Media Cultures: Intermedial and Multimodal Studies, Master Programme

120 credits

Are you interested in literature, film, comics, art, music, fashion, or journalism? This master’s programme offers a broad media-oriented perspective on narration, meaning making, learning, and truthfulness in art and communication.

You will gain insight about, and develop methods for, literary analysis that considers the complex relationships between digital, analogue, and physical media. The courses in intermediality and multimodality link the main field of study of comparative literature with film studies, musicology, art and visual studies, media and communication science, English, and modern languages.

The programme provides you with knowledge of relevant, intermedial and multimodal theories and methods, primarily within the fields included in the Intermedial Research Centre (IMS). After the first semester, you can choose courses with an intermedial perspective or choose to build your master with individual courses. During the third semester, you have the opportunity to study abroad at one on Linnaeus University’s partner universities. You can also choose to do an internship, either abroad or in Sweden. If this is not an option for you, you can instead choose to take some of the elective courses offered at Linnaeus University. During the last semester, you write your master’s thesis in the main field of study comparative literature, with an intermedial or multimodal perspective.

Online and on campus
The programme is offered both online and on campus. The teaching and course work is integrated according to the 'Glocal classroom model'. This means that students who participate online and students on campus study together and follow the same timetable. You choose yourself what form you prefer, campus or online. This teaching model gives you access to a dynamic and international learning environment.

Career

After graduation, you will be equipped with theoretical understanding, analytical tools, and interdisciplinary competence. The programme gives you a solid foundation for doctoral studies, but you will also be ready for work in publishing, culture, education, communication, media, and administration. For example, you can work as:

• Publishing Editor
• Communications Officer
• Administrator

Degree

Degree of Master of Arts with Specialization in Intermedial and Multimodal Studies

Main field of study: Comparative Literature

International possibilities

At Linnaeus University, you have plenty of opportunity to broaden your international perspective. During the course of your programme, you can choose to study abroad through exchange studies to gain international experience. If you do, you will conduct part of your studies at one of our many partner universities around the world.

Also at home you can gain international experience. Many courses contain intercultural elements. For instance, in the form of course literature or guest lecturers from other countries. In your leisure time, you can get involved in associations together with students from a wide range of other programmes and countries, or meet international students through our buddy programme.

Learn more about international possibilities at Linnaeus University

How to apply

The application process consists of two steps.

First you need to apply to the programme online at www.universityadmissions.se. Deadline 15 January 2025. When this deadline has passed it is possible to apply here from 15 March til 15 April (national admissions round - information in Swedish).
Secondly, you need to submit a letter of intent. Deadline 3 February 2025.

Letter of intent
Please write a letter of intent that on one A4 page describes your interest in the programme.

The letter will be evaluated in terms of:

Your previous and intended engagement with the field and your proficiency in expressing yourself in English.

Submit your letter on your pages at universityadmissions.se

Programme Overview

Overview Media Cultures: Intermedial and Multimodal Studies, Master Programme

Year 1

Semester 1
Two compulsory courses:

4LI012 Intermediality and Multimodality in Contemporary Media
4LI157 Media Cultures in the Contemporary World

Semester 2
Elective courses with a profile in the programme area.

Year 2

Semester
Elective courses at Linnaeus University or another university. Exchange studies or internships are also possible.

Semester 4
Independent work (master thesis).

"The programme enriches my academic perspective on media"

With a bachelor’s degree in German and English under her belt, Marlen was ready to broaden her knowledge. She chose to study the programme Media Cultures: Intermedial and Multimodal Studies – an interdisciplinary programme that she feels opens a wider range of career opportunities.

Read the interview with Marlen

Marlen lives in Germany and currently works for a German TV channel. The programme’s broad content and flexible structure were what attracted her to start studying at Linnaeus University.

“I was drawn to the programme’s international focus and the opportunity to study remotely, which fits perfectly with my work and lifestyle,” says Marlen.

She describes her studies as a constant sense of learning something new and unexpected – something that inspires, motivates, and prepares her for an international career.

“The programme brings together people from different countries and backgrounds, which really helps us learn from one another. You also gain tools for thinking critically about media and culture in global contexts,” she continues.

Community and learning at a distance

Living in Germany and studying remotely works very well. She feels that a learning environment has been created in which students connect despite the physical distance.

“It’s very flexible and convenient, allowing me to take part in seminars regardless of where I am. There is an excellent learning environment online and through breakout rooms and discussions, we’ve managed to connect and establish a real sense of community.”

She describes Linnaeus University as supportive, innovative, flexible, and international.

“It’s a place where you can grow academically while also being personally encouraged. I appreciate the learning objectives in my courses because they are varied and interactive. And the lecturers! I have never before encountered teachers who are so caring, available, and helpful.”

Knowledge that strengthens her career

Marlen would like to continue working in the media industry or in communication. Even today, she applies what she has learnt directly in her job.

“I currently work at a German TV channel and the programme enriches my academic perspective on media, which directly connects to my work and my future plans within either journalism or communication. Projects such as the AI workshop, for instance, help me create something concrete and apply it in my job,” says Marlen.

She can wholeheartedly recommend the programme to others.

“It makes you stand out – you don’t just focus on literature but explore a wide range of media and culture. It’s also ideal if you need flexibility, for example if you’re working or travelling,” Marlen concludes.

More about the programme

Media Cultures: Intermedial and Multimodal Studies is a new master's programme with focus on how media cultures and people interact and influence each other.

"The master's programme gives you a comprehensive media perspective on storytelling, meaning-making, learning, and truth in art and communication", says Nina Ernst, programme coordinator.

Read the interview with Nina

"The goal is for you to develop new insights and methods for literary analysis, considering the complex relationships between digital, analogue, and physical media," explains Nina Ernst, senior lecturer in comparative literature and programme coordinator.

She explains that the programme equips you with theoretical understanding, analytical tools, and interdisciplinary competence.

"The courses in intermediality and multimodality link the main field of comparative literature with film studies, musicology, art history and visual studies, media and communication science, English and modern languages", Nina continues.

The strength of the programme lies in the fact that students will work in a dynamic and international learning environment, with teaching both on-campus and remotely.

"You will encounter media cultures from various subjects and fields of knowledge, committed teachers, and opportunities for specialising within your own areas of interest. There is also a direct link to the university's intermedial cutting-edge research centre, which explores relationships and interactions between media, making the programme unique", says Nina.

She describes the interdisciplinary media competence provided by the programme as sought-after on the job market.

"After completing the programme, you will have a solid foundation for doctoral studies, specialised competence in media cultures, and be well-prepared for work in areas such as publishing, culture, education, information, communication, media, and administration", Nina concludes.

Linnaeus University Centre for Intermedial and Multimodal Studies (IMS) The Linnaeus University Centre for Intermedial and Multimodal Studies (IMS) is an interdisciplinary research centre that takes a…

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