Frequently Asked Questions

I saw that the regular start of the program is in fall. Can I also start my studies in spring?

Yes, you can also start your studies in spring. However, that way it cannot be guaranteed that you can complete the program in the recommended time frame (two years) due to the schedule of certain compulsory modules.

Do I have to be able to speak German or English to enroll in Literary Studies?

To complete the two compulsory modules “Atelier” and “Research Colloquium” as well as the lecture series “Literary Theory” and “Literature and Knowledge” you are required to have good knowledge of German or English.

Which language do I have to be able to speak for each chosen module?

Most modules are taken over from the various philologies contributing to the Literary Studies program. There are no special regulations for completing these modules if you are a student enrolled in the Literary Studies program. This means that the requirements are exactly the same as for the students of the other philological programs. This also applies to the required language skills: Whatever language skills a certain module requires will also be required for you if you attend that module. Overall however, there is a sufficiently large selection of modules available to complete the program either in German or in English. Specializations in other philological diciplines as well as in General and Comparative Literary Studies are also possible and explicitly welcomed. 

Can I get credits for an already completed literary studies-based module if I change my program?

Yes, please contact the Study Advisor for the approval of literary studies-based modules from other programs.

Can I get a teaching diploma (Lehrdiplom) with a degree in Literary Studies?

Students of the specialized Master’s program Literary Studies may also be able to attain a teaching diploma in one subject if the prerequisites have been met during Bachelor studies. However, due to the academic requirements of the individual subjects, you may have to meet aditional requirements. 

What kind of requirements do I have to meet in order to acquire the teaching diploma (Lehrdiplom)?

Generally, you have to acquire 60 ECTS points for one teaching subject in the Bachelor and 45 ECTS points in the Master. In addition, the master thesis must be written in the relevant teaching subject. Depending on the teaching subject, the modules must cover certain sub-areas of the special field. The study program coordinator of the corresponding subject decides on any requirements for acquiring the teaching diploma.

I am studying Literary Studies. Do I have to complete additional modules in lingustics if I would like to acquire the teaching diploma (Lehrdiplom)?

Depending on which moudules you have booked, additional courses in linguistics may be required. Information about the adademic requirements for each subject can be found in the study regulations for the admission to the teaching diploma (Studienordnung über das «Lehrdiplom für Maturitätsschulen», p. 34: 2.2.0 Zulassung ohne zusätzlich zu erbringende Studienleistungen bei spezialisierten Masterstudien- und Monomasterprogrammen).