North American Studies (MA)

Description The MA in North American Studies examines the rich and diverse literatures and cultures of the United States and Canada. The programme provides an active, research-led learning environment that brings together current scholarship across the field to explore literary texts, cultural practices, and other media from North America.

Its curriculum is explicitly interdisciplinary and transnational: students study the complex intercultural dynamics within and between the two countries and approach American Studies from multiple scholarly angles. Graduates gain a broad, integrated grounding in literatures, cultural analysis, and cultural media, framed by contemporary theoretical and comparative perspectives. Taught in English, the programme is accessible to international students.

Key facts and entry information

• Degree awarded: Master of Arts (MA)
• Field: History (North American Studies / American Studies focus)
• Language of instruction: English
• Regional focus: United States and Canada
• Approach: Interdisciplinary, transnational, and research-driven
• Core content areas: North American literatures, cultures, and cultural media

Curriculum overview

This MA program offers a structured, semester-by-semester exploration of North American societies, texts, cultures and media. In the first semester you build foundational knowledge through an Introduction to North American Studies alongside focused modules in Literary Studies and Cultural Studies. The second semester deepens theoretical literacy and conceptual frameworks with courses in Theoretical Approaches to NAS, Key Concepts in NAS, and Media in NAS, equipping you to analyse cultural phenomena and communications practices from multiple angles.

In the third semester the emphasis shifts toward cross-cutting and applied work: Interdisciplinary Studies encourages combining methods and perspectives, while the module listed as Import provides an additional advanced or specialised component. Practical Skills are developed through an internship and a colloquium, giving hands-on experience and opportunities to present and discuss research. The fourth semester is devoted to writing and submitting the master’s Thesis, consolidating research skills and subject-matter expertise.

Typical learning outcomes

• Solid grounding in North American literary, cultural and historical frameworks and the ability to read primary texts and cultural artefacts critically.
• Facility with theoretical approaches and key concepts used in contemporary North American Studies.
• Competence in analysing media and communication processes within North American contexts.
• Experience working across disciplines to design and carry out integrated research projects.
• Practical workplace skills gained through an internship, plus experience presenting and defending research in a colloquium.
• Ability to design, research and complete a scholarly master’s thesis demonstrating independent critical thinking and academic writing.

Program requirements (concise)

• Completion of first-semester core modules: Introduction to NAS, Literary Studies, Cultural Studies.
• Completion of second-semester modules: Theoretical Approaches to NAS, Key Concepts in NAS, Media in NAS.
• Third-semester components: Interdisciplinary Studies, Import, and Practical Skills (internship and colloquium).
• Fourth-semester completion and submission of the master’s Thesis.

Graduates are prepared for careers that require strong cultural, linguistic and analytical competencies. Typical sectors include cultural institutions (museums, archives), publishing and media, education, international organisations, NGOs and cultural diplomacy, as well as roles in communications or policy that value transnational perspectives and critical analysis.

The programme also provides solid preparation for academic research and doctoral studies in American Studies, comparative literature, cultural studies or related fields, thanks to its research-led modules and the master’s thesis component.