Master of Arts in Literary Studies: German Literature and Culture
A German-taught master’s programme offering deep exploration of German literature, culture, and interdisciplinary themes.
Best for:Best for advanced German speakers with a strong interest in literary analysis, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary research in German literature and society.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme at Leiden University focuses on German literature and culture, taught entirely in German. Students engage with diverse topics such as prose, poetry, film, politics, gender studies, and cultural memory, while also exploring East-West German differences. The curriculum is highly customisable, allowing students to specialise in modern literature, medieval studies, or combine German literature with language or linguistics courses. The programme includes opportunities to study at partner universities in Germany, such as Freie Universität Berlin and Universität Leipzig, fostering cross-border academic collaboration.
What you'll do
- Engage in advanced literary analysis of German prose, poetry, and film within a structured curriculum.
- Develop customised study plans by combining German literature courses with language or linguistics electives.
- Participate in interdisciplinary research projects exploring themes such as cultural memory, gender, and migration.
- Study at partner universities in Germany to broaden cross-border academic exposure.
- Conduct independent research and write a master’s thesis under faculty supervision.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Literary Studies, German Language and Literature, or a related humanities field.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: German; advanced fluency required for coursework and research. English proficiency for academic purposes (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90, or equivalent).
Instruction: German
- Advanced proficiency in German (oral and written) for coursework and research.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for literary analysis.
- Ability to conduct independent research and write academic papers.
- No nationality restrictions, but advanced German language proficiency is mandatory.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior experience caps, but academic background in humanities is preferred.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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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 German proficiency, and proof of English proficiency. Additional documents may be requested depending on prior education.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of German proficiency (e.g., TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat, or equivalent)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Reference letters (if required)
Contact
Admissions Office· Master’s Admissions Coordinator
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