Literary Studies

Description:
The Master's in Literary Studies at Radboud University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of literature from various periods, genres, and regions. This program is designed for students who have a strong interest in analyzing texts critically and historically, and who wish to develop their skills in literary theory, research methodology, and academic writing. Throughout the program, students will engage with a diverse range of literary works, from classical to contemporary, and will examine the cultural, social, and philosophical contexts that have influenced literary creation across the ages. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to connect literature with other fields such as history, philosophy, and arts. Courses include detailed studies of literary genres, thematic analyses, and debates surrounding interpretation and criticism. The program also provides opportunities for specialization in areas such as Dutch literature, European literature, or global literary studies, allowing students to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals. Faculty members are renowned scholars in their fields, offering expert guidance and mentorship. The Master's in Literary Studies prepares students for a variety of career paths, including academia, writing, publishing, translation, and cultural management. It fosters critical thinking, analytic skills, and an appreciation for the richness and diversity of literary traditions worldwide. Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to scholarly discussions, cultural debates, and creative enterprises within the literary domain.

• Theory of Scientific Research in Humanities
• Academic writing
• (New) Philology
• Methods and Approaches in Humanities
• Contemporary Debates in Humanities
• International Literature and Research
• Key Research in Literary Studies
• Electives, study abroad and/or internship
• Article, proposal, and thesis

Instruction modes

literature study, research, tutorial, lecture, working group, self study

A completed Bachelor's degree

A Bachelor's degree in Literary Studies or a related area such as in Greek and Latin languages and cultures, Dutch, Romance languages (Spanish or French), English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, American Studies or any other language. Your average grade during the second and third years of your BA studies has to have been at least a 7.5 and your Bachelor’s thesis had to have received a grade of at least 8.0.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this specialisation, we’ll need to determine whether you’re fluent enough in written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of ≥600 (paper based) or ≥100 (internet based)
• A IELTS score of ≥7.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Strong motivation

You have to be able to demonstrate your motivation for and affinity with international academic research. A selection committee will review evaluate the motivation of each applicant separately.

Letter of recommendation

We also ask that your BA thesis supervisor (or other relevant teacher) sends us a letter of recommendation by mail: hlcsmaster@ru.nl

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Master's in Literary Studies is a specialisation of the Research Master's in Historical, Literary and Cultural Studies.