Master of Arts in North American Studies (NAS)

This fully accredited, two-year single-major Master's programme is taught entirely in English and centers on the societies and cultures of North America broadly defined — including Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. Coursework spans history, culture, art, literature, language, film, philosophy, media theory, politics and society, and aims to give you both a deep grounding in cultural and literary history and a solid introduction to the key theories and methods used in history, literary studies, cultural studies and media studies.

The course is organised into four core modules (AM 1–AM 4): Literary and Cultural Studies; History and Society; Postcolonial Studies; and Research. Teaching formats include lecture-seminars (a lecture plus a supplementary reading tutorial), focused lectures, thematic seminars, and research colloquia that train you in transdisciplinary methods and MA-thesis planning. Assessment varies by module: AM 1 and AM 2 are completed with research papers, AM 3 with an oral exam, and AM 4 requires presenting your MA thesis project in a research colloquium and submitting an exposé. To earn credits for AM 1 you must also complete a six-week internship and hand in an internship report.

Study is paced across four semesters (the standard period of study). Typically you will take one full module per semester (each module normally comprises five courses plus an end-of-module exam). During courses you are expected to prepare prescribed readings, participate actively in seminars, give in-class presentations and produce written work (research papers, essays, reviews or short papers). In the third semester you will work closely with a supervisor on your thesis project; the final semester is reserved for writing the Master’s thesis (maximum 150,000 characters, roughly 60 pages, excluding bibliography and appendices). Modules must be successfully completed before you may register for the thesis.

Requirements and key facts

• Fully accredited, single-major MA taught entirely in English
• Standard duration: 4 semesters (two years)
• Four modules: AM 1 Literary & Cultural Studies; AM 2 History & Society; AM 3 Postcolonial Studies; AM 4 Research
• One module ≈ five courses + end-of-module exam; typical workload: one module per semester
• Assessment: AM 1 & AM 2 — research papers; AM 3 — oral exam; AM 4 — thesis presentation in colloquium + exposé
• AM 1 credit requirement: six-week internship + internship report
• Final requirement: Master’s thesis up to 150,000 characters (≈60 pages), bibliography and appendices excluded
• Students must complete required modules before registering for the Master’s thesis
• Teaching formats: lecture-seminar (lecture + tutorial), lecture, seminar, and research colloquium
• Active preparation and participation required: assigned readings, written assignments, presentations, and exams

Curriculum overview The MA programme is structured around four advanced modules (AM 1–4), one specialisation module (SM 1), and a final Master’s thesis module. Except for the thesis, each module combines coursework—lectures and seminars—with a module examination. The programme emphasises independent research, oral communication, and applied experience through a compact but varied set of assessment formats.

Key modules and assessment formats

• AM 1 and AM 2: each assessed by a written research paper, allowing you to develop and demonstrate specialized research skills and academic writing in North American Studies.
• AM 3: assessed by an oral exam, focusing on verbal articulation of knowledge and critical engagement with course material.
• AM 4: a combinatorial exam that involves presenting your MA thesis project in a research colloquium and submitting a detailed exposé afterwards—this module bridges coursework and thesis preparation.
• SM 1 (specialisation module): assessed via an internship report that documents applied, practical experience; this report does not contribute to the programme GPA.
• Master’s thesis module: dedicated to the final research project (format and assessment determined by the module).

Key learning outcomes Students finish the programme with advanced, interdisciplinary knowledge of North American topics, strengthened research methods (including producing longer research papers and a thesis exposé), oral presentation and defense skills, and practical experience from an internship. The curriculum is intentionally interdisciplinary, drawing on history, English literature, art history, media studies and Iberian/Latin American perspectives to equip graduates for academic or professional careers requiring cross-disciplinary analysis.

Concise requirements (what you must complete)

• Complete four advanced modules (AM 1–4), each including courses (lectures/seminars) and a module exam.
• Produce written research papers for AM 1 and AM 2.
• Sit an oral exam for AM 3.
• Present your MA thesis project in a research colloquium and submit an exposé for AM 4 (combinatorial exam).
• Complete SM 1 by undertaking an internship and submitting an internship report (this report does not affect your overall grade).
• Complete the Master’s thesis module (final research project).
• Note: Exams from AM 1–4 count toward your final grade; the SM 1 internship report does not.
• The programme is delivered collaboratively across several departments, including history, English, art history, media studies, and Iberian/Latin American studies, reflecting its interdisciplinary focus.

Graduates are prepared for careers that require advanced analytical, research and intercultural skills. Typical pathways include academic research and PhD programmes, work in cultural institutions, museums, archives, publishing, journalism and media, as well as roles in NGOs, international organisations, policy analysis, and education.

The programme’s combination of disciplinary breadth, research training and a practical internship helps graduates adapt to roles that demand strong writing, critical thinking and project-management abilities in both national and international contexts.