The double degree Master's programme in Literature is aimed towards those students enrolled or planning to enrol either at Bielefeld University or Sapienza University, who are required to spend one semester of the two-year programme at the partner institution. We therefore encourage anyone interested in an intercultural experience who is willing to apply himself or herself to an interdisciplinary international field of study and anyone who is enthusiastic about German literature as well as Italian and German to hand in an application. The double degree Master's in Literature The Master's in Literature in Bielefeld combines general and comparative literary studies. It focusses on literary theory, hermeneutics, aesthetics and poetics as well as intercultural and intermedial aspects of literature. In cooperation with the Sapienza, students will have the opportunity to study in an intercultural field with versatile perspectives on the field of studying literature and literature itself. What is a double degree? To enrol in a double degree means to acquire a degree at two universities with only one major. Bielefeld University and La Sapienza University have merged their two majors, Literaturwissenschaft and Scienze linguistiche, letterarie e della traduzione, respectively, so that students have the chance to acquire conclusive, functional as well as scientific knowledge, methods and expertise in the field of literary studies.
The duration of the programme is four semesters. The first and fourth semesters will be completed at the home institution. The second and/or third semester will be spent at the partner institution. Usually, students spend the second winter semester of the programme in Rome. Find further information on the study programme and organisation of the double degree on our homepage. The first two semesters in Bielefeld aim to provide the foundation of the study programme. Students will participate in an advanced introduction to general as well as comparative literary studies and also obtain knowledge and competences in historical as well as systematic aspects of studying literature. They will also choose to study one module in a chosen philology (German, British, American or Romance Literature). The third semester is spent abroad at Sapienza University, where students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of literary and interdisciplinary courses. However, it is possible to extend your studies for one year. Students then can spend the second and third semesters in Rome. The last semester is spent completing the Master's thesis and colloquium. PDF Download
Course details verified 09 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Students who want to apply for the double degree programme must be enrolled in the Master’s programme of either university. You may find further information on the enrolment process at Bielefeld University here: https://ekvv.uni-bielefeld.de/sinfo/publ/master-as/literaturwissenschaft. For the application, you need: a BA in literature or a neighbouring subject (e.g. English, German, French, Italian or Cultural Studies) proof of language competence (details see below) You need to hand in your written application via the university's online platform. The application includes your diploma or a transcript of your studies, proof of competence in two foreign languages (usually fulfilled after four years of school study) and a letter of motivation, where you detail your personal incentive for applying, which needs to be additionally sent to biroli@uni-bielefeld.de.
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The main intake is Winter semester. Most universities admit on a rolling basis — we confirm the exact deadline for your profile, free.
Students who want to apply for the double degree programme must be enrolled in the Master’s programme of either university. You may find further information on the enrolment process at Bielefeld University here: https://ekvv.uni-bielefeld.de/sinfo/publ/master-as/literaturwissenschaft. For the application, you need: a BA in literature or a neighbouring subject (e.g. English, German, French, Italian or Cultural Studies) proof of language competence (details see below) You need to hand in your written application via the university's online platform. The application includes your diploma or a transcript of your studies, proof of competence in two foreign languages (usually fulfilled after four years of school study) and a letter of motivation, where you detail your personal incentive for applying, which needs to be additionally sent to biroli@uni-bielefeld.de.
The programme runs about 24 months full-time.
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