Literary Studies

What makes a text captivating? How do you recognize repetitions, inconsistencies, faulty logic and other problems with writing? What does it take to guide a text from writer to reader? How do you write for a range of different audiences?.Groningen is the only university in The Netherlands to offer an MA programme that focuses on answering these questions, providing insights into the history of publishing and textual dissemination alongside practical skills in textual editing and writing.

The Writing, Editing and Mediating Master’s track (WEM) investigates the functions of literary works in their social contexts, the formations of editions, the theoretical underpinnings and history of writing, translating and mediating texts and the ways in which texts were disseminated to particular social groups. It offers students a choice of courses that focus on non-fiction writing for specific audiences, the history of texts in their various forms (from manuscript to digital book), proof-reading and editing English texts, and producing texts for publication. Topics addressed include censorship, copyright, scholarly editions and social issues in contemporary literature.

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. Our students often hope to go into writing and publishing, and publishers appreciate the skills that our graduates acquire.

How do literature and culture interact with and reflect on socio-political challenges such as the EU (dis)integration, rise of populism or migration crises?

How can literature facilitate inclusion, empathy and intercultural awareness, and contribute to sustainable societies and environmental issues? How can literary analysis be applied to other cultural forms or productions? What does it mean when we say: “culture is political” and “politics is cultural”?In the Master's track European Literatures and Interculturality, you will explore the connection between literature and culture in the processes of nation-building, the formation of attitudes towards migration, environmental issues and other socio-political issues. This track teaches you academic skills and approaches that will prepare you to operate as a cultural expert wherever texts are involved: in the media, institutions and networks.Each course builds on a theoretical foundation and simultaneously trains your research skills and ability to communicate with a range of different audiences. This unique and innovative literature programme is based on cutting-edge research in literary studies, is international in scope and comprises several modern European languages. You will follow courses in which you study and compare literatures originally written in French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish in a global perspective. You can choose to read the books in the original version or in translation.The Master's track in European Literatures and Interculturality is located at the Department of European Languages and Cultures. This international, interdisciplinary and multilingual environment offers excellent opportunities for research and immerses them in vibrant networks of experts across different European countries and languages.

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.