Studying at the University of Vienna
Ian Ehm

Comparative Literature (master's programme)

Do you want to understand how literature is perceived beyond national borders and what happens when it is adapted for films or comics? On the master's programme in Comparative Literature, you will explore cultural transfer across different languages and media – with a solid theoretical foundation and social relevance.

What is it about?

On the master's programme in Comparative Literature, you will examine literature across linguistic, national, cultural and media boundaries. You will analyse the interrelationships between different literatures. You will explore how works, genres and aesthetic concepts circulate: through translation, adaptation or productive reception. The programme also explores the interplay between literature and other media, such as film adaptations of literary works, comics and the role of literature in new media. You will situate texts within social, historical and political contexts and highlight the ways in which institutions (e.g. bookshops, publishers, media organisations) shape cultural exchange.

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Insight into the course content

How is my degree programme structured? You can see a list of the course contents here:

Facts and figures

  • 243 students
    in total
    There were 20 graduates in the past academic year.
    Info about the calculation
    Data updated November 2025
  • 8.1 semester
    average study duration
    Info about the calculation
    Data updated November 2025
  • Appropriate 3.5
    level of difficulty of the degree programme
    This is how graduates rate their degree programmes. You can find the results in the Graduation Survey.
    Data updated 2025
  • € 3,216
    average gross monthly income 3 years after graduation
    What career paths are available after graduation? Answers in the Graduate Tracking.
    Data updated 2025

What can you expect after your studies?

Continue studying or start your career straight away? After completing your masters programme, all paths are open to you. Whether you decide to pursue a doctoral/PhD degree or take the plunge into the world of work, the possibilities are endless. The following overview shows you what options you have and where you can find the right support.

Ian Ehm

Career profiles

  • Which careers are possible after this degree?

    You will work in an analytical capacity, utilising your multilingual skills and acting as a cultural mediator, applying your research, analytical and communication skills in the following professional fields:

    • Academia, research and education
    • Publishing and the book trade
    • Media and cultural journalism
    • Libraries, archives and cultural institutions
    • Cultural management and cultural exchange

You have further questions?

StudiesServiceUnit

Do you have any questions about registering for courses and exams? Or about grades and recognition? The StudiesServiceUnit Comparative Literature is the right place to go.

To the StudiesServiceUnit

StudiesServiceCenter

Do you have any questions about graduating? The ServiceCenter of the Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies will be happy to help! 

To the StudiesServiceCenter

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What else should you know?