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Master
Compare programme
English Literature and Culture (Literary Studies)

Study programme

The Master's English Literature and Culture is rooted in the analysis of literary texts, 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 British, American, Commonwealth, and other postcolonial contexts. The Master's in English Literature and Culture comprises 60 ECTS credits.
COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Contested Realities: Debating the Novel
    6

    Focusing on the late phase of the realist novel, this course investigates how realism and emerging modernism are entangled with European imperialism, examining empire as a key force in both aesthetic change and the political imagination of European modernity.

  • Critical Debates in English Studies
    6

    In this agenda-setting core course, you are introduced to staff research areas and literary-critical approaches, with strong emphasis on methodology and research skills, to build a shared foundation for formulating independent research questions and writing a Master's thesis in English Literature and Culture.

  • Contemporary World Literatures in English
    6

    An introduction to world literatures in English from the late 20th and 21st centuries, exploring human experience across nations and cultures through genres such as speculative fiction, life-writing and rewritings, via frameworks including transculturality and postcolonial studies.

  • Thesis Seminar English Literature and Culture
    6

    Building on Critical Debates in English Studies, you will present your first thesis findings in the format of an academic conference, complete with abstract and paper.

  • Self-Reflection in Anglophone Poetry
    6

    From the 18th century to the present, this course examines how Anglophone poetry constructs and questions formations of the self, combining close reading with theoretical frameworks from life writing, animal studies and disability studies.

  • Free-choice electives
    12
  • Master's Thesis English Literature and Culture
    18
Compulsory course
Elective
UvA Course Catalogue: English Literature and Culture
About the Study programme
  • Core courses

    Our core course Critical Debates Literature and Culture is designed to provide you with a shared methodological toolset that will serve you throughout your degree – as well as expose you to some cutting-edge current research by our faculty. The other core courses will deepen your understanding of several important areas of English Literary Studies.

  • Electives

    In your free electives you can either take further literary courses or venture into other humanities fields such as art history, cultural studies, etc.

  • Internships

    If you want to do an internship that can be linked to your studies in some way and allows for academic reflection, you can do so instead of one 6 EC elective. For details, please follow this link.

  • Guest Lecture Series Blog

    Twice during your MA year, you are asked to attend our faculty guest lectures and contribute to our online discussion forum. These guest lectures also form a good opportunity to meet international researchers and socialize with your peers.

  • 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 can be freely chosen but must be agreed upon with 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. 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)

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