Master of Arts in French Literature and Culture

This Master of Arts programme at Leiden University offers an in-depth exploration of French and Francophone literature and culture, spanning from medieval texts to contemporary works. Students engage with both the traditional canon of French literature and diverse francophone voices from regions such as the Caribbean and the Maghreb. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to focus on specific periods (e.g., 20th–21st century or medieval/early modern literature) or combine literary studies with French linguistics and language courses. All instruction is conducted in French, providing immersive language training in both written and oral proficiency.

• Study and analyze French literature from the Middle Ages to the present, including both traditional and diverse francophone perspectives.
• Engage with critical literary theory and methodologies to interpret texts from various historical and cultural contexts.
• Develop advanced proficiency in French through immersive coursework, including written and oral communication.
• Customize your curriculum by selecting courses from medieval/early modern literature, 20th–21st century literature, or French linguistics.
• Participate in seminars and workshops focused on Francophone cultures, literary analysis, and cultural theory.
• Conduct independent research projects under faculty supervision, culminating in a master’s thesis.