University of Amsterdam

Overview

The Master's program in English Literature and Culture at the University of Amsterdam offers an in-depth exploration of the history, theory, and cultural contexts of English-language literature. Over the course of one year, students engage with various media, including film, digital culture, and visual arts, while honing advanced critical and research skills.

• Degree: Master’s (MA)
• Programme length: 1 year (full-time)
• Credits: 60 ECTS
• Delivery: On-campus (University of Amsterdam)
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Submit via UvA admissions portal

What you'll study

This intensive one-year program is structured around a series of advanced courses in literary studies and cultural analysis, culminating in a research component that solidifies your academic profile.

Typical course components include:

• Critical Approaches to Literature and Culture
• Bodies and the Posthuman
• Contested Realities: Debating the Novel
• Shakespeare, Sexuality, and Adaptation
• Narrative and Globalization
• Contemporary European Literature: The Postmodern Detective

Research and assessment: Assessment methods generally encompass a combination of essays, presentations, and a final research paper or thesis component, allowing students to develop a coherent research focus and demonstrate their scholarly capabilities.

Entry requirements

Applicants must possess a relevant Bachelor’s degree that provides a solid foundation for advanced study in literary studies and related fields within the humanities or social sciences.

General requirements

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in the humanities or social sciences, including a minimum of 30 ECTS in a literary subject (e.g., English Literature, Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies with a literary focus).
• Familiarity with fundamental theoretical concepts used in text analysis, such as metaphor, narrator, and metre.
• Proficiency in English is required (specific test scores may apply; please refer to the official UvA requirements).

Career prospects

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, publishing, cultural institutions, and various roles that require strong analytical and communication skills. The interdisciplinary approach equips students to navigate the complexities of literature and culture in a globalized world.