Comparative Literature (Master)
Source: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/comparative-literature-master/ Parent: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/bachelordiploma-programmes/comparative-literature-bachelor-with-osa/
The master’s programme in Comparative Literature focuses on the correlations and transfer between the literatures of the “great” Western languages (English, Romance languages, German), the connection between comparative literature and social history of literature, as well as the relations between literature and other media.
Master of Arts
Degree Programme Code: 066 870
4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits
Language: German
NO entrance examination
Facts & Figures
- Students: 243
- Graduates in the last academic year: 20
- Number of semesters needed for graduation (median): 8,1
Data updated on: 26.11.2025
Information about presentation & calculation
Attention
Instruction Language German
Please note that the instruction language of this programme is German. To start the degree programme, you need to hold a certificate of German proficiency on C1 level.
Admission Procedure
Information about the admission procedure
Information on Previous Studies:
In any case eligible degree programmes at the University of Vienna:
Getting started
Orientation in the first semester
Getting Informed
Department of European and Comparative Literature and Language Studies
Students' Representatives Comparative Literature
Study Programme
Students acquire the necessary competences for independent research on literary transfer, carrying out studies on the reception of specific authors and the influence of stylistic trends, and develop the ability to assess translations of literature in view of the historical conditions under which they were made.
The emphasis on the relations between literature and other media focuses on screen adaptations and the role of literature in new media.
In the area of social history of literature, the master’s programme deals with the historical requirements and conditions for promoting literary works.
Five Concepts
which you will deal with during your studies:
- Social history
- Correlations
- Media
- Screen adaptation
- New media
... and many more.
Overview of the programme structure & topics
Here you find the current offer of courses for this programme to gain better insight into the topics and structure. For more information please click on the respective level.
Module 1: Literary Cross-Currents (30 ECTS)
Module 2: Social History of Literature/Literature and Media (30 ECTS)
Module 3: In-Depth Studies Module (30 ECTS)
Module 4: Final Module (5 ECTS)
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After Graduation
Graduates can pursue a career in the following occupational areas:
- academic work at universities and in non-university environments (foreign institutions, adult education)
- managing or participating in research projects
- book trade and publishing, e.g. planning and editing
- libraries and archives
- participation in editorial teams of various media and in culture journalism
- cultural management and international cultural transfer (exhibitions, readings,...)
- consulting and development activities in the cultural sector (e.g. theatre dramaturgy, cultural politics).
Continuing after Graduation
- [Center for Doctoral Studies - everything about doctorcal/PhD programmes at the University of Vienna](http://doktorat.univie.ac.at/en/)
- Alumni of the University of Vienna
- [Postgraduate Center - postgraduate programmes at the University of Vienna](http://www.postgraduatecenter.at/en)
- Uniport - career service of the University of Vienna
Graduates' Perspective on the Degree Programme
#### Degree programme in retrospect
Graduates ...
- say that this degree programme receives the grade: 2.0 (good)
- rate the level of difficulty as: 3.2 (appropriate)
→ These results are based on feedback from 27 graduates.
*You can find further assessments of the degree programme from its graduates’ perspective in the graduate survey of themaster's programme in Comparative Literature (in German).
Graduates ...
- find employment within 2 months after graduation on average.
*You can find further information on career entry and career paths in the tracking of graduates "MA Comparative Literature".