This MA programme offers an excellent qualification in Italian literature and culture on an advanced level through lectures and seminars led by specialists in the field.

Why study Italian Literature and Culture at Leiden University?

The master in Italian Literature and Culture at Leiden University offers a multifocal approach to the study of Italian literature. Students will be involved in ongoing research of the lecturers:

from the Middle Ages to the Early modern period. Examples of subjects: iconography in and around poetry, ethics in war literature, nature in narratives;
From Modern times up to the present day. Examples of approaches: literature is taught in combination with film or with journalism in 20th Century Italy.

In all courses students gain hands-on experience through active participation in activities and assignments (e.g. organizing a conference, creating a film set, inviting a lecturer, interviewing an author etc.).

MA students with a special interest in Italian literature can opt for an entire “Italian track” by choosing up to 4 Italian-language electives or specialization courses.

Italian Literature and Culture degree

Italian Literature and Culture at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a master’s degree in Literary Studies and the title Master of Arts (MA).

About the programme

Learn the newest insights from established researchers.

This Italian-language MA programme offers you a range of courses related to Italian literature and culture. All courses, papers and presentations are in Italian and require proficiency at an advanced level.

The master's programme in Italian Literature and Culture spans two semesters. The programme offers a wide range of approaches to the literary field and its borders. In the courses you approach literature through relevant methodological questions, which you apply to concrete case studies. This allows you to deepen a selection of concepts - a period, a movement, a genre, an author, a theme, a medium - at a high academic level.

Career prospects

Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden University

The master’s programme in Italian Literature and Culture prepares you for a wide range of positions. The demand for graduates with qualifications in the Italian language has increased significantly over the past few years. Your skills as a graduate of this programme are sought after, for example, by multinationals that maintain a business presence in Italy.

Some of the positions of our alumni include:

• Editor at a publishing house
• Translator and interpreter
• Programme maker for media and TV
• PhD candidate
• Marketing and communications officer
• Policy advisor
• Foreign rights manager
• Journalist
• Italian language instructor
• Data analyst at Nederlandse Spoorwegen