Master in Classical and Modern Literature

Heidelberg University, officially Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg and founded in 1386, is Germany’s oldest university and a global centre for research and scholarship. With a long tradition captured by its motto SEMPER APERTUS, the university pairs centuries of academic heritage with a forward-looking commitment to interdisciplinary research, academic freedom, and societal responsibility.

The university offers a comprehensive range of disciplines across humanities, law, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine, supported by strong doctoral training and research-based teaching. With approximately 29,187 students and a substantial international community, Heidelberg fosters collaboration across fields and provides access to leading research institutes, enabling students to engage in cutting-edge projects and pursue advanced study in a rigorous academic setting.

Heidelberg city provides an inspiring backdrop of historic streets, cultural life, and a compact campus that encourages scholarly exchange and student involvement. Extensive academic support, international offices, and research opportunities help international students integrate and advance their careers. For students seeking a world-class research environment rooted in tradition yet focused on contemporary challenges, Heidelberg University offers unmatched depth, interdisciplinary opportunities, and a vibrant intellectual community.

The Master in Classical and Modern Literature at Heidelberg University is a 2-year program that explores the development of literatures from antiquity to modernity. This English-taught program is designed for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of literary studies and develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

The curriculum includes modules on classical and modern literary studies, theory of literature and culture, and poetics. Students can choose from elective modules and develop skills in areas like intertextuality, intermediality, and literary theory. The program also includes a Master's thesis, where students can apply their knowledge and skills to a specific research question or topic.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as literary critics, editors, or teachers. They can work in industries like publishing, education, or journalism, and potential employers include universities, publishing houses, or cultural institutions. Other possible job titles include content writer, literary agent, or academic researcher, where they can apply their knowledge of classical and modern literature to help people appreciate and understand the value of literary works.