Program Overview

Master's in World Literature

The Master's in World Literature is a degree program that critically examines conventional definitions of "world literature" and redraws the boundaries in view of the conditions prevailing in a globalized and media-driven world. The program aims to teach students about key knowledge in European, North American, and post-colonial literature with a global perspective, giving equal consideration to diachronic and synchronic processes.

Program Structure

The program consists of five modules in the mono and major, and four modules in the minor. Students need to earn a minimum number of ECTS credits in each module, with the opportunity to extend the module according to personal interest.

Modules

• Module 1: Theory: Provides a basic overview of literary theory, cultural theory, and media theory.
• Module 2: Literatures I: Enhances skills required for independent research, which can be done as part of research work or projects.
• Module 3: Literatures II: Enables students to acquire knowledge in individual philologies, focusing on specific literatures and scientific methods.
• Module 4: Interdisciplinary: Enables students to undertake analyses using theories, methods, and subjects from non-literary fields.
• Module 5: Master's Workshop: Supports students throughout the master's degree program, ensuring preparation and support for independent projects and written work.

Combination Possibilities

The Master's in World Literature can be completed as a single-subject (mono) master's worth 120 ECTS credits, or as a major (90 ECTS credits) and a minor (30 ECTS credits). The major can be combined with any minors taught in sufficient scope at the University of Bern.

Requirements

• Individual Academic Requirements: A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in a relevant branch of studies, such as Archaeology, German Language and Literature, English Languages and Literatures, etc.
• Language Requirements: Good to excellent knowledge of English and German, as well as a good command of other languages used for tuition.
• Application and Admission: General admission requirements, application deadlines, and procedures for Swiss and international degree holders.

After the Master's

The program provides a cross-disciplinary scientific investigation of outlined issues and aims to teach a sound, critical dealing with various symbolic forms of expression in societies past and present. This is essential for science and other professional fields, such as cultural journalism, cultural management, and cultural policy.

Details of Program

• Degree: Master of Arts in World Literature, Universität Bern
• Number of Credits: 120 ECTS credits
• Degree Programs: Mono 120 ECTS credits, Major 90 ECTS credits, Minor 30 ECTS credits
• Combination Possibilities: Several
• Duration: 4 semesters
• Languages: 80% English, and depending on the course, German, French, or Italian
• Beginning Studies: Fall or spring semester

Legal Basis

• Plan of studies for the master's study program in World Literature from September 1, 2009 (as of August 1, 2021)
• Appendix for the master's study programs in World Literature
• Reglement über das Studium und die Leistungskontrollen an der Philosophisch-historischen Fakultät (RSL Phil.-hist. 21) vom 15.03.2021
• Regulations on Studies and Performance Assessments at the Faculty of Humanities (RSL Phil.-hist. 21) as of 15 March 2021