Literature and culture from a global European perspective

The aim of the programme is for you to become an expert at analysing and querying how literature and culture respond to wider socio-political issues, and how, on the other hand, society may be affected and impacted by literary and cultural products. You will develop key skills in researching and writing about literary studies, specifically in reporting on the dynamics of the interplay and interface between literature and society. You will take courses in your target language and significantly improve your language skills while enhancing your expertise regarding a particular language region.

What characterises the Master's Literature, Culture and Society?

• You can specialise in European literature of your choice, adding depth and focus to your programme. Learn more at Language Specialisations.
• This Master’s gives you the freedom to tailor the programme to your own interests: We offer over 50 electives in Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian and Slavonic literatures, as well as Comparative Literature and New Greek.
• If you choose a language track for which MasterLanguage is available, you will take one module as part of your programme. Courses are organised collaboratively with other Dutch universities and are taught by invited experts, giving you access to internationally leading scholars and giving you the chance to meet students with similar research interests from other universities. Learn more at MasterLanguage.
• The programme offers you the freedom to explore potential career paths by encouraging you to do an internship at a cultural or literary institution in Amsterdam.

Why study Literature, Culture and Society at the University of Amsterdam?

• The University of Amsterdam is one of the best universities in the world, usually consistently in the top 60 internationally;
• Amsterdam is an international urban hub with a lively literary culture. Drawing inspiration from our surroundings, you will benefit from our connections to and partnerships with publishers, theatres, poetry stages, museums, bookstores, and much more; 
• The Faculty has a lively programme of research seminars in which staff and students have the opportunity to give papers on their work and to meet specialists from other universities and institutions;
• Diverse cultural partners including Perdu, De Balie, Goethe Institut, Cervantes Institute, Research Centre for Material Culture/Museum of World Cultures, Spui25, Stedelijk Museum and many more.

Careers

As a graduate of the Master’s Literature, Culture and Society you will be particularly well equipped to work in professions where analysing, researching and reporting on the interface between literature and society, and on cultural issues more widely, are key assets. You will be skilled at navigating and interpreting cultures, or creating culture-based materials and projects, or in education or information services.

Student profile

As a student in this Master’s programme you will be expected to have the following knowledge, insight and skills:

• You have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the language of your specialisation OR:
• Another Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the Humanities including at least 30 ECTS in your language of specialisation AND a thesis connected to your specialist language area;
• You have a deep intellectual curiosity about the interplay and interface between literature, culture and contemporary society;
• You have previously studied literary studies.

Literature, Culture and Society in part-time mode

The programme is also offered in part-time study mode at the UvA, in which case it takes two years. You can obtain a maximum of 30 ECTS per year. 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 this Master’s programme coordinator.

Degree certificate

Literature, Culture and Society is an accredited degree programme of Literary Studies. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Literary Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).