From medieval to modern, English literary studies maps the forces which divide and unite people. English is the global language of cultural exchange and experiment and it is only by studying the language and its cultures that we can understand its impact across the world.
The academic study of English literature can be used to reflect on the ways that people interact with one another, and it provides a catalyst for insight into contemporary social debates. Over the past decade, the MA in English Literature and Culture at the University of Groningen has been the best rated programme in The Netherlands.
While acquiring key skills in analysis, interpretation, critical thinking, research and independence, you will have the opportunity to study your favourite Anglophone authors. Our programme covers the rich literatures and cultures of the British Isles and North America, as well as other countries where English is used. It features creative writing modules that allow students to hone their skills in crafting poetry and short stories. Throughout the course of the MA programme, students have the opportunity to tailor their study to their specific interests and needs.
In an ever-growing international environment, there is an increasing need for employees and researchers with a high level of English. Taught by lecturers at the top of their fields, this programme provides a personal approach, prioritizing working in small classes in close contact with staff. You will be part of a lively international community of students and teachers who bring their innovative research into the classroom. This programme develops your writing, presentation and debating skills for both an academic and professional context, preparing you for entering an international job market.
For more information see: English Language & Culture.
Semesters | ||||
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CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
Creative Writing 1 (5 EC)
You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right). | ||||
Research Topics in English Literature 1 (5 EC)
You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right). | ||||
Literature in Society (10 EC) | ||||
Creative Writing 2 (5 EC)
You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right). | ||||
Research Topics in English Literature 2 (5 EC)
You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right). | ||||
Research Topics in English Literature 3 (5 EC)
You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right). | ||||
MA Thesis (20 EC) | ||||
Research Topics in English Literature 4 (5 EC)
You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right). |
The course titles of the literature tutorials, above, are recent
examples. Courses vary each year. For detailed information about
compulsory and optional courses, please visit Ocasys.
For information about the variety of areas in which students can
write their dissertations, click the Research tab below.
As part of the
programme, students can opt to complete a 10-credit work placement
(an internship). At the Faculty of Arts, students are responsible
for finding a placement for themselves and having it approved by
the placement coordinator for their programme.
Students can also follow
Masterlanguage courses. These courses are jointly organised by the
English departments of the universities of the Netherlands and take
place all over the country. More information about them can be
found on the
Masterlanguage website
.
Programme options |
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Master's Placement (specialization) This Master's track includes an optional work placement for which you are awarded ECTS credit points. It is your responsibility to find a placement yourself, but the Office for Student Affairs can offer help with this where necessary. |
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
Students with a Bachelor's degree in the field of English Literature and/or Culture are admissible to this Master's track. |
language test |
Additional English language requirement: a TOEFL iBT with a score of 110 (min. of 25 on all items); an IELTS, Academic Module, with a score of 8 (min. of 7.5 on all items); ERK level C1 or Cambridge C1 Advanced (level A) or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 200. If your BA does not certify this, you may have to take an appropriate language test. |
other admission requirements |
To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. This evaluation is carried out by our Admissions Office and the Admissions Board. Students with an international diploma should fill in the checklist. This checklist needs to be uploaded via Progress Portal when applying for this programme. |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
English Language and Culture | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
Note: it's only possible to a very limited extent to start in February. For more information, please contact the study advisor.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 15 August 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
Students with a Bachelor's degree in the field of English Literature and/or Culture are admissible to this Master's track. |
language test |
Additional English language requirement: a TOEFL iBT with a score of 110 (min. of 25 on all items); an IELTS, Academic Module, with a score of 8 (min. of 7.5 on all items); ERK level C1 or Cambridge C1 Advanced (level A) or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 200. If your BA does not certify this, you may have to take an appropriate language test. |
other admission requirements |
To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. This evaluation is carried out by our Admissions Office and the Admissions Board. Students with an international diploma should fill in the checklist. This checklist needs to be uploaded via the Progress Portal when applying for this programme. |
Note: it's only possible to a very limited extent to start in February. For more information, please contact the study advisor.
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 15 August 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
15 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
After graduating from the MA English Literature and Culture programme, you will be equipped with academic and professional skills that will prepare you for further study at PhD level and for the job market. You will have developed the ability to:
Your degree in English Literature and Culture is the perfect preparation for your future career. As an MA English graduate, you will not only have obtained a broad and detailed understanding of the language, its history and cultural contexts, but will have acquired specialist skills that are highly sought after by numerous institutions and companies. Our graduates think critically, are self-motivated, disciplined, reflective and have an excellent style of communication.
The MA in English Literature and Culture at the University of Groningen was a fast-paced, vibrant, and, ultimately, life-changing experience. After working for a number of years as a journalist in Canada I wanted to make a change and attempt an academic career; the Master's programme at RUG—with its interactive seminars and tutorials, engaged student body, and amazing academic instruction—was the right place to continue my studies and make the change I was looking for..