Literary Studies (MA)
The MA Literary Studies at Leiden University offers you a specialised qualification in one of four languages and cultures or a comparative perspective on literature and culture, with each programme offering considerable scope for individual customisation.
Specialisations
Why study Literary Studies at Leiden University?
As a student of Literary Studies, you will have access to the vast amount of knowledge that is present at the renowned Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS). Every class you attend is taught by scholars of international standing who are true experts in their fields. An important objective is to teach you the value of questioning: you will acquire a broad, investigative and critical approach to problem solving that can be applied to any challenge in any role.
A unique selling point of the programme is the freedom to tailor your degree to suit your ambitions and interests. Your curriculum could include a single or combined major and electives from other specialisations – even other programmes. You are also free to go abroad for a specific university course or do an internship to deepen or widen your focus.
Learn more about the study programme
What are your career prospects?
This Master's prepares you to become an expert at your respective language and its culture. Our graduates work at different types of organisations, such as education, communication and marketing, government and cultural institutions. Jobs include language teacher, author, content marketeer and speech writer.
Find out more about your career prospects
Is Literary Studies the programme for you?
Do you want to become an expert on language and culture? Or do you want to study literature and culture from a comparative perspective? Then Literary Studies at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements.
Check the admission requirements
In which sector do students find jobs?
- 36 Education
- 14 Communication and marketing
- 9 Government and semi-government organisations
- 8 IT
- 6 Financial institutions
- 5 Publishing
- 5 Media and Journalism
- 3 Research
- 3 Consultancy
- 3 Business services
- 8 Other
The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA Literary Studies 2016-2020.
A centre of expertise on languages and cultures of the world
When it comes to languages and cultures, Leiden University is the university. The global expertise present places our university at the top. In Leiden and The Hague, we study languages and cultures from all regions of the world and from prehistory to the present day. In this way we create a broad view of the world; the key to mutual understanding.
Video: Our experts on Languages and Cultures explain
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