from Albert Camus to Jonathan Safran Foer, the secondary literature is even more manifold. And I would recommend them to visit the university for one day. Small classes, interesting discussions and a relaxed atmosphere are some of the strongest arguments for studying Literature in Society at Leiden University."
Vince Konings
Publishing assistant at Meulenhoff Boekerij
The MA in Literary Studies gave me the freedom to develop my own expertise and interests. The programme offers a wide range of electives, taught by passionate instructors with diverse specialisations. Within each course, I was given the opportunity to apply theories to self-chosen case studies, which made the study experience personal and relevant. That combination of academic development and independence prepared me excellently for the job market and helped me get to exactly where I wanted to be.
When I enrolled in the MA Literary Studies: Literature in Society in 2022, I already knew I wanted to work in the book industry, preferably in the editorial department of a publishing house. After completing my bachelor's degree in Korean Studies, I hoped to further deepen my knowledge of literature and learn how to apply it in my future career.
I now work as a publishing assistant at Meulenhoff Boekerij, where I benefit daily from the skills I developed during my bachelor's and master's programmes. Thanks to my background in Korean Studies, I can also contribute to the growing interest in Korean literature in the Netherlands: I read manuscripts that have not yet been translated and maintain contact with Korean literary agents and rights managers.
Is Literature in Society. Europe and Beyond the programme for you?
Check the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme.
Check the admission requirements