Program Overview

Introduction to the MA in International Contemporary Literatures and Media

The MA in International Contemporary Literatures and Media is a postgraduate program offered by the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies at the University of Galway. This program is designed for students who wish to explore the diverse and complex world of contemporary literatures and media, with a focus on global perspectives and non-Anglophone cultures.

Course Overview

The MA in International Contemporary Literatures and Media is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that comprises four core modules and a range of optional modules. The program is taught through English, and students do not require proficiency in a language other than English to register. However, students with proficiency in languages such as German, Spanish, French, Irish, or Italian may have a wider choice of literature in their dissertation module.

Core Modules

The four core modules are:

• MIC6101: Worlds of Fantasy (Semester 1)
• MIC504: The Art of Reading (Semester 1)
• MIC6100: Resisting through Culture: Conflicts in Europe and Beyond (Semester 2)
• MIC501: Contemporary Literary Genres (Semester 2)

Optional Modules

Students will be informed of the optional modules at the first meeting in Semester 1. Some examples of optional modules include:

• FM521: Critical Theory I
• FR6101: Language, Gender and Power
• PI6110: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
• IT6102: Language for Environmental Futures
• FM6123: American Cinema: History, Aesthetics, Ideology
• LLC6100: Graduate Research Skills in Languages and Cultures
• SH6103: Translation Theory and Practice
• DJ6127: Global Media and Society

Unique Features

The program has several unique features, including:

• A global and non-Anglophone focus, prioritizing literature and media from around the world
• No language prerequisite, allowing students to engage with non-English texts through expert staff and advanced translation methodologies
• A diverse and interdisciplinary approach, combining literature, film, and media studies
• Flexible assessment methods, including essays, supervised research projects, creative assignments, and group work
• A pathway to further research, providing excellent preparation for PhD-level work in International Cultural Studies or related fields

Careers

The MA in International Contemporary Literatures and Media provides a strong foundation for a variety of career paths, including:

• Further academic study, such as a PhD in International Cultural Studies
• Publishing, teaching, and research
• Multinational companies, international offices at universities, cultural organizations, NGOs, and media industries
• Communications, cultural consultancy, arts administration, and global project management

Learning and Assessment

Learning takes place in small group seminars and workshops designed to encourage independent thinking and collaborative exchange. Assessment is varied and stimulating, reflecting the diverse skills students will acquire, including:

• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Advanced research skills
• Intercultural communication
• Translation awareness and linguistic sensitivity
• Effective communication
• Adaptability and problem-solving
• Project management
• Empathy and cultural literacy

Research Excellence

The program is led by internationally recognized scholars whose research has shaped debates in fields such as Environmental Humanities, Cultural Ageing Studies, Translation Theory, Crime Literature, Postcolonial Theory and Literature, Memory Studies, and Latin American Studies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are:

• A Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area, such as literature studies, cultural studies, film studies, or comparative literature
• English language proficiency, with an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any component

Fees and Funding

The fees for the academic year 2026/27 are:

• EU tuition: 7,900
• Student contribution: 140
• Non-EU tuition: 19,300
• Levy: 140 The program is eligible for the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme and the Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships.

Accreditations and Awards

The program is accredited by the University of Galway and recognized by the Irish government. The University of Galway is ranked in the top 2% of universities globally, according to the QS World University Rankings.