• An interest and intuition for language(s) and literature
• A joy for reading
• A drive to read complex and abstract texts
• A desire to read between the (national, subject-specific…) lines
• A critical glance at literature and its apparent norms
• A willingness to understand other perspectives and to question your own views

For admission to the program of study, you must submit proof of having completed a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree program at a university, either in general or comparative literature. Alternatively, you may submit a bachelor’s degree with a major in foreign language philology, or a bachelor’s degree in two individual philologies on literature specific to two different languages. The bachelor’s program in Mainz in Comparative Literature / European Literature (B.A.) can be recognized both as a major and a minor.
A further requirement is the ability to read literature in English as well as in a Romance, Slavic or Scandinavian language; other languages may be accepted in individual cases. Reading comprehension will be assessed with two translation examinations during the first academic semester, unless otherwise demonstrated (e.g. via the completion of a bachelor’s program). If it is not possible to provide proof of reading comprehension, it must be submitted within six weeks.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (certified copy issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

Applicants who have not obtained a university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution or a degree in a German-speaking course must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. These must correspond to the level DSH-2 of the “German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants” and must be proven by the time of enrollment at JGU.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

You can find the current examination regulations here.

As a part of the master’s programs with a selectable focus area, you can pursue the master’s degree as

• a single-subject master’s degree, i.e., a master’s subject + master’s subject specialization,
• a master’s subject in combination with a (different) supplementary subject,
• a master’s subject with a supplementary qualification (certificates), or
• a supplementary subject (with or without previous knowledge) in a (different) master’s subject.

You will begin with two modules in the master’s subject that deal with the theories, concepts, and structures pertaining to literary texts as well as the various presentation forms for literary material in the media. Following this are two modules on the analysis, interpretation, and linkage of individual cultural or literary products.

Within the interdisciplinary area, you are able to select amongst the following for an individual specialization: German literature, English literature, French and francophone literatures, Spanish-language literatures, Italian literature, Slavic literatures, Turkish literature, literature and media in North America, African literatures, Old Indian literature, modern South Asian literature, and additionally: book studies, theater studies, musicology and art history.

When it comes to skills relevant to the professional sphere, it is possible to decide between courses related to foreign language acquisition, media and data literacy or courses offered by the studium generale. You even have the option to teach a seminar in the B.A. program.
As a part of the core research area in the master’s subject specialization, you are able to select your own thematic focus area. This is accompanied by a project module, which focuses on acquiring and expanding your research-related knowledge and skills.

Internships

This program of study does not include a mandatory internship. However, voluntary internships are a great way to gain insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

With particular regard to “interculturality,” which is distinctly relevant within the comparative literature program, experiencing other cultural contexts serves as an enrichment. Independent of this, a stay abroad can offer a new range of perspectives, both on your field of study and on yourself. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Should you begin your studies in the winter semester, it would be ideal to go abroad during your third academic semester; if you should begin in the summer semester, the second academic semester is recommended. This will ensure that your stay abroad easily fits into your program structure.

The fallacy of the unemployed humanities scholar has been debunked for a long time, which rings true for comparative literature as well. You will not only acquire subject-specific knowledge during your studies, but also further qualifications that will make you attractive on the job market. These include:

• A broad understanding of general cultural and, especially, literary phenomena,
• The means to work professionally with demanding artistic and academic texts,
• A feel for langauge(s),
• The ability to independently and reflectively process, summarize, critically categorize, and present information in an understandable manner,
• The proper inter- and transcultural expertise and approach regarding social, gender-oriented, and cultural diversity as well as
• Media awareness and media literacy.

A diverse array of career prospects await you upon completion of the M.A. Comparative Literature program. There are multiple related fields of work that may be of interest to you as a graduate of the comparative literature degree:

• Publishing (e.g., proofreader, literary agent)
• (Cultural) journalism (print, broadcasting, online, TV, radio)
• Dramaturgy (e.g., theater or film)
• Creative copywriting (agencies, advertising)
• Research (at institutes and universities)
• Communication and PR

There are, however, many more exciting areas that are open to you as a graduate: For example, in:

• International cultural institutions (e.g., academies, foundations, continuing education institutions)
• Public service (e.g., in a state ministry as a consultant),
• Public relations (e.g., in politics, economics, science)
• Cultural institutions in Germany and abroad (e.g. in media departments)
• Academic institutions (public and private institutes/foundations)
• Academic administration
• Political consulting (cultural and educational policy at the state, federal, and European level)
• Archives
• Freelance (e.g., in the realm of communication, editing or literary translation)

There are (almost) no limits to your imagination. What is important is that you already “get a foot in the door” through internships and part-time jobs, thus acquiring practical experience

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.