International Contemporary Literatures & Media

Course Overview

Do you have an interest in contemporary literatures and film from around the globe? If so, the MA (International Contemporary Literatures and Media) is for you.



This is an exciting multidisciplinary and comparative MA programme that aims to familiarise you with movements, authors, texts and themes of international contemporary literature and film. Incorporating modules from, for example, Journalism, Film Studies, Drama and Performance, you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of modules that will complement your interest areas and potential career path. The programme also broadens your intellectual horizons and provides you with the skills for research and critical analysis.



While you do not need proficiency in languages other than English for this programme (in core modules, texts will be read in translation), proficiency in other language will allow you to choose from a wider range of optional modules.



You will be prepared for a variety of careers in media, arts administration, teaching, and international marketing and communications.



The course provides excellent preparation also if you are interested in pursuing a PhD in this area.

Course Outline

The late 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century saw fundamental cultural changes brought about by factors such as globalisation, the end of the Cold War, and technological and communicative innovations, and these changes are intensely reflected in literature and media. The course programme includes the study of seminal texts, films and other media by international authors and artists mostly from the 1960s to post-modernism and beyond. Non-English texts will be read in translation.



You will study four core modules (The Art of Reading, Contemporary Genres, Worlds of Fantasy, Literature and Conflict) and two optional modules from other programmes (for example: Irish Contemporary Drama, Digital Film and Culture, Journalism, Gender and Sexuality in Irish Cinema, Culture and Colonialism) across Semester One and Two and will be required to undertake a dissertation.



Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).

Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

Second Class Honours NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent in any discipline with a strong literature or media component.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year, full-time

2 years, part-time

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Postgraduate students acquire a flexible skills base in dealing with creative and communicative tasks, along with analytical, organisational and research skills. They move on to avail of a corresponding range of career opportunities after graduation. Careers can be developed in, for example, publishing, print and electronic media, the culture industries and education.