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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Literary Studies Writing, Editing and Mediating
Header image Writing, Editing and Mediating
Master - full-time

Writing, Editing and Mediating

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.
Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Literary Studies
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 EC)
Croho code
60813
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Apply now

Why study this programme in Groningen?

  • Groningen is the only university in The Netherlands to offer an MA programme in Writing, Editing and Mediating.
  • Our programme is tailored to your needs, with small classrooms that facilitate plenty of interaction with your lecturers and fellow classmates.
  • With a range of electives you can design your programme to meet your ambitions and interests.
  • Over the past decade, our BA and MA courses have been rated as the best in The Netherlands in the  Keuzegids  university rankings.
  • Our academic staff have a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Their research contributes to pressing debates in society and their findings are brought into the classroom to shape education.
  • Our student body is composed of domestic and international students. This year's cohort, for instance, had 40% international students from countries such as Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Romania, the USA, India, China and others.
  • We foster independent thinking and always strive to provide the care and support needed for each student to fulfil their potential.
  • Our learning community celebrates diversity in ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age and neurotypes.

Programme

The core of the programme provides a solid grounding in the practical and theoretical skills required for editing, translating and writing in a professional context. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about manuscript studies, the history of the book and digital publishing.

Individual modules address literature for non-academic audiences, fanfiction and transformative writing culture, correcting and editing written English of various kinds, as well as modern and historical book production. The skills acquired over the programme are essential not only for those pursuing careers in publishing, but also in education, business, government agencies and many other fields.

The MA in Writing, Editing and Mediating ends with students producing a thesis. This is an independent research project on a topic of their choice related to publishing, editing and writing culture. Alternatively, students may produce an edition or translation of a text. Students will work with an assigned supervisor who is an expert on their chosen topic. Our students often come away from this process with better research and writing skills and with a better understanding of how academic work is conducted.

For Writing, Editing, and Mediating, you must complete a minimum of 30 ECTS of WEM modules, 10 ECTS of English Literature tutorials or interdisciplinary seminars or a work placement, and a 20-ECTS thesis.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
WEM 1: Literature, Society, and Mediation (10 EC, optional)
  • Students should select 4 out of 5 "WEM"-courses.
  • * Students can also opt to do 30 credits in ''WEM''-courses instead of 40 credits. In that case, they can select the following options for the remaining 10 credits (any combination is allowed):
  • Interdisciplinary Research Seminars
  • Research Topic courses
  • Creative Writing courses
  • Placement (also known as internship, or ''stage'' in Dutch)
  • Masterlanguage courses

You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right).
WEM 2: From Manuscript to Printed Book (10 EC, optional)
  • Students should select 4 out of 5 "WEM"-courses.
  • * Students can also opt to do 30 credits in ''WEM''-courses instead of 40 credits. In that case, they can select the following options for the remaining 10 credits (any combination is allowed):
  • Interdisciplinary Research Seminars
  • Research Topic courses
  • Creative Writing courses
  • Placement (also known as internship, or ''stage'' in Dutch)
  • Masterlanguage courses

You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right).
WEM 3: From Printed Book to Digital Text (10 EC, optional)
  • Students should select 4 out of 5 "WEM"-courses.
  • * Students can also opt to do 30 credits in ''WEM''-courses instead of 40 credits. In that case, they can select the following options for the remaining 10 credits (any combination is allowed):
  • Interdisciplinary Research Seminars
  • Research Topic courses
  • Creative Writing courses
  • Placement (also known as internship, or ''stage'' in Dutch)
  • Masterlanguage courses

You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right).
WEM 4: Advanced Skills in Editing (10 EC, optional)
  • Students should select 4 out of 5 "WEM"-courses.
  • * Students can also opt to do 30 credits in ''WEM''-courses instead of 40 credits. In that case, they can select the following options for the remaining 10 credits (any combination is allowed):
  • Interdisciplinary Research Seminars
  • Research Topic courses
  • Creative Writing courses
  • Placement (also known as internship, or ''stage'' in Dutch)
  • Masterlanguage courses

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)
WEM 5: Translating and Editing for Publication (10 EC, optional)
  • Students should select 4 out of 5 "WEM"-courses.
  • * Students can also opt to do 30 credits in ''WEM''-courses instead of 40 credits. In that case, they can select the following options for the remaining 10 credits (any combination is allowed):
  • Interdisciplinary Research Seminars
  • Research Topic courses
  • Creative Writing courses
  • Placement (also known as internship, or ''stage'' in Dutch)
  • Masterlanguage courses

You can find all items and detailed course descriptions on Ocasys (make sure to select the correct year at the top right).

