Master’s Degree in Literature and Humanities

The Master’s Degree in Literature and Humanities at Université PSL is an advanced, research-oriented graduate program offered by École Normale Supérieure–PSL (ENS–PSL) in Paris, France. Taught in French, the program provides interdisciplinary training in literature, arts, history, archaeology, political geography, and the humanities and social sciences. It combines theoretical knowledge with advanced research methodologies, encouraging students to explore connections between literary traditions, historical developments, artistic expression, and contemporary cultural studies. The program emphasizes international academic perspectives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with specialized research laboratories. It is affiliated with PSL’s Graduate Programs in Arts, Historical Sciences, and Translitterae.

Curriculum, Specializations, and Career Opportunities

The program offers five specialization tracks across Master Year 1 and Master Year 2: Literatures: Theory and History; Transdisciplinary Arts; Ancient Worlds: Archaeology and History; Ancient Worlds: Languages, Texts and Images; and Political Geography/Research. Students develop advanced analytical, critical thinking, and independent research skills through specialized academic training and access to research institutions working in archaeology, philology, literature, historical studies, and the arts. The curriculum also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary study and international academic mobility through PSL’s institutional partnerships. Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in arts or humanities disciplines, including art history, cinema, musicology, performing arts, history, geography, archaeology, or modern languages. Depending on their chosen specialization, graduates can pursue careers in higher education, academic research, cultural institutions, public administration, diplomacy, and international relations. Since 2025, the Transnational History specialization has been offered separately through the new Master’s Degree in History.