Literary Studies

Overview

Degree: Master of Arts
Duration: 4 semesters
Restrictions: Without NC 1
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Contents of the subject Literary Studies

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Contact persons

Student Counselling Service
Beratung durch Studierende der jeweiligen Fachrichtung
Academic Student Counselling Service
Beratung durch Lehrende zu Studienangebot und Inhalten des jeweiligen Studienfachs
General Student Advisory Service
First point of contact for general academic advice, personalised study guidance, and psychological counselling
Interdisciplinary orientation
The master course offers an interdisciplinary perspective that includes both general and comparative approaches. This enables students to analyse literary texts from different cultural and linguistic contexts and to explore their connections to other arts and media.

Individual specialisation
Students have the opportunity to deepen their interests by choosing specific specialisations within the degree programme. This individualised design of the degree programme promotes personal development and enables a tailor-made education.

Practice-orientated courses
The degree programme attaches great importance to combining theoretical content with practical applications. Students can attend practice-oriented courses that help them to develop their skills in cultural communication and the teaching of literary content.

Research and science
The Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies is known for its research strength. Students have the opportunity to participate in current research projects, which enhances their academic skills and provides them with valuable research experience.

Appointment networking
Through close cooperation with cultural institutions, publishers and media companies, the degree programme offers numerous opportunities for networking and gaining practical experience that will facilitate career entry.
The program opens up a wide range of career opportunities in various fields, such as:

Media and Publishing: Graduates often find employment in media companies, where they can work in editorial roles for television, radio, or print media. Their knowledge of literary content and how to present it is particularly valuable in these settings.

Cultural Institutions: A career in cultural institutions, such as museums or theaters, offers graduates the opportunity to design cultural programs and present literary content.

Academic Research: Many graduates choose an academic career and work at universities or research institutes, where they can deepen their knowledge through research and lead their own projects.

Management Consulting: Companies are increasingly seeking experts capable of integrating cultural and literary aspects into marketing and communication strategies. Graduates can develop innovative concepts in this field.

Public Relations: Careers in public relations and journalism open up further opportunities where graduates can apply their skills in analysis and creative communication.

Double-degree programmes

Sapienza Università di Roma

In this program, an international double degree is possible in cooperation with the Sapienza Università di Roma (Italy). For more information and advice, please contact the Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies and visit the information page on double degree programs of the International Office of Bielefeld University.

Access to the Master programme is granted to those who can provide evidence that they have a first university degree which has a standard period of study of at least six semesters, qualifies for exercising a profession and is in accordance with the subject-specific regulations.

In any case, please read the specific Admission requirements for this Masters programme in the Subject-specific regulations (PDF).
Degrees from accredited Bachelor programmes at German ‘Berufsakademien’ are equivalent to Bachelor degrees from universities.

Applicants with a university degree obtained abroad are granted access provided that the degree they have acquired is deemed sufficient for this purpose and they can provide evidence of the required language skills.
Further information on the application process for prospective international students and the language requirements.

Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.

Course start

Studies can be commenced in both winter and summer semesters.

Length and scope of studies

The standard period of studies is 4 semesters. Information on studying part time.

The studies Literary Studies comprise 120 credit points.

The study places for this degree programme are not subject to any admission restrictions (numerus clausus). Nevertheless, you need to apply within the currently applicable application deadlines.

As soon as you receive a positive response in the application and status portal (notice of access from the faculty), you can submit your application for enrolment within the set deadline.

Step by step to a Master programme without NC

Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.

Application deadline reminder

To the application portal

You will find the programme of lectures for this course in the eKVV.

An overview of the introductory and information events is provided by the central student counselling services.

Legend

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The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2026/27 and summer semester 2027.
Information on NC values from previous years
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