Curriculum

As part of the programme, students can opt to complete a 10-credit work placement (an internship). Our graduates have often gone on to work at the same institutions at which they undertook their internships. 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.

  • Recent placements have taken students to: Noordhoff Publishing, Malmberg BV, Boom Publishing, Staal & Roeland, Deviant Publishing, Nobelman Publishing, Koninklijke Brill NV, Xander Publishing, Global Textware, Boekscout Publishing, Luitingh-Sijthoff Publishing, De Fonteijn Publishing, Cossee Amsterdam, Utrecht University Library, The National Library in Den Haag, Wordwell Group, Dublin, and the Poetry International Festival, Rotterdam.
  • Within the University of Groningen, the Special Collections department of the UG Library and the University Translation and Correction Service are keen to work with WEM Master's students.
This Master's track includes an optional work placement for which you are awarded ECTS credit points.
Programme options
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 Mobility Office can offer help with this where necessary.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is unaccommodated

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Students with a Bachelor's degree in English Language and/or Literature or in another literature or culture area taught in English (e.g. American Studies) showing at least 60 ECTS or equivalent in literary studies (literary analysis, literary theory, genres, periods) 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.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
English Language and CultureUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Engelse Taal en CultuurAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202501 September 2025
15 August 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Students with a Bachelor's degree in English Language and/or Literature or in another literature or culture area taught in English (e.g. American Studies) showing at least 60 ECTS or equivalent in literary studies (literary analysis, literary theory, genres, periods) 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.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202501 September 2025
15 August 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 19200full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

After graduating from the MA Writing, Editing and Mediating 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:

  • Think independently.
  • Present in a professional setting.
  • Work as a part of a team.
  • Undertake individual research projects.
  • Communicate professionally for a range of different audiences, from a generalist popular audience to academic specialists.
All of these skills are highly sought after by employers.

Job prospects

Your degree in Writing, Editing and Mediating is the perfect preparation for your future career. As a WEM graduate, you 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.

Through a combination of a research-driven approach and applying theory to real life situations, our programme prepares students for a range of different employment opportunities. Many of our students pursue careers in publishing, writing and public relations both within The Netherlands and throughout Europe.

Job examples

  • Publishing
  • Cultural organisations
  • Marketing
  • Public relations and communications

Research

Student Dissertations & Staff Expertise

English Department Research
English Department Research
Departmental research covers areas of English literature, from premodern culture to language development and modern literature. Research topics include: women’s travel writing, King Arthur, fan fiction, the history of the emotions, gender studies, modern and contemporary British and American literature, children’s and young adult literature and gothic literature. As a student you will take courses that centre on staff’s research projects and interests, as research and teaching intertwine in our classrooms. By joining the MA Writing, Editing and Mediation programme, you will become part of an international academic community that takes a critical approach to urgent matters and challenges facing society.

Dissertations may be supervised by any appropriate member of staff .

Examples of recent thesis topics:
  • Covering Arthurian Novels: Cover Design as an Integral Part of Book Marketing.
  • Gender and Homosexuality in Gloria Anzaldúa, Estela Portillo Trambley and Ana Castillo
  • Contemporary Writer-Reader Dynamics and Authorial Practices.
  • Robinsonades and British Imperialism.
  • Victorian and Contemporary Criminality in Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes Narratives and BBC’s Sherlock .
  • An edition of The Diary of John Lewis : Thoughts of an 18th-Century Minister.
  • The Literary Digital Archive and its Mediations.
  • Children’s Adaptations of Robinson Crusoe and Don Quixote in Eighteenth-Century England.
  • The Agenda of Early AIDS Theatre: As Is and The Normal Heart as Works of Authoritarian Fiction.
  • Recently Built and Remodelled Public Libraries: The Design of Today’s Public Library Buildings.
  • Fanfiction as an Opportunity for Understanding and Exploring Queer Identity.
  • The New Yorker and Its Influence.
  • Contemporary Dutch Fiction in English Translation as World Literature.
Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

WEM courses encourage students to step into the shoes of a writer

Hi! I'm Alexandra Versluijs, 24 years old, and a final-year student of the MA in Writing, Editing and Mediating and the Research MA in Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies. I specialise in Old English language and literature and have developed a passion for all things editing. During my time in Groningen, I have been a member of NUTS, TJAS and Bernlef.

