Programme content

The programme consists of both obligatory and optional courses, including at least 60 credits in the main field of study/specialisation. The programme has fourteen literary specialisations: General and Swedish Literature, Ancient Greek, Czech, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. The programme leads to a degree in the main field of study, provides increased knowledge of literature and methods of literary analysis, and enables students to practice their skills in textual analysis as well as the oral and written presentation of results. In addition, the programme leaves room for practical training. Each student will draw up an individual study plan in consultation with their department. The programme comprises four semesters of full-time study for a total of 120 credits. Students who have completed a one-year master's programme (magister, 60 credits) may complement their studies with the remaining parts of the master’s programme in order to obtain a master’s degree.

Regardless of specialisation, the first semester begins with two obligatory, programme-specific courses: Introduction to Literary Interpretation, 7.5 credits, and Scientific Methods and Research Ethics, 7.5 credits. English for Academic Research (7.5 credits), which is one of the programme’s proficiency courses, is given in the third semester. At least two of the optional courses must be linked to the main field of study, and two must be linked to another field of study. The fourth and final semester is devoted to a degree project (30 credits) in the main field of study. Students who have already completed a degree project worth 15 credits for a one-year master’s (magister) degree may write another degree project worth 15 credits and take two optional courses.

Facts about the programme

Scope: Two years of full-time study.

Prerequisites: Bachelor of Arts or equivalent relevant to the main field of study; English proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 in Swedish upper secondary school.

For the specialisations in General and Swedish Literature, Latin Literature, and Ancient Greek Literature, a Swedish proficiency equivalent to Swedish B in Swedish upper secondary school is required.

In addition, the specialisation in English Literature requires English proficiency documented by one of the following internationally recognised language tests: TOEFL, including TWE, with a minimum score of 630 (written test)/267 (computer-based test)/109 (Internet-based test), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency (A or B) or IELTS with a total score of at least 7.5 (and no part below 7), or equivalent.
 

Labour market

The programme qualifies students for doctoral studies in their main field of study, but is also useful in professions where there is a demand for knowledge about the importance of language for communication and social development, and which require international broad-mindedness, historical expertise, and the ability to deal with complex information in a systematic and critical fashion.