COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s program in German Literature and Culture at Leiden University is designed with a flexible structure that allows students to tailor their studies according to their personal academic interests and career goals. The program covers a wide range of literary and cultural topics and requires students to complete four courses of 10 EC each, or their equivalent, alongside an MA thesis of 20 EC. Students select two courses directly from the German Literature and Culture program, while the remaining two can be chosen from within the same program, from the broader MA in Literary Studies, from other master’s programs that focus on literary subjects, or from the MA in Linguistics: German Language and Linguistics. Additionally, students may opt for courses offered through Masterlanguage, though these typically carry 5 or 6 EC instead of the standard 10.The program also provides the option of pursuing a combined track in Literary Studies and Linguistics with a focus on German. In this pathway, students follow two courses from MA Literary Studies/German, two courses from MA Linguistics/German, and complete their MA thesis in Literary Studies/German. This combined program is especially valuable for those intending to apply for the Educational Master, as it provides a balanced foundation in both literature and linguistics.Another enriching opportunity is the chance to study courses at one of Leiden’s partner universities, which allows students to gain an international perspective and broaden their academic network. The program is offered in both full-time and part-time formats, giving students flexibility in managing their study load. However, it should be noted that the part-time option does not include evening classes. With its adaptable structure, interdisciplinary opportunities, and international dimension, the program equips students with strong academic and research skills while enabling them to specialise in areas most aligned with their future ambitions.