MA Comparative Literature at University of Bonn

Comparative literature is the study of literature in its transnational, intercultural and cross-media dimensions. The degree program deals with cultural sensemaking processes that cannot be adequately comprehended within the purview of individual philologies or by a purely literary analysis. Indeed, crossing linguistic, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries is an essential characteristic of comparative work.

Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)  |  Study mode: full-time; German-taught  |  Intake: Wintersemester (winter semester) and Sommersemester (summer semester)  |  Location: Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

What you will study

The master's degree program Comparative Literature conveys to students historical-philological insights and introduces them to the field’s traditional questions about the history of themes, problems and genres. In addition, it explores innovative fields of study in cultural and media studies as well as in comparative arts. Students gain insights into the processes of cultural and media globalization and thus acquire competencies indispensable for employment in the cultural industry, with its increasingly international orientation, and in other fields as well.

Career pathways

Education (adult education, language courses, educational/vocational institutes (Bildungswerke), etc.), book industry (publishing/libraries/translating/editing), culture (embassies, cultural institutions, exhibitions, etc.), media (press, radio, television, on-line media, journalism, public relations), administration (international relations, e.g. diplomatic service, international organizations)

Official programme page