Master of Arts in English Literature and Culture
Explore the intersection of literature, politics, and culture through a customizable one-year English-taught master’s programme at Leiden University.
Best for:Best for students passionate about literary analysis, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary research with a strong interest in English-language literature, film, or language studies.
Overview
This one-year English-taught Master’s programme at Leiden University focuses on the dynamic relationship between literature and key societal issues such as identity, migration, and memory. Students engage with a broad curriculum spanning medieval to contemporary works, from canonical texts like Beowulf and Shakespeare to modern speculative fiction and Hollywood film. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary exploration, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests—whether in 20th-century literature, medieval texts, or film studies—while leveraging Leiden’s renowned collections of manuscripts and digital resources. It also offers flexibility to combine English literature with linguistics or language courses, preparing graduates for careers in academia, publishing, or cultural institutions.
What you'll do
- Engage with a diverse range of literary texts from the Middle Ages to the present day, including canonical and non-canonical works.
- Develop specialized knowledge in areas such as speculative fiction, Gothic literature, or Anglo-American film studies.
- Conduct independent research and write academic papers under faculty supervision.
- Participate in seminars and workshops focused on literary theory, cultural analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Leverage Leiden University’s unique collections of manuscripts, books, and digital media for research purposes.
- Customize your curriculum to align with career goals or personal academic interests.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Cultural Studies, or a related humanities field (or equivalent).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; proficiency demonstrated by one of the following: Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (185), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (185), IELTS overall band 7.5, or TOEFL internet-based 113.
Instruction: English
- Proficient reading and analytical skills in English literature and cultural studies.
- Ability to conduct independent academic research and write scholarly papers.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
- No specific nationality restrictions.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior experience caps.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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- Intake
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal or portfolio if applicable. Additional materials may be requested depending on the chosen specialization.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Certificate, etc.)
- Research proposal or portfolio (if required)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.