Literary Studies
FsB vom 01.08.2022 mit Änderung vom 01.11.2022
The Master of Arts Literary Studies offers the opportunity to continue and deepen a previous degree within the humanities by focusing on general and comparative literary studies.
The Master’s degree, on the one hand, examines literature on a broad theoretical basis in order to identify its inner cohesion as well as the conditions under which it was created, received and transformed.
On the other hand, we discuss the interaction of several languages and philologies as well as similarities and differences between texts, works of art and cultural practices (also film, radio, music) within and beyond the European cultures.
Bielefeld university houses all its faculties on one campus and therefore, by its core-architecture, already encourages exchange between the different sciences. Students of the Master’s degree in literary studies have access to a range of courses that build bridges to related sciences and courses of study, especially: English/American Studies, German Studies, Latin and Romance Studies.
Beyond the campus, students have the opportunity to enrich their own studies through intercultural experiences with our associated universities in and outside of Europe.
The Master of Arts Literary Studies also sets the course for the professional future of its students. We offer practical courses (e.g. in the area of museum or publishing work) that will prepare students for their career. Students also have the opportunity to prepare for a subsequent doctorate and build up towards an academic career.
Double-degree programmes
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.
The courses
The courses
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.
Formalities / Important information
Course start
Length and scope of studies
Length and scope of studies
The standard period of studies is 4 semesters. Information on studying part time can be found on the following webpage.
The studies Literary Studies comprise 120 credit points.
Access requirements
Access requirements
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 required language skills
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Application, admission and enrolment 1
Application, admission and enrolment
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
To the application portal
Special conditions apply to applicants with a foreign certificate of education.
Further links
Further links
Internet pages of the subject Literary Studies
Internet pages of the responsible institution(s):
Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies with the courses offered
Legend
- 1
-
The information on admission restrictions / numerus clausus (NC) refers to applications for the winter semester 2025/26 and summer semester 2026.
Information on NC values from previous years
Sidebar
More information
List of modules (study content) Programme of lectures (eKVV) Examination and Study Regulations for the Master's Programme Subject-specific regulations (PDF) Quality report Literary Studies (PDF)All contact persons for the subject:
Student Counselling Service Academic Student Counselling Service Examination Office Contact Point for Credit Recognition Persons responsible for modules
Top of page