Master’s Programme in Literature with a Specialization in English-language Literature
The specialisation “English-language Literature” presents a broad outlook over literary studies today, viewing English language literatures in relation to other international literatures by way of comparative studies.
In addition to courses on the theory of interpretation and narrative, the programme offers you in depth studies of selected literary classics and their reception history, critical perspectives on the relationship between literature and society, as well as insights into a number of current theoretical approaches in literary studies.
“English-language Literature” is one of thirteen specializations within the Master’s Programme in Literature at the Faculty of the Humanities at the Faculty of the Humanities and it is offered by the Department of Culture and Aesthetics.
The programme starts every autumn and comprises four semesters of full-time study, concluding with a 30-credit degree project in the form of a master’s thesis. As a student, you normally take four half-time courses of 7.5 credits per semester, each half of the semester consisting of two parallel courses. During the second and third semester of the programme, you may take a number of elective courses.
Master’s Programme in Literature at the Faculty of the Humanities
Year 1
Semester 1
The first semester of the programme contains four obligatory courses. Three of them are taken by all students of the programme, irrespective of their specialization.
- Introduction to Literary Interpretation, 7,5 credits
- Epistemology of the Humanities, 7,5 credits
- Narrative Theory, 7,5 credits
- Approaches to Realism, 7,5 credits
Semester 2
Elective courses totalling 30 credits (ECTS), of which at least 15 credits must be at second-cycle (Master’s) level with a specialization in literature (major field of study: English).
Year 2
Semester 3
The third semester contains 15 credits worth of obligatory courses – one course in English for academic research, and one seminar-based theory course, which serves as preparation for the master’s thesis.
- English for Academic Research, 7,5 credits
- Seminar Course in Current Theoretical Perspectives, 7,5 credits
Elective courses totalling 15 credits (ECTS), of which at least 7.5 credits must be at second-cycle (Master’s) level with a specialization in literature (major field of study: English).
Semester 4
The programme’s final semester is devoted exclusively to the degree project, which is done within one full-semester course:
- Master’s Thesis in English Literature, 30 credits
To be eligible for the programme you are required to have:
- a degree of 180 credits (including a degree project/thesis/dissertation or equivalent), in English with a specialisation in English literature;
- English proficiency at GERS/CEFR C1 level. English proficiency should be documented either by previous studies, an international proficiency test or equivalent.
With regards to English proficiency, by previous studies we mean 60 credits with English as the language of instruction from an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or certain other English-speaking countries. You can find the list of these English-speaking countries on University Admissions page (see the link below and look under “Meeting the English requirement through previous university studies” > “60 credits with English as language of instruction from an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or certain other English speaking countries”):
Please note that the language of instruction must be clearly stated on official documents. You can also document this by submitting a certificate/letter from your university in addition to your official study documentation.
All other candidates must document their English proficiency with an English language proficiency test. The following tests and scores are accepted:
- TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or TOEFL iBT Paper Edition with a minimum of 5 in all sections and 5.5 in Writing (or a minimum of 102 and 27 in Writing)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced with a minimum Grade B (and B in Writing);
- IELTS Academic, IELTS Online or IELTS UKVI (Academic) with a minimum of 7.5 (and 7.0 in Writing);
- Pearson PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online with a minimum of 76 (and 82 in Writing).
Questions about the structure and content of the programme can be answered by the study counsellor of the English department, whom you can contact at
studievagledning@english.su.se.
The coordinator for the Master’s Programme in English-language Literature is Anna Swärdh
