Comparative Literature in the broadest sense

The Master's programme in Comparative Literature is theoretical in character. You will learn to use methods such as textual analysis, deconstruction and close-reading to examine politically urgent matters in the fields of post/de-coloniality, global literacy, environmental humanities, cultural memory, race,  and gender. If you want to gain a better understanding of the dynamics between the literary and the political, this programme will suit you.

Why study Comparative Literature in Amsterdam?

The Comparative Literature programme at the University of Amsterdam offers you:

• Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, the programme draws inspiration from the lively literary culture in this international urban hub. We have connections to and partnerships with publishers, theatres, poetry stages, and museums including the Stedelijk Museum, Perdu, De Balie and the Goethe Institut.
• Our education is research based and you will benefit from the national and international research networks and activities of our staff members.

The character of the Comparative Literature programme:

The programme offers you the chance to study contemporary literature and theory in an interdisciplinary context, approaching literature from a perspective grounded in literary and cultural theory, encouraging you to think about film, visual art, performance and music in addition to literary texts. It consists of a mandatory theoretical course that is closely aligned with the research profile of the teachers. You are free to choose from a wide range of electives and have the opportunity to organize your own internship.

After graduation

After graduation you are prepared for a career in any sector of cultural life, education, publishing, the arts, journalism, media, communications and civil service. If you want to pursue an academic career you can apply to a closely aligned research Master's programme within the first year (please note that this entails a new application).

Degree certificate

Comparative Literature is an accredited degree programme of Literary Studies. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Literary Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).