Master
German
Social Sciences
Comparative Literature Studies/Lettres modernesComparative Literature Studies / Lettres modernes
Master of Arts (M.A.)
About the Program
This is an integrated Master's program in Comparative Literature Studies/Modern Letters (Komparatistik/Lettres modernes) offered jointly by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the French Université Bourgogne Europe (UBE). The program focuses on what connects literary texts across different national literatures, including relationships based on historical contacts between literatures and typological commonalities. In the age of globalization, comparative literature has gained new relevance. The program has a distinctive profile within the European university landscape through its focus on current research fields of intertextuality, interculturality, intermediality, and literary theory. It covers the entire spectrum of intraliterary relationships, the intercultural dimension of literature, and the relationships of literature to other media and arts. Literature from different languages and cultures is viewed from a comparative cultural perspective that transcends the boundaries of national philologies and connects with aesthetic phenomena of other arts and media. The program emphasizes German-French literary exchange, as the Institute for General and Comparative Literature at JGU was founded after World War II to promote German-French friendship.
▶ Show the original English text
This is an integrated Master's program in Comparative Literature Studies/Modern Letters (Komparatistik/Lettres modernes) offered jointly by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the French Université Bourgogne Europe (UBE). The program focuses on what connects literary texts across different national literatures, including relationships based on historical contacts between literatures and typological commonalities. In the age of globalization, comparative literature has gained new relevance. The program has a distinctive profile within the European university landscape through its focus on current research fields of intertextuality, interculturality, intermediality, and literary theory. It covers the entire spectrum of intraliterary relationships, the intercultural dimension of literature, and the relationships of literature to other media and arts. Literature from different languages and cultures is viewed from a comparative cultural perspective that transcends the boundaries of national philologies and connects with aesthetic phenomena of other arts and media. The program emphasizes German-French literary exchange, as the Institute for General and Comparative Literature at JGU was founded after World War II to promote German-French friendship.
General Requirements
Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.
Academic qualification
A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.
Language
German at C1 level (DSH-2, TestDaF TDN 4, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, or telc C1 Hochschule).
Typical documents
- Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
- Language certificate
- Passport and passport photo
- Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
- Letter of motivation (for many programs)
- Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)
Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?
Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:
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Comparative Literature
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How do I apply to Comparative Literature Studies/Lettres modernes at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Comparative Literature Studies/Lettres modernes at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Is Comparative Literature Studies/Lettres modernes at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz taught in German or English? ▼
This Master programme is taught in German. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Comparative Literature Studies/Lettres modernes programme cost? ▼
No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.
What are the admission requirements for Comparative Literature Studies/Lettres modernes at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).
When is the application deadline? ▼
Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.
Can I work in Germany while studying Comparative Literature Studies/Lettres modernes? ▼
Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.
How do I apply to Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz — directly or via uni-assist? ▼
Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.