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Master
English Literature and Culture (Literary Studies)
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Study programme

The one-year Master's English Literature and Culture provides you with insight into the history and theory of literature in English, and explores its relationship with other media, all the while engaging key issues of intellectual concern in society, politics, and culture.

Programme overview

The Master's English Literature and Culture is rooted in literary analysis, but also works at the forefront of interdisciplinary humanities scholarship. English Literature is understood in the broadest sense, a diverse and complex mode of expression that includes works from American, British, Commonwealth, and postcolonial contexts.

Programme structure  

The Master's programme English Literature and Culture comprises 60 ECTS credits: 30 credits English Literature and Culture core course and conference; 12 credits of elective courses; and 18 credits for a Master’s thesis.

Students first enrol in an advanced English literary studies core course, Critical Approaches to Literature and Culture, in which they acquire the methodological and conceptual tools to analyse English literature and culture in the broadest sense.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Contested Realities: Debating the Novel
    6
  • Critical Debates in English Studies
    6
  • Contemporary World Literatures in English
    6
  • Thesis Seminar English Literature and Culture
    6
  • Self-Reflection in Anglophone Poetry
    6
  • Free-choice electives
    12
  • Master's Thesis English Literature and Culture
    18
Compulsory course
Elective
UvA Course Catalogue: English Literature and Culture

Internships 

For more information about available internships and the experiences of other student interns, please follow the link and search for internships for international students in the A-Z list.

Thesis 

The Master's thesis reports on research carried out by the student under the supervision of an academic staff member involved in the programme. The subject of the thesis must be mutually agreed upon by the student and the academic adviser. 

Reading literature is the most effective way of living many lives rather than merely one, lives that may sometimes resemble but often radically differ from the one we call our own. In other words, literature helps us to break through the gilded prison walls of our 21st century identities. Whether and how certain texts achieve this effect are among the many mysteries you will learn to explore in the Master's programme English Literature and Culture. Dr Rudolph Glitz

Credit transfer

Students who show exceptional promise during a regular or professional programme are encouraged to continue their studies in a research programme. Once students are admitted to the research programme, they can transfer credits earned during their previous course of study towards their Research Master's degree. The Examinations Board determines which courses qualify for transfer.

English Literature and Culture in part-time mode

This programme is also offered in part-time study mode, in which case it takes 2 years. You can obtain a maximum of 30 ECTS per year (12-18 ECTS per semester). As a part-time student you will follow the programme together with full-time students. You will prepare your study plan for the part-time programme in consultation with the Master’s programme coordinator (See: Contact).