Overview

Key Features

Developing new contemporary conceptualizations of the term "World Literature" permits a multitude of references to the cultural complexity of a globalized world and intense debate regarding the resulting questions and problems. In particular, these include the complex processes of canon formation, specific understanding of the world and cultural contact.

The aim of the master's program in World Literature at the University of Bern is to teach students about key knowledge in European, North American and post colonial literature with a global perspective, giving equal consideration to diachronic and synchronic processes. Teaching also includes theoretical and methodological skills for research in the fields of comparative literature and culture, value formation and mediality.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theory

Literatures

Interdisciplinary

Master's workshop

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-31 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in French, Partially taught in German, Partially taught in Italian

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bern, Switzerland

Disciplines

Literature View 4 other Masters in Literature in Switzerland

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in one of the following branches of studies (in accordance with appendix 1 to the plan of studies):

Archaeology

German Language and Literature

English Languages and Literatures

French Language and Literature

History

Ibero-Romance Languages and Literatures

Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Italian Language and Literature

Classical Philology

Art History

Musicology

Nordic Languages and Literatures

Philosophy

Science of Religion

Slavonic Languages and Literatures

Social and Cultural Anthropology

Theater, Dance and Film Studies

Comparative Literature

Other Languages and Literatures

Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in a humanities or social science branch of studies, provided that the master's degree can be successfully completed with an additional maximum 60 ECTS credits.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Bern and/or in Switzerland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

1900 CHF / year

≈ 1900 CHF / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

1500 CHF / year

≈ 1500 CHF / year

Additional Details

National: CHF 750 per semester

International: CHF 750 per semester + CHF 200 per semester, in addition to the regular tuition fee = 950 CHF

Living costs

Bern

Switzerland

1655 - 2130 CHF / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for World Literature.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About