I chose Writing, Editing and Mediating (WEM) mainly because I wanted to improve my hard skills. During my BA in English Language and Culture and my first master’s in Medieval Studies, soft skills (e.g. critical reading/thinking, research) often took centre stage, and I wanted to broaden my horizons. During my Research MA, I had the opportunity to follow a WEM course as part of my electives, and I was so intrigued by what I had learned that I decided that I wanted to learn more. More importantly, I knew that I needed to hone my editing skills if I wanted to pursue a career in the publishing industry. WEM, therefore, was the perfect choice, and I would recommend it to anyone who aspires to do the same.

The course WEM 2, in particular, focuses on all the different types of editing, allowing students to compare their edits of a text with those of a professional editor. The other WEM courses, too, encourage students to step into the shoes of a writer, but they also do not lose sight of the importance of soft skills such as critical reading and thinking. WEM, therefore, is a perfect blend of hard and soft skills that prepares aspiring writers and editors for the job market.

Groningen has a vibrant and welcoming nature
As my brother had studied here before me, I already knew the city a bit. His stories about Groningen’s vibrancy and welcoming nature made me excited to study here ever since I was in my final years of high school, and they turned out to be more than true. From the KEI-week to the abundance of societies and cosy cafes, Groningen truly is one of the best student cities in the world. The city is not overwhelmingly big and busy, and there is always enough to do. What’s more, the excellent rating of the BA I was interested in persuaded me to move to Groningen after considering a similar programme in Leiden, and I have stayed here ever since.

After following the WEM track I now know that I would love to work in the publishing industry. I still have an internship planned, but I will try to find a job afterwards, hopefully somewhere in the UK.

Tip
Go to an open day! In my experience, seeing what a programme is really like can help you decide if it’s the right fit. Attending information sessions online is also really helpful, and the people who organize it are always very friendly and open to questions.

Student Alexandra Versluijs


'I wanted to gain more knowledge about the publishing industry and the practicalities of becoming a writer'

Hiya :) My name is Sandra, I'm twenty-five years old, and I am a recent graduate of the MA Writing, Editing, and Mediating programme. I am currently working as a freelance writer, specialising in copy and proposal writing.

I decided to study this Master's track right after I graduated from the BA English Language and Culture programme because I wanted to gain more knowledge about the publishing industry and the practicalities of becoming a writer. I knew that I did not want to pursue a career in research and academia, so I decided to choose a programme that demonstrated writing outside of academia.

Small-town quaintness and big-city hustle and bustle
On a personal trip to Berlin, I met quite a few Dutch students from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. Once they told me about Groningen's uniqueness as an international city in the north of the country, I was hooked. Groningen provided the perfect storm of small-town quaintness and community with big-city hustle and bustle.

In the next year or so, I would love to find a full-time position as an English copywriter and editor. I want to focus on finding a place where I can build my career in the Netherlands. My ultimate aspiration is to open a publishing house dedicated to sharing diverse narratives by diverse authors.

Tip
Form a community with your peers. I could not have completed either of my degrees without the support and encouragement of my fellow classmates.

Alumnus Sandra Longmore


NL Scholarships

The University of Groningen offers NL Scholarships to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their master’s in the Netherlands. Read more on the NL Scholarships and on how to apply.

Study associations

NUTS

NUTS has been the study association of the English department in Groningen for over 40 years, and we are still going strong. We make studying English a lot of fun by organising all sorts of activities throughout the year. Our diverse events include: drinks, high-teas, pub crawls, pub quizzes, book clubs, game nights and career events. As a NUTS-member, you benefit from a discount on your study books at Studystore (via our website) and free entrance to most of our events. Besides this,
NUTS annually organizes a trip abroad to for example the UK or Ireland.Check out our website www.svnuts.com or follow us on instagram (@svnuts)!
https://svnuts.com/
Student profile

You are a graduate with a degree in literary studies and a proven ability to operate in English who wants to develop knowledge and skills related to the circulation and editing of English-language texts.

Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. She knows all the ins and outs of the programme. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right place to direct queries about registration, grades and other administrative questions.

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