The MA in International Contemporary Literatures and Media is attractive to students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds who have already studied some elements of literature and media and who are keen to further their knowledge in these areas, taking a comparative international approach. This course welcomes applicants with a background in literary and media studies from any linguistic background, who wish to broaden their knowledge, taking this MA which is taught through English. It is suited to recent graduates and to candidates who have acquired professional experience and now wish to advance their studies or develop the foundations for further academic research.   

What will I study?  

The full-time programme comprises four core modules during the academic year and a choice from a range of options over two 12-week semesters, from which students must choose two. Part-time students will take half of these modules each year. 

The course may be taken as a full-time degree taken over a twelve-month period (September to August) OR as a Part-Time Degree taken over a twenty-four month period. The year is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). The summer period (year 2 in the Part-Time programme) will be used to complete an 18,000 minor dissertation.  

Core modules: 

MIC6101 Worlds of Fantasy (Semester 1) 

Postapocalyptic or Utopian Computer Games, Fantasy novels and films are currently extremely popular. They invent imaginary worlds that may have a lot in common with the “real” world, or may strongly differ from it. The alternative worlds or futures presented by these media serve different purposes: They may simply be offers to escape from the troubles in the “real” world, or they may have a dystopian character and criticise social or political problems. Fantasy fiction often invites psychological interpretations. The module introduces to the theory of fantasy fiction and analyses exemplary novels and films with different cultural backgrounds. It will also engage with selected computer games and the specific features of this interactive medium. 

MIC504 The Art of Reading (Semester 1) 

This module explores reading strategies and multiple dimensions of textuality in relation to literature, visual arts, games, as well as what we perceive as “nature”. Students will develop methods and strategies to discuss texts in relation to their aesthetic qualities and their dominant and marginalised narratives, and they will reflect on their own role in the reading process. 

MIC6100 Resisting through Culture. Conflicts in Europe and Beyond (Semester 2) 

This module explores the transformative power of culture in times of conflict. The first part focuses on the literature that emerged during the post-war division of Europe. Works by authors such as Peter Schneider, Ivan Klíma, Václav Havel and Herta Müller form the focus of analysis. Situating these texts within their socio-political contexts of division and conflict, the module explores how literature and culture can be harnessed to facilitate and express resistance within and against totalitarian systems. The second part addresses more recent conflicts and their literary representation; it shifts the focus to the conflict zones in the Islamic world, the Ukraine and Gaza and analyses texts about strategies of resistance against fascist and other extremist/totalitarian movements. 

MIC501 Contemporary Literary Genres (Semester 2) 

Can contemporary literatures be classified into genres and sub-genres and is this useful? How do literary genres exist or develop over time, can authors, audiences or interest groups become identified with a genre, is social class associated with specific genres and what is the material context of cultural production? The course will examine definitions of four 20 th -/21st -century genres as they emerge in different social cultural and literary spaces. Themes covered may include: Crime Fiction, Zombie and Vampire Fiction and Film/television, Poetry, French Hip Hop, Testimony. In each of the four areas, important exemplars of the genres will be examined as primary texts in the light of relevant theoretical discourses. 

Optional Modules: 

Students will be informed of the optional modules at the first meeting in Semester 1. 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Global and Non-Anglophone Focus – the programme prioritises literature and media from around the world, offering perspectives beyond the Anglophone/US-centric canon. 

No Language Prerequisite – students can engage deeply with non-English texts thanks to expert staff and advanced translation methodologies. 

World-Class Faculty – taught by internationally recognised scholars in fields such as Postcolonial Studies, Environmental Humanities, Translation Theory, Cultural Ageing, Memory Studies, and Latin American Studies. 

Diverse and Interdisciplinary Approach – combines literature, film, and media studies, allowing students to explore culture in multiple forms. 

Flexible Assessment Methods – a mix of essays, supervised research projects, creative assignments, and group work, reflecting real-world and academic practices. 

Pathway to Further Research – excellent preparation for PhD-level work in International Cultural Studies or related fields. 

International Perspective with Local Access – students gain a truly global understanding while studying in Ireland, benefiting from expert supervision and research networks. 

