Leiden University

Overview

The Master of Arts (MA) in Literary Studies at Leiden University offers an in-depth exploration of how literature interacts with and influences society. This program emphasizes a transnational perspective, examining themes such as identity, migration, memory, and the dynamics of modern urban life. Students will engage with a diverse range of cultural contexts, both European and beyond, to enrich their understanding of literary discourse.

• Degree: Master of Arts (MA) in Literary Studies
• Programme focus: Literature in Society (transnational, European and beyond)
• Credits: 60 ECTS
• Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time), depending on your study plan
• Delivery: On-campus (Leiden University)
• Language of instruction: English
• English test options: IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT

What you'll study

The program's structure combines thematic coursework with advanced literary analysis, allowing students to deepen their understanding of various literary topics. While course offerings may vary, the following components are central to the curriculum:

• Coursework (thematic modules): Students will engage in literature-focused courses covering areas such as narrative techniques, modernism, urban literature, migration narratives, and contemporary crises.
• Research and methods: Academic skills are honed through research-led discussions and writing exercises that focus on text interpretation and argument development.
• Electives: Students may select additional courses from within the program or choose from other Humanities Master’s offerings at Leiden University, subject to availability.
• Capstone / final assessment: A final academic component, such as a master’s thesis or equivalent research-based assessment, enables students to showcase their independent research and critical writing abilities.

Example course topics (indicative):

• Literature in Society: Narrative, Fiction and Voice
• European Modernism
• Remapping the City in Modern Literature and Visual Cultures
• Migration Matters: (Im)migration, Memory, and Identity in American Literature and Film
• Speculative Fiction: The Weird, the Dark and the Wonderful
• Crisis, Literature and the Contemporary
• Law, Culture, Media and Technology
• Slavery: Discourse and Representation in European and Caribbean Literature
• American Comics Against the Code: Autobiography and Journalism in Graphic Novels

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this program, applicants must possess a relevant bachelor's degree at the academic Bachelor level. There are no specified GRE or GMAT requirements for this course.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Literary Studies are well-equipped for a variety of career paths. The skills developed throughout the program—critical thinking, advanced writing, and cultural analysis—prepare students for roles in education, publishing, media, and cultural institutions. Additionally, the transnational approach fosters a global perspective, enhancing employability in an increasingly interconnected world.