Master's in Spanish Linguistics and Literature

Are you interested in social and cultural issues of Spanish-speaking countries? Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language and Literature and wish to further explore current developments, theoretical perspectives, and critical analysis of the Hispanic world? Spanish is ever-present in Switzerland – did you know that a large Spanish-speaking community lives and works here?

Welcome to the Department of Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Bern! Here, you can immerse yourself in language, literature, and history while discovering the Hispanic world right on your doorstep. Your studies at our institute are structured into four thematic areas: Migration and Interculturality, Genres and Gender, History and Society, and Media and Materiality.

Master Spanische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft

Our linguistics department focuses on phenomena that explore the connection between language and society over the past centuries. The literature department engages with a wide range of theoretical approaches to Spanish and Latin American literature across its various genres, with particular emphasis on the modern era (18th–21st centuries). Both fields are committed to interdisciplinarity and offer a comprehensive education that not only provides subject-specific knowledge but also strengthens cross-disciplinary skills that are increasingly important in today’s job market.

Interested? Watch our introductory video here and find more information about studying Spanish at the University of Bern here (in Spanish).
News and updates about our institute can be found in Spanish at espanol.unibe.ch.

 Follow us on Instagram! @hispanistik.unibe

Basic information
Degrees:

Master of Arts in Spanish Linguistics and Literature, Universität Bern, with special qualification in:

  • Linguistics
  • Literature
Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Major 90 ECTS credits with special qualification in:
    • Linguistics
    • Literature


Offer for other degree programs:

  • Minor 30 ECTS credits without special qualification
Combination possibilities: several
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: Spanish
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

The study of Spanish Language and Literature provides access to the Spanish-speaking world: you will learn to understand the Spanish language not only as a means of communication, but also as an expression of historical, social, political, and cultural developments. In our four thematic modules, we address current topics such as Migration and Interculturality, Genres and Gender, History and Society, as well as Media and Materiality. This involves a critical engagement with literary works from Spain and Latin America, exploring the language from various linguistic perspectives, while further perfecting your Spanish skills. The program fosters analytical thinking, promotes interdisciplinary perspectives, and prepares students to navigate confidently in a globalized world.

The Institute of Department of Spanish Language and Literature offers the following two Master's degree programs:

• Master’s Program in Spanish Language and Literature (Major, 90 ECTS)
• Master’s Program in Spanish Language and Literature (Minor, 30 ECTS)

In the next section, Scheme of program, you will find more information about the structure and curriculum of our Master’s programs.

Scheme of program

The Master's program offers two possible areas of specialization: Spanish Linguistics and Spanish and Latin American Literary Studies. In both the major and the minor, one of these two areas is chosen as the primary focus. Through interdisciplinary module courses, you will gain in-depth knowledge in Spanish language and literary studies. You will learn to apply key tools of linguistics and literary analysis in exemplary scholarly investigations of the Spanish language and literature.

By attending research seminars, you will further deepen your research skills. At the end of your Master's studies, you will have the opportunity to carry out your own research project under the supervision of our faculty as part of your Master's thesis, putting your acquired knowledge into practice.

During the Master's program, you can also spend a semester abroad at a Spanish-speaking university in Spain or Latin America. Such an experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, improve your language skills, and grow both professionally and personally. More information about studying abroad is available here in Spanish.

Click here to access the curriculum for our various Master's programs:

Combination possibilities

The Master program in Spanish Language and Literature consists of a major with 90 ECTS credits and a minor with 30 ECTS credits.

Any subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern can be chosen as a minor. However, students are not permitted to have a major and minor in the same branch of study.

Structure
Major ECTS Minor ECTS
90  30        

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master’s degree program in Spanish Language and Literature (major):

a) Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university, or an equivalent degree, in the branch of studies Ibero-Romance Languages and Literatures
b) Bachelor degree from a Swiss university in a different subject with a minimum of 60 ECTS in Iberoroman language and literature, provided that the completion of additional courses of a maximum of 60 ECTS in total will enable students to successfully complete the Master's degree or
c)

Bachelor degree from a recognized foreign university with equivalent qualifications, provided that the completion of additional courses of a maximum of 60 ECTS in total will enable students to successfully complete the Master's degree

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

Swiss bachelor's degrees/programs

from the University of Bern

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Linguistics and Literature

from other Universities

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment (document in German):

Spanische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft (PDF, 74KB)


The bachelor's degree may not be more than ten years old. Exceptions are possible where justified.

Language requirements

Knowledge of Spanish at level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required, as the language of instruction is Spanish.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M A in Spanish Linguistics and Literature with special qualification in Linguistics or Literature, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration
   

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration
 

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

After your master's

Career Prospects

Studying Spanish Language and Literature opens the door to a diverse job market, including the following fields:

Learn more about the career paths of our former students in our introductory video! Please note that certain professional fields may require additional qualifications, such as a teaching diploma from the University of Teacher Education (PH). More information on career entry after university studies is available from the Career Service of the University of Bern. The University of Teacher Education (PH Bern, Secondary Level II) can be attended during the Master's program.