Master of Western Literature 12 months Postgraduate Program By KU Leuven |Top Universities
Subject Ranking

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Program Duration

12 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

4,591 EURTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Program overview

Main Subject

English Language and Literature

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The Master in Western Literature is an initial Master’s programme aimed at an in-depth, intercultural, and comparative study of literature from different Western traditions and periods. Through a range of contemporary theoretical and methodological perspectives, you will learn to understand literature as a complex cultural phenomenon in constant interaction with society and other media.

About the programme

Through a range of contemporary theoretical and methodological perspectives, you will learn to understand literature as a complex cultural phenomenon in constant interaction with society and other media.

The master starts from a critical interrogation of categories such as ‘Western’ and ‘literature.’ It provides you with a theoretical, comparative, and transnational framework that sustains your in-depth study of the literatures and periods in which you choose to specialise, which you can select from a broad range of electives.

The program consists of three modules: 

  1. The core module includes the master's thesis and two compulsory courses. One course provides insight into the historical construction of “Western literature” and the ways it has been criticized and modified in the last few decades. The other offers a series of seminars on works that are central to the Western tradition. 
  2. The transversal module allows you to choose one or two comparative courses in which teams of lecturers critically develop crucial perspectives in the study of Western literature. These courses tackle questions such as: what is the relation between gender and literature? How does literature circulate in transnational circuits? How does literature change through time? And what is the influence of the Bible on Western literature? 
  3. The elective courses give you the opportunity to zoom in on the literary traditions and the theoretical and comparative question that interests you. 

Career perspectives

As a graduate of this master, you combine analytical skills, a capacity for abstract thought, and an appreciation of the complexity of cultural phenomena. This combination is much sought after in a range of professions.

Through your advanced insight into intercultural relations, moreover, you will be exceptionally well placed to work in embassies, European institutions, translating services, and international companies. Because of their extensive knowledge of literature and the skills to report on it, many of our graduates take up important roles in the publishing world, the media, and journalism.

Program overview

Main Subject

English Language and Literature

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The Master in Western Literature is an initial Master’s programme aimed at an in-depth, intercultural, and comparative study of literature from different Western traditions and periods. Through a range of contemporary theoretical and methodological perspectives, you will learn to understand literature as a complex cultural phenomenon in constant interaction with society and other media.

About the programme

Through a range of contemporary theoretical and methodological perspectives, you will learn to understand literature as a complex cultural phenomenon in constant interaction with society and other media.

The master starts from a critical interrogation of categories such as ‘Western’ and ‘literature.’ It provides you with a theoretical, comparative, and transnational framework that sustains your in-depth study of the literatures and periods in which you choose to specialise, which you can select from a broad range of electives.

The program consists of three modules: 

  1. The core module includes the master's thesis and two compulsory courses. One course provides insight into the historical construction of “Western literature” and the ways it has been criticized and modified in the last few decades. The other offers a series of seminars on works that are central to the Western tradition. 
  2. The transversal module allows you to choose one or two comparative courses in which teams of lecturers critically develop crucial perspectives in the study of Western literature. These courses tackle questions such as: what is the relation between gender and literature? How does literature circulate in transnational circuits? How does literature change through time? And what is the influence of the Bible on Western literature? 
  3. The elective courses give you the opportunity to zoom in on the literary traditions and the theoretical and comparative question that interests you. 

Career perspectives

As a graduate of this master, you combine analytical skills, a capacity for abstract thought, and an appreciation of the complexity of cultural phenomena. This combination is much sought after in a range of professions.

Through your advanced insight into intercultural relations, moreover, you will be exceptionally well placed to work in embassies, European institutions, translating services, and international companies. Because of their extensive knowledge of literature and the skills to report on it, many of our graduates take up important roles in the publishing world, the media, and journalism.

Admission requirements

0+
Admission requirements  You must have obtained a bachelor’s degree in literature or a related field. You should have a good command of both spoken and written English.
For the most recent – and only official – information on the admission requirements, please check our webpage.
Student profile
  • You are interested in literature and literary analysis, and the larger social and cultural debates about culture and literature. In your undergraduate studies, you gained a thorough understanding of at least one language and the literature written in that language.
  • You are familiar with the methods of literary study and with the theoretical background of literary analysis.
  • You are able to conduct preliminary research within the field of literary studies and to report on this research in a clear and scholarly language.
1 Year
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

-
-

International Students

4,591 EUR
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

checklist

A scholarship application checklist

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