Literary Studies: Utrecht University

About the programme

This Master’s programme brings together specialists in the field of literary and cultural theory as well as specialists in a wide range of Western European languages (Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese). The programme offers a broad education in the methods of literary study and in the issues that are currently driving research, while also allowing students to develop their own specialist profile in the field of literary theory or in one or more of the languages covered.

Career Opportunities

Those who successfully complete the programme will be well informed regarding current issues in literary theory, able to formulate a critical stance in discussions, equipped to carry out research in a specific area, and capable of writing a research proposal which has both scholarly and social relevance. Graduates of the programme will be equipped to operate in the international field of Literary Studies and, in the case of those who specialise in a particular language area, in the field of their speciality.

After successfully completing the Literary Studies Master's programme, graduates are able to formulate a research proposal for a PhD project in one of the specialisms within the field of Literary Studies.

Entrance Requirements

The holder of a Dutch or foreign higher education degree who demonstrates knowledge, insight and skills in the following fields will be admitted to this programme:

1. Knowledge in the field of one of the humanities at Bachelor's degree level;
2. Insight into one of the humanities at Bachelor’s degree level;
3. Skills with regard to carrying out research and reporting on one of the humanities at Bachelor’s degree level;
4. A clear interest in literary theory, which is shown by having taken at least 45 ECTS of components in this field of study at Bachelor’s degree level (or equivalent);
5. Demonstrable knowledge of the main types of research issues and methods in the field of literary theory;
6. Knowledge of the basic concepts that are used in research in the field of literary theory;
7. Knowledge, insight and skills that are required for carrying out research; these must be demonstrated through references and/or marks that show that the student belonged to the top 10% of graduating students in his/her Bachelor’s degree programme or equivalent thereof;
8. Strong motivation for carrying out scientific research and ambition to follow a programme to become a starting scientific researcher; this must be demonstrated clearly in an admission letter and an admission interview.

Proof of profiency in English

All other applicants, including applicants who hold a Dutch HBO diploma (diploma of higher professional education), must provide proof of proficiency in English. To do so, you are required to take one of the following English language tests:

• IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum score: 6.5 overall band, at least 6 for writing. IELTS is the test preferred by Utrecht University.
• TOEFL, Internet based. Minimum score: 93. Institutional scores are not accepted. The TOEFL institution code for Utrecht University is 9062.
• Cambridge Certificates
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English at least a B grade.
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at least a C grade.