Master Erasmus Mundus in European Literary Cultures

Master Erasmus Mundus in European Literary Cultures (or Master en Cultures Littéraires Européennes-Master CLE) is a joint-degree and mobility program coordinated by the University of Bologna, Italy, in collaboration with other four European universities in Europe: Université de Strasbourg (France), Université de Haute Alsace (France), Aristoteleion Panepistimion Thessaloniki (Greece) . It is offered for European and international students interested in pursuing their further studies in European literatures--especially French and Italian literature--at the level of Master degree. International students have the opportunities to get a sufficient scholarship from the European Union for the whole of their study years. At the end of their study, students will be granted a double or triple degree from each university of consortium depending on the choice of their mobility.

So, what is this program about? All of you having a great passion for literatures, especially European literatures: French, Italian, and could also be German; and want to deepen your knowledge in an international, or let's say a European academic atmosphere with a number of rigorous books to read, then it is a good choice.

Hugo, Dante, Balzac, Shakespeare, even Goethe or Melville, are among a few of well-known literary figures recommended for your further readings. And it is not just about the pleasure of reading required, but also the skills to analyse among various similar texts (intertextual studies) from the historical and/or philosophical point of view.

Another skill needed is a good "connaissance" of French and/or Italian language, also advisably Greek if you are planning to choose Greece as your country option. But don't worry for the last one, as each university consortium organizes language courses specially designed for international students. AT least, that is what I see in Strasbourg and Mulhouse, but in Bologna you will have to seek for a Greek course by yourself, which is arranged privately by the Greek Consulate.

Why I am saying that these two (or three) foreign languages are important? Well, besides that you will read all the literature works in those languages, you will also be confronted with local students and professors who speak in their native languages, either inside or outside the classes. So, let's get prepared!

But what is this thing of Erasmus Mundus and how is it related to the European Union? Well, if you have ever heard about the European students mobility program implemented since many years ago, which enables them to take a six months to one year study in another European country, entitled Erasmus program; this opportunity is now opened for students outside of this continent as well! It is also one of educational programs initiated by the European Union. A complete information about Erasmus Mundus can be found here: About Erasmus Mundus.

It means that non-European students are from now on can enjoy the same benefits: gaining European Credit Transfer Systems (ECTS) from various European universities and at the same time earn a double or multiple degree. This is an advantageous opportunity for improving their academic qualities and a good point to go further in their future careers.

Beside this, the European Union, under the Erasmus Mundus program, gives a very adequate scholarship of a total sum of 21.000 Euros per year to support the students' living cost during their study in Europe. This amount is not yet deducted with the tuition fee which could raise until 5500 Euros per year, depending on each mobility program available.

So, briefly I can say that the Erasmus Mundus program carried out by the European Union not only offers the Master program in literature studies, but also a wide variety of subject choices ranging from Natural Science, Technology to Humanities. International students from Africa to Asia and even American continent are encouraged to apply.

Still interested? Be alert for the application deadline which is usually targeted every January for the consecutive academic year. So, for example, if you would like to start your study for 2010 academic year, then you will have to send in your applications around the middle of January of the same year at the latest.

In general, documents required for application are:

1. Academic transcript records

2. Two letter of references

3. Europass CV

4. Letter of Motivation

Additional documents required can be consulted via each program's website. A complete list of the Master Erasmus Mundus programs can be downloaded here: Erasmus Mundus Master Programs.

Finally, I wish a very good luck for your application and scholarship selection!