The MA in International Contemporary Literatures and Media provides a strong foundation for a variety of career paths. For those interested in further academic study, it serves as an excellent gateway our own PhD in International Cultural Studies. 

Graduates also thrive beyond academia. Our alumni are currently making their mark in publishing, teaching, and research, as well as in roles with multinational companies, international offices at universities, cultural organisations, NGOs, and media industries - all positions that benefit from the programme’s emphasis on intercultural awareness, critical thinking, and adaptability. The skills you gain are equally relevant to careers in communications, cultural consultancy, arts administration, and global project management, reflecting the truly versatile and international perspective this MA offers. 

How will I learn? 

Learning takes place in small group seminars and workshops designed to encourage independent thinking and collaborative exchange. You will engage closely with texts, films, and media, while also benefiting from expert supervision on research projects. The programme fosters creativity, critical reflection, and intercultural awareness, ensuring that you develop both scholarly depth and practical versatility. 

How will I be assessed? 

Assessment is varied and stimulating, reflecting the diverse skills you will acquire. Alongside traditional essays and end-of-term projects, you will complete supervised research projects, creative assessments, and individual assignments that test your ability to think critically and communicate effectively. While the emphasis is on individual achievement, you will also take part in collaborative group projects, preparing you for the demands of intercultural and professional environments.

 The programme is led by internationally recognised scholars whose research has shaped debates in fields such as Environmental Humanities, Cultural Ageing Studies, Translation Theory, Crime Literature, Postcolonial Theory and Literature, Memory Studies, and Latin American Studies. Their expertise and international standing ensure that students are taught and supervised by leaders at the forefront of contemporary literary and cultural studies. 

Course queries: 
tina-karen.pusse@universityofgalway.ie   

kate.quinn@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Tina-Karen Pusse  
Associate Professor in German Studies 

Dr Kate Quinn 
Head of Spanish and Latin American Studies 
School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies 

Q: Do I need proficiency in a language other than English to register for this course?
A: No, all texts in other languages will be read in translation. It is our team of teachers who will bring in the language proficiencies needed to make you aware of intercultural mismatches, translation challenges or the wider cultural contexts of those texts. However, if you are proficient in either German, Spanish, French, Irish, or Italian you have a wider choice of literature in your dissertation module. Supervision support is also available for texts in Chinese, Ukrainian, Swiss German. 

Q: Can I apply for this course if I don’t have a prior degree in Literature or Cultural Studies?
A: Yes, if your degree is in a cognate discipline such as philosophy, film studies, languages. If your degree is in other areas, please submit a strong motivation letter that outlines your interest and expertise in literature. In those cases, we will get in touch with applicants to assess their fit with this programme. 

Q: What if my IELTS result is not at the required level?
A: If your result is close, we recommend a course with the English Language Centre at University of Galway prior to the start of programme. However while we can make a conditional offer subject to you reaching the required language level on time, this is at your own risk. 

• Critical Thinking & Analytical Skills – the ability to examine complex cultural, political, and social phenomena from multiple perspectives.
• Advanced Research Skills – locating, evaluating, and synthesising diverse sources of information.
• Intercultural Communication – engaging with and adapting to diverse cultural contexts, audiences, and viewpoints.
• Translation Awareness & Linguistic Sensitivity – understanding how language shapes meaning and culture, even when working in translation.
• Effective Communication – presenting arguments persuasively in writing, public speaking, and across media platforms.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving – applying theoretical knowledge to real-world issues in global and intercultural contexts.
• Project Management – designing, organising, and delivering independent research or group projects to deadlines.
• Empathy & Cultural Literacy – developing awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences and global perspectives. 

Minimum Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area. 

Related subject areas are literature studies (within any language), cultural studies, film studies, comparative literature. Exceptions can be made if students don’t have a primary degree in those areas but have successfully taken modules in these areas as part of a different degree, or have professional experience adjacent to these areas (for example in publishing, teaching, or translation). 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.  If your degree is in a non-related subject area, please ad a strong motivation letter that outlines your practical experience.

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€7,750		€19,000	€140		€7,890	€19,140
Masters Part Time	1	€4,000			€70		€4,070

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Additional Costs:

Apart from fees, some books (primary literature) will have to be purchased, secondary literature will be available through the library and will be made available digitally. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.