Literary Studies – intermedial and intercultural
Literary Studies – intermedial and intercultural (M.A.)

The interdisciplinary Master’s degree program “Literary Studies – intermedial and intercultural” offers a research-oriented education with a focus on aspects of literary theory, cultural studies, and media studies. It is aimed at graduates of BA programs in literature and cultural studies who are interested in current research discussions and interdisciplinary perspectives. The course provides in-depth knowledge of theory and practice in literary and cultural studies. It examines the functions of literary texts in the context of changing media, cultures, and social practices. The focus is on intermedial and intercultural references of literature in complex cultural formations.
- Degree
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 4
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Language and Cultural Studies
- Special ways to study
- Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- in German and in the languages of the respective core subjects
- Admission Requirements
- Qualification assessment
What is the degree program about?
In the master’s degree program “Literary Studies – Intermedial and Intercultural” you will learn the basics, the history and current tendencies of theories and methods of literary, cultural and media studies. Research-oriented discussions address problems of intermediality (text-image relations, text-sound relations, digital literature, new media, and popular literature/culture). You will also gain insights into the dynamics of international literary and cultural relations (inter- and transculturality, globalization/localization, cultural transfer and translation).
The concrete analysis of complex literary, cultural and media-historical contexts illustrates the thematic complexes of the core subjects. Cultural and media phenomena from different cultural areas (subject pool) are also examined, e.g. anthropology and mediality, media ethics, book media aesthetics, media upheavals, image cultures and iconography.
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Semester 1 (30 ECTS)
- Module 1: Interdisciplinary introduction to the theoretical complex of literature/culture/media
- Module 2: Current theories of interculturality and intermediality
- Module 3: Concrete analysis of mediality and culturality
2nd semester (30 ECTS)
- Module 4 Core subject: Intermedial/intercultural literary analysis
- Module 5 Subject pool: Cultural/media analysis
- Module 6: Language practice
3rd semester (30 ECTS)
- Module 7 Subject Pool: Cultural-Media Analysis
- Module 8 Supplementary Studies: Intermedial/intercultural literary analysis
- Module 9 Core subject: Intermedial/intercultural literary analysis
4th semester (30 ECTS)
- Supervised MA-Study-Group
- Master Thesis
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- Fundamentals, history and current tendencies of theories and methods of literary, cultural and media studies.
- research-oriented discussion of problems of intermediality (text-image relations, text-sound relations, digital literature, new media and popular literature/culture)
- Insights into the dynamics of international literary and cultural relations (inter- and transculturality, globalization/localization, cultural transfer and translation).
- Analysis of complex contexts in the history of literature, culture and media on the basis of concrete thematic complexes (core subjects)
- Examination of cultural and media phenomena from different cultural areas (subject pool), e.g. anthropology and mediality, media ethics; book media aesthetics; media upheavals; image cultures and iconography.
Beginning in the second semester, the program combines a core subject chosen from the field of modern philology with modules from a subject pool. The following disciplines are involved:
Core subjects: American Studies, English Studies, German Studies, Comparative Literature, Romance Studies, Scandinavian Studies.
Subject pool: Book Studies, Christian Journalism, History, Art History, Latin/Medieval Latin, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Sociology, Theater and Media Studies.
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After graduation, our graduates often go into academic research and teaching (doctorate) or into challenging professional fields, be it in the field of intercultural relations (cultural institutions, cultural management, international cultural exchange, etc.) or in institutions and companies of media culture (public relations, media management, book and publishing industry, etc.).
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- Qualification assessment
- Application deadline winter semester
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15.07.
- Content-related admission requirements
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- Completed first university degree (Bachelor or at least equivalent degree), usually degree in one of the core subjects of the program (American Studies, English Studies, German Studies, Scandinavian Studies, Comparative Literature, Romance Studies or French, Spanish or Italian). If the Bachelor’s degree is not yet available at the time of application, but is expected to be completed in time before the start of the program, you may be admitted to the Master’s degree program with reservations, provided that you can prove that you have already earned 140 ECTS. For this purpose, please enclose your current Transcript of Records with your application documents. In this case, you must submit the Bachelor’s transcript to the Master’s office within one year.
- The overall grade of the previous subject-specific university degree must be at least “good” (2.5); in case of a lower overall grade or in case of previous subject-related or equivalent university degrees, a successfully completed individual admission interview after receipt of the application. The admission interview is not required if subsequent grades raise the average to 2.5 or better.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
- General language skills
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Proof of language skills in a modern foreign language (e.g. English, French, Spanish or Italian) level B2 (CEFR). (Eight years of school English completed with a German Abitur corresponds to level B2).
- Details and notes
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- Here you will find all relevant information for enrolling in the Master’s degree program: Applying for a Master’s degree program or a PhD
- The application takes place online from 13.04.2023 via the FAU campo application portal.
- Application is currently only possible for the winter semester.
- Please note the respective valid application deadlines for admission to the programme.
- For applicants from countries requiring a visa: Visa approval can sometimes take several months. It is best to submit your documents before the application deadline so that you will be in Germany in time for enrollment and the start of your studies.
- The application deadline for admission to studies for the winter semester 2023/2024 is 15.07.2023.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.