Italy · Master's
University of Bologna
MA Literary and Cultural Studies
University of Bologna
Course Overview
The University of Bologna — the oldest university in the Western world (founded 1088) and Italy's highest-ranked institution (QS top 130) — offers an English-taught MA in Literary and Cultural Studies. The 2-year (120 ECTS) Master's explores comparative literature, literary theory, world and postcolonial literatures, cultural history, and the relationship between literature, media, and society, with an international cohort and a substantial dissertation. Bologna's deep humanistic tradition and vibrant student city make it a distinctive setting for advanced literary study.
Sri Lankan applicants — graduates in English, literature, languages, and the humanities — choose Bologna for: an English-medium European humanities credential at very low Italian public-university fees, a prestigious historic institution, and Italy's 1-year post-study job-search residence permit. The MA suits those targeting teaching and lecturing, publishing and editing, cultural and communications roles, translation, and doctoral research in literary and cultural studies.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A recognised Bachelor's degree in Literature, Languages, the Humanities, or a closely-related discipline.
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants with BA degrees in English, Literature, Languages, or the Humanities (Colombo, Peradeniya, Kelaniya, Sri Jayewardenepura) are competitive.
- check_circle A motivation letter, a writing sample, and an academic CV.
- check_circle Application via the University's portal and Universitaly pre-enrolment; certified, translated transcripts and a Declaration of Value (DoV).
- check_circle A clear research interest aligned with the programme strengthens the file.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced.
- check_circle Programme is taught 100% in English — Italian not required for the degree.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English (Sri Lankan applicants with English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, income-scaled max international rate) | €3,300 | Rs. 1,138,500 |
| Living Expenses in Bologna (12 months) | €9,600 | Rs. 3,312,000 |
| Student Visa, Residence Permit & Health Insurance | €500 | Rs. 172,500 |
| Books & Materials | €400 | Rs. 138,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €13,800 | Rs. 4,761,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Italy grants non-EU Master's graduates a 12-month job-search residence permit to seek qualifying work, converting to a work permit at an offer. Literary and Cultural Studies graduates work in teaching and lecturing, publishing and editing, cultural and communications roles, translation, and the arts sector. Sri Lankan returnees route into teaching and university roles, publishing and media, content and communications, translation, and cultural organisations.
Related Programs
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our counsellors have helped hundreds of Sri Lankan students secure placements in Italy. We handle everything from applications to visa processing.
